It’s thanks to Sir John Lubbock and his love of cricket that we enjoy several extra days holiday a year. The Maidstone MP successfully introduced the Bank Holidays Act in 1871 designating four days off in England, Wales and Ireland and 5 in Scotland. As a banker Lubbock thought it only fair that his employees be given time off to participate in inter-village cricket matches. With banks closed no other businesses could function; hence the name and the holiday being applied to all.