The Imperial System of Weights and Measures: Traditional, Superior and Banned by Europe?
Title:
The Imperial System of Weights and Measures: Traditional, Superior and Banned by Europe?
Author:
Speiring, M.
Appeared in:
Contemporary British history
Paging:
Volume 15 (2001) nr. 4 pages 111-128
Year:
2001
Contents:
Since the 1960s the British imperial system of weights and measures has gradually been replaced by the metric system. Aided by large sections of the press, various action groups, sporting names such as 'the Metric Martyrs', frequently claim that 'Europe' is to blame, as it has forced metrication upon the British by means of a string of EU directives. This interference is regarded as reprehensible, not only because the imperial system is seen as better than the metric one, but also because it is acclaimed as ancient and traditional, and therefore inextricably linked with British national identity. This article aims to chart and then to assess these claims about European interference, British identity and imperial superiority.
Journal description