Lady Day
25 March is Lady Day, Feast of the Annunciation and the first quarter day of the year. Traditionally on quarter days tenants paid their rents to landlords and servants were hired. Lady Day was also the first day of the calendar year in England and Wales until 1752.
Early-flowering tulips from Edward George Henderson, The Illustrated Bouquet, consisting of figures, with descriptions of new flowers, illustrated by Miss Sowerby (London, 1857-64) © The British Library Board Images Online
William Hone tells the story of a country gentleman in the early 19th century who wrote a letter to a woman of rank in London. He sent it through the general post addressed to
The 25th of March
Foley Place, London
The postman delivered the letter to Lady Day for whom it was intended.
Margaret Makepeace
Lead Curator, East India Company Records
Further reading:
William Hone, The Every-day Book (1826) vol.1, p.195