April Fools' Day Timeline

1700's

UK joins the party

April Fools' Day begins to sweep across the UK.

1592

Caesar vs. Pope Greg VIII

Gregorian calendar is introduced to replace the Julian calendar, changing the first day of the new year from April 1 to January 1.

1500’s

France sets the stage

The French adopt January 1 as the first day of the year.

1392

The Canterbury Tales

Geoffrey Chaucher writes the line “March 32” in his book, potentially birthing April Fools' Day.