YOUR article about the York baronet's silver stated: "Sir Thomas died at his home in York on March 1, 1681 or 1682" (October 5).

This would have been 1681 because in those times the year started on March 25. Therefore, to avoid mistakes, from January 1 to March 24, the year had a double date.

Hence, March 1, must have been 1681.

Harry Hayes,

Chatsworth Drive,

Haxby,

York.

Updated: 10:28 Wednesday, October 17, 2001