Edward Woodward states that 1899 was the end of the century and a new one would start on new years day this is incorrect all centuries start with a one, The first century was AD 1 as there was no year zero if you ask a child to count to a hundred he would start at 1 and go on to 100 not 0 to 99. the 20th century started in 1901 and ended at the end of the year 2000. so the 19th century started in 1801 and ended in 1900. So the 19th Century still had a year to go.