The United Kingdom, with its long history and status as an old monarchy, holds some laws that date back to medieval times.
It may be hard to believe, but many of these archaic rules remain officially in effect. These laws cover a wide range of activities, from “operating a cow” while intoxicated to gambling in a library.
While many are puzzling, knowing about them means you’ll know, for example, where it’s permissible to fly a kite or why you should avoid playing ding dong ditch.
Here are 17 of these fascinating and downright bizarre laws that are technically still enforceable:
1. Parliament Cannot Come to Work in Armor
This is a very old law, technically still in effect. According to the Statue Forbidding Bearing of Armor from 1313, the King prohibits anyone in parliament from attending sessions with “force and armor”.
King Edward II created this statute to prevent violence within parliament, at a time when the pro-royalist Lancastrians and the anti-royalist Earl of Gloucester’s party were in conflict.
2. No Operating a Cow While Intoxicated
Section 12 of the Licensing Act 1872 forbids “operating a cow” while intoxicated. This law also applies to steam engines, horses, and carriages when on any public highway.
Given the time period it was written, this law is essentially a 19th-century equivalent of a don’t drink and drive law.
3. Don’t Get Drunk in a Pub
According to Section 12 of the Licensing Act 1872, it is illegal to be drunk in a pub. This act technically applies to any public space, including public houses or pubs. The fine for being drunk in a pub is £200.
4. No Gambling in the Library
While this specific law was repealed in 2005, it remained on the books for a significant period. It seems that a considerable number of British individuals used to gather and place bets in libraries.
This law was part of the Library Offences Act of 1898. Although the gambling prohibition is gone, some legislation from this act still stands, such as not being allowed to use violent or abusive language in the library and facing a fine for failing to leave after fixed hours.
5. No Walking Your Cow Down the Street During the Day
If you thought about taking your cow for a walk in a UK city, you might be restricted during certain hours.
The Metropolitan Streets Act 1867 makes it against the law to walk a cow down the street between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm.
However, walking your cow at night is allowed. If you do walk your cow, the Highway Act 1980 requires you to clean up any mud and cow dung left on the roads.
6. No Taxi Riding With the Plague
Section 33 of the Public Health Act of 1984 stipulates that anyone with a notifiable disease, including the plague, smallpox, or cholera, cannot use public transport, such as taxis, without informing the driver beforehand. Failing to do so can result in a fine.
The act also restricts individuals with such diseases from checking out library books or entering certain public places. This is understandable from a public health perspective.
7. Don’t Shake Your Rug Into the Street
The Metropolitan Street Act of 1839 forbids shaking your rug or doormat into the street. This rule is presumably in place to prevent dust and debris from littering passersby. However, shaking a rug into the street is permissible if done before 8:00 am.
8. No Ding Dong Ditch
Playing the game of knocking on a door and running away is illegal in the U.K., according to the Metropolitan Act of 1839. While the reason for this legislation is unknown, it is advised to avoid this game in Great Britain.
9. Don’t Wear a Police Costume
Unlike in the U.S. where dressing as a police officer for a costume party is common, it is illegal in the U.K..
The Police Act of 1996 makes it illegal to dress up as a police officer. It is also a punishable offense to dress as a member of the armed forces.
10. No Handling Salmon Suspiciously
Britain takes its salmon regulations seriously. The Salmon Act of 1986 makes it illegal to handle salmon and certain other fish, like smelt and eel, suspiciously in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, or Wales. The law also prohibits purchasing salmon that was taken or killed illegally.
11. Don’t Walk Around With a Plank of Wood
According to the Metropolitan Police Act, walking down a metro-area street with a plank of wood is illegal. There are exceptions, such as when moving wood from a store or lumber yard to a vehicle for transport.
12. No Kite Flying in Public
While seemingly innocent, flying a kite in public thoroughfares is forbidden by Section 54 of the Metropolitan Police Act.
The act considers kite flying a “public nuisance by persons in thoroughfares”. This means you cannot fly a kite anywhere it might interfere with someone.
Large open fields might be acceptable, but caution is advised in public parks with walking paths.
13. Beached Whales Must Be Offered to the Monarch
In the U.K., any beached whale or sturgeon is considered the property of the reigning monarch.
This law originated with Edward II, who believed the “head and spermaceti of a whale” should be given to the King or Queen out of respect. Similar statutes exist in other places, such as Iceland.
14. Keep Your Pigsty in the Back
The Town Police Clauses Act 1847 mandates that you cannot place a pigsty in your front yard. Additionally, you must ensure pigs are properly fenced to prevent them from escaping and becoming a “public nuisance”.
15. Pets Cannot Mate With Royal Animals
Should you ever have the rare opportunity to bring your pet to meet the King, ensure they are spayed or neutered.
Letting your pet mate with an animal belonging to a royal family member is illegal. This offense could even result in the death penalty up until 1965.
16. No Sliding on Icy Streets
Sliding down an icy street is considered dangerous and, according to the Metropolitan Police Act, can make you a public nuisance.
It is best to avoid sliding on icy streets. However, it is suggested that law enforcement would likely make an exception for accidentally slipping and sliding.
17. Don’t Harm the Swans
The monarchy has owned all mute swans in the U.K. for centuries. Harming one of the King’s mute swans is a punishable offense, though not high treason as sometimes claimed.
Ending the life of one of these swans can lead to a significant fine of up to £5,000 (approximately $6,237). Other types of swans are not subject to this specific protection.
Alicia Richards