The United Kingdom, with its deep history as an old monarchy, holds onto some laws that date back centuries, even to medieval times.
While many seem utterly out of place in modern life, they remain technically on the books and, in some cases, still enforceable by police today.
These rules range from the genuinely fascinating to the downright bizarre and are sure to leave you puzzled. Let’s delve into some of these archaic regulations.
Here are 17 old-fashioned British laws that police can still enforce:
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 strictly forbids anyone in parliament from attending sessions with “force and armor”.
This statute was created by Edward II to prevent violence within parliament, a necessity during a time when political factions, such as the pro-royalist Lancastrians and the anti-royalist Earl of Gloucester’s party, were physically confronting each other.
2. No Operating a Cow While Intoxicated
While the exact meaning of “operating a cow” isn’t clear, Section 12 of the Licensing Act 1872 explicitly forbids it while intoxicated.
This law isn’t limited to cows; it also applies to steam engines, horses, and carriages on any public highway.
Given the year it was written, this law serves as a historical equivalent of a “don’t drink and drive” rule for the 19th century.
3. Don’t Get Drunk in a Pub
Surprisingly, according to Section 12 of the Licensing Act 1872, it is against the law to be drunk in a pub.
This act technically applies to any public space, including public houses. If you are found to be drunk in a pub, you could face a fine of £200.
4. No Gambling in the Library
While the specific law forbidding gambling in the library was repealed in 2005, it remained on the books for a significant period.
This suggests that, historically, a considerable number of British individuals enjoyed gathering to make bets in libraries.
The law was part of the Library Offences Act of 1898, and some sections of this act are still valid today.
For example, you are still prohibited from using violent or abusive language in the library, and failing to leave after fixed hours can still lead to a fine.
5. No Walking Your Cow Down the Street During the Day
If you’re thinking of taking your cow for a stroll through a UK city, be aware of the rules. The Metropolitan Streets Act 1867 makes it illegal to walk a cow down the street between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm.
However, walking your cow at night is permissible. If you do walk your bovine companion, be sure to clean up after it, as the Highway Act 1980 prohibits leaving mud and cow dung on the roads.
6. No Taxi Riding With the Plague
According to Section 33 of the Public Health Act of 1984, anyone suffering from a notifiable disease, such as the plague, smallpox, or cholera, cannot use public transport, including taxis, without first informing the driver.
Failure to do so can result in a fine. The act also prevents individuals with such diseases from checking out library books or entering certain public places, a sensible measure 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 law was presumably created to avoid covering passersby with dust and debris.
However, there’s a specific exemption: shaking your rug into the street is acceptable if it’s done before 8:00 am.
8. No Ding Dong Ditch
This seemingly innocent childhood game is actually against the law in the U.K.. The Metropolitan Act of 1839 forbids it, making it illegal to knock on a door and then run away.
The exact reason for this law’s creation is unknown, but the advice is to avoid this activity if you’re in Great Britain.
9. Don’t Wear a Police Costume
While dressing up as a police officer might be common for Halloween or costume parties in the U.S., it’s not advisable in the U.K..
The Police Act of 1996 makes it illegal to dress up like a police officer. It is also a punishable offense to dress up as a member of the armed forces.
10. No Handling Salmon Suspiciously
Britain takes salmon seriously. The Salmon Act of 1986 makes it illegal to handle salmon, and certain other fish like smelt and eel, in a suspicious manner.
The law also outlaws purchasing salmon that has been taken or killed illegally in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, or Wales.
11. Don’t Walk Around With a Plank of Wood
The Metropolitan Police Act makes it illegal to carry a plank of wood up and down a metro-area street in the U.K..
However, there are exceptions; it is permissible to carry the wood if you are transporting it from a store or lumber yard to a vehicle for further transport.
12. No Kite Flying in Public
Flying a kite might seem harmless, but the Metropolitan Police Act forbids it. Section 54 of the act considers kite flying a “public nuisance by persons in thoroughfares“.
This means you cannot fly a kite where it might obstruct someone. Large, open fields are presumably okay, 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 decreed that the “head and spermaceti of a whale” should be given to the King or Queen as a sign of respect.
Interestingly, the U.K. isn’t unique in this regard, as similar statutes exist in places like Iceland.
14. Keep Your Pigsty in the Back
If you keep pigs, the law dictates where you can place their enclosure. The Town Police Clauses Act 1847 states that you cannot place a pigsty in your front yard. You are also required to ensure pigs are properly fenced to prevent them from escaping and potentially becoming a “public nuisance”.
15. Pets Cannot Mate With Royal Animals
While few people are likely to find themselves in this situation, if your pet ever had the chance to interact with a royal animal, ensure your pet is spayed or neutered.
Allowing your pet to mate with an animal belonging to a royal family member is illegal. Prior to 1965, this offense could even result in the death penalty.
16. No Sliding on Icy Streets
Sliding down a street covered in ice, though potentially fun, is also dangerous and can be considered a public nuisance according to the Metropolitan Police Act.
It’s best to avoid sliding on icy streets. It is noted, however, that law enforcement would likely make an exception for an accidental slip and slide.
17. Don’t Harm the Swans
The monarchy has owned all mute swans in the U.K. for centuries. While harming a mute swan is not an act of high treason, as some sources might suggest, it is a punishable offense.
If you end the life of one of the King’s mute swans, you could face a significant fine of up to £5,000 (approximately $6,237). Other types of swans, however, are not subject to this specific royal protection.
Alicia Richards