The United Kingdom boasts a rich and ancient history, being an old monarchy with laws stretching back centuries, even to medieval times.
It can be quite surprising to learn that some of these archaic regulations remain technically in effect today.
These laws cover a wide range of peculiar scenarios, from regulations about “operating a cow” while intoxicated to restrictions on gambling in libraries.
While some may seem downright bizarre and puzzling, understanding them provides a fascinating glimpse into Britain’s past legal landscape.
Many of these laws are still enforceable, so if you’re in the UK, it’s helpful to know the rules, perhaps even where you can fly a kite or why you should avoid playing ding dong ditch.
1: Parliament Cannot Come to Work in Armor
Dating back to 1313, this is a very old law that technically remains in effect. The Statute Forbidding Bearing of Armor was created by Edward II.
This statute specifically forbids anyone in parliament from attending sessions while wearing “force and armor”.
The reason for the creation of this law was to prevent violence within the parliamentary setting.
At the time it was instituted, tensions were high between opposing political factions: the pro-royalist Lancastrians and the anti-royalist party led by the Earl of Gloucester, who were reportedly “literally at each other’s throats”.
2: No Operating a Cow While Intoxicated
One of the more puzzling laws mentioned is the prohibition against “operating a cow” while intoxicated.
According to Section 12 of the Licensing Act 1872, this specific activity is forbidden. The exact meaning of “operating a cow” is unclear.
However, this particular law also extends beyond cows, applying to other forms of transport on any public highway at the time, including steam engines, horses, and carriages.
Considering the era when this legislation was written, it makes more sense in context, essentially serving as a 19th-century equivalent of a “don’t drink and drive” law.
3: Don’t Get Drunk in a Pub
Paradoxically perhaps, while there’s a law about operating animals or vehicles while drunk, Section 12 of the Licensing Act 1872 also states that you cannot be drunk in a pub.
This means that if you are in a public house, or pub, in the UK, getting intoxicated is technically against the law.
The potential consequence for being found drunk in such a location, or any public space covered by this act, is a fine of £200.
The advice given is that if you plan to enjoy a few beers at a pub in London or elsewhere, you should ensure you are capable of holding your liquor to avoid breaking this particular rule.
4: No Gambling in the Library
This law, part of the Library Offences Act of 1898, actually remained on the books for a considerable period. While the rule specifically forbidding gambling in the library was officially repealed in 2005, it was a long-standing regulation.
Apparently, before its repeal, it was common enough for a significant number of British individuals to gather and engage in betting activities within libraries, necessitating such a law. It is noted that some other pieces of legislation from the 1898 Act are still in effect today.
5: No Walking Your Cow Down the Street During the Day
Thinking of taking your cow for a stroll through a UK city? You might want to reconsider, especially depending on the time of day.
According to the Metropolitan Streets Act 1867, it is against the law to walk a cow down the street between the hours of 10:00 am and 7:00 pm.
This restriction applies to walking your bovine companion through city streets during daytime and early evening hours.
6: No Taxi Riding With the Plague
From a public health perspective, this law makes considerable sense. Section 33 of the Public Health Act of 1984 prohibits anyone suffering from a notifiable disease from using public transportation, which includes taxis, without informing the driver beforehand.
Notifiable diseases include serious illnesses such as the plague, smallpox, and cholera. Failing to notify the driver before using public transport when afflicted with such a disease can result in a fine.
The law also restricts individuals with these conditions from checking out library books or entering certain public places.
7: Don’t Shake Your Rug Into the Street
The Metropolitan Street Act of 1839 includes a regulation forbidding individuals from shaking their rug or doormat into the street.
This law was presumably put in place to prevent pedestrians passing by from being covered in dust and debris.
However, there is a specific exception to this rule. It is considered acceptable to shake your rug into the street if you do so before 8:00 am.
So, if you are diligent about starting your household chores early in the morning, you can avoid potential trouble with this particular law.
8: No Ding Dong Ditch
Many people may have engaged in the seemingly innocent childhood game of “ding dong ditch” or “knock down ginger”. However, according to the Metropolitan Act of 1839, playing this game has consequences in the U.K.. The law explicitly states that it is illegal to knock on a door and then run away. It is advised that if you are in Great Britain, you should avoid participating in this type of prank to stay within the bounds of the law.
9: Don’t Wear a Police Costume
While dressing up as a police officer for events like Halloween or costume parties is relatively common in the U.S., it is different in the U.K..
The Police Act of 1996 makes it illegal for individuals to dress up as a police officer. This prohibition extends beyond just police uniforms; it is also a punishable offense in the U.K. to dress up as a member of the armed forces.
Therefore, if you are attending a costume event in the U.K., you should choose a different outfit that does not involve impersonating law enforcement or military personnel.
10: No Handling Salmon Suspiciously
Britain takes the matter of salmon quite seriously. If you are planning to purchase or handle a filet of fish in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, or Wales, it is advised to be on your best behavior.
The Salmon Act of 1986 contains a provision that makes it illegal to suspiciously handle salmon. This law also extends its reach to certain other types of fish besides salmon.
Specifically, it is also illegal to suspiciously handle smelt and eel. Additionally, the act prohibits the purchase of salmon that was obtained or killed illegally.
11: Don’t Walk Around With a Plank of Wood
Regardless of the reason, according to the Metropolitan Police Act, doing so in the U.K. is illegal. The act prohibits carrying a plank of wood up and down a street within a metro area. There are, however, exceptions to this specific rule.
It is permissible to carry the wood if you are in the process of moving it from a store or lumber yard to a vehicle for the purpose of further transport.
12: No Kite Flying in Public
Flying a kite might seem like a harmless and innocent recreational activity. Yet, according to the Metropolitan Police Act, this activity is actually forbidden in certain areas.
Section 54 of the act classifies kite flying as a “public nuisance by persons in thoroughfares”. This means you are not allowed to fly a kite anywhere where it might obstruct or inconvenience someone.
While large open fields are presumably acceptable locations, exercising caution in public parks, particularly those with walking paths, to avoid potential issues with this law.
13: Beached Whales Must Be Offered to the Monarch
A very old law in the U.K. states that a beached whale or sturgeon is considered the property of the reigning monarch.
This tradition and legal requirement date back to Edward II. King Edward II’s belief was that the “head and spermaceti of a whale” should be respectfully presented to the King or Queen.
This type of law regarding beached marine animals is not unique to the U.K.; similar statutes can be found in other countries, including Iceland. This highlights a historical perspective on royal claims over valuable natural resources.
14: Keep Your Pigsty in the Back
If you choose to keep pigs on your property in the U.K., there is a legal requirement concerning their placement.
The law stipulates that your neighbors should not be subjected to the sight of your pigs’ living area. The U.K.
has a law specifically addressing this, found within the Town Police Clauses Act 1847. This act states that you are prohibited from placing a pigsty in your front yard.
Furthermore, the law requires you to ensure that your pigs are properly fenced to prevent them from escaping and potentially becoming a “public nuisance”.
15: Pets Cannot Mate With Royal Animals
It is probably an infrequent occurrence for individuals to have their pets visit the palace to meet the King. However, a specific legal restriction should such a unique invitation ever arise.
If you were to bring your pet to a royal residence, it is crucial to ensure they are spayed or neutered. The law makes it illegal for your pet to mate with an animal belonging to a member of the royal family.
Historically, up until 1965, this particular offense could even carry the severe penalty of the death penalty.
16: No Sliding on Icy Streets
Sliding down a street covered in ice might seem like a fun activity, especially for children, but it is also recognized as potentially dangerous.
According to the Metropolitan Police Act, engaging in this activity can result in you being considered a public nuisance. Therefore, the advice is that it is best to avoid sliding down streets that are covered in ice.
17: Don’t Harm the Swans
For centuries, the monarchy has held ownership over all the mute swans in the United Kingdom. While killing one of these swans is not classified as high treason, it is definitively a punishable offense.
If an individual were to end the life of one of the King’s mute swans, they could face a substantial penalty.
The potential consequence for this act is a hefty fine, which can be up to £5,000, translating to approximately $6,237.
However, this protection applies only to mute swans; other types of swans are not subject to this particular law.
Alicia Richards