Since they've been around for hundreds of years, it makes sense Britain would have a
few weird laws. Of course, when they don't revoke old laws still on the books, it creates
a headache for everyone. Lawyers, judges, and politicians have to sift through tons
of antiquated laws, and citizens potentially could be penalized for it. While some of these
laws have been removed, you might be surprised to hear many others have not. Curious to hear
more? I'm Mike with List25 and Here are 25 Weird British Laws You Won't Believe Actually
Exist.
25.
Thanks to Prerogativa Regis 1322, all whales
and sturgeons found in the United Kingdom belong to the Crown.
24. Under an 1839 law, it is illegal to knock
on someone's door and walk away. That includes ringing a doorbell without excuse.
23. According to the Metropolitan Police Act 1839,
it's illegal to be drunk at a bar or "keeper of a public house to permit drunkenness on
premises."
22. Until 1976, the UK had a law that required
all cars to carry at least one bale of hay. It was initially written for horse drawn carriages.
21. If you're planning a home improvement project
that requires wood planks and you live in London, just remember it's illegal to carry
planks across pavement. Good luck!
20. After 8 AM, it's illegal to beat or shake
any carpet, rug, or mat in the street.
19. Thanks to the Metropolitan Police Act 1839,
if you annoy passengers or inhabitants with flying a kite, you'll be fined 500 pounds
(about 562 Euros).
18. Think twice before asking a stranger for change.
According to the Vagrancy Act 1824, if you need change and ask a stranger for some, it's
considered begging and you could end up in "the house of correction."
17. Be careful how you handle salmon. According
to the Salmon Act 1986, it's illegal to handle fish in a suspicious circumstance.
16. If you plan to go to a fancy party, don't
dress up as a soldier or seaman. According to the Seamenâ€™s and Soldiersâ€™
False Characters Act 1906, it's illegal to pretend to be part of the armed forces.
15. Thanks to the Library Offenses Act of 1898,
you cannot gamble or use abusive or obscene language in a library.
14. Singers, songwriters, and street bards will
be sad to hear it is illegal to sing a profane or obscene song in public.
13. Many of you likely won't have this problem,
but if you're ever visiting Parliament, don't wear armor. That's also illegal, according
to the 1313 Statute forbidding Bearing of Armour.
12. Compliments of the Town Police Clauses Act
1847, if you keep your pigs outside your house without the proper fencing, you'll be subject
to a 1,000 pound (1124 euro) fine.
11. Don't even think of singing Happy Birthday
to a friend in public, otherwise you'll have to pay a fee. It's copyrighted, after all.
10. It's illegal for your common pet dog to mate
with a royal pet dog. So, if by chance you meet the Queen, make sure your dogs don't
get frisky.
9. While this law is no longer active, it was
once illegal for a lady to eat chocolate on a public transport.
8. At one time, every Englishman from the ages
of 17 to 69 was required to keep and practice with a longbow. This wasn't repealed until
1960.
7. All unmarked swans belong to the Queen and
any attempt to eat them is considered illegal.
6. Someone may be fined up to 1,000 pounds (1124
euros) if they hang up their laundry to dry across a street.
5. Jumping the ticket queue at a subway isn't
just rude in London, it's illegal, so stay in line and wait your turn.
4. Hats off to Edward VI for this one. Anyone
breaking an egg on the sharp end could end up in the stocks for 24 hours.
3. Edward VI also had a thing about socks. He
enacted a law saying it is illegal to stand sockless within 100 yards of the Queen.
2. If you put a postage stamp bearing the Queen's
image upside down on a letter, it's considered treason.
1. This is considered the most absurd law by
UK citizens. Apparently, it's illegal to die while in Parliament since it's a Royal palace
and you would be required to have a state funeral.
So, what's the most absurd law you've ever gotten in trouble for? Let us know in the
comments below, or tweet your answer to us @List25.
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