We scoured the web and came up with 7 CRAZY UK Laws. We’re not entirely sure why all of these exist – but they’re worth sharing!!
1.
It is illegal to enter the Houses of Parliament wearing a suit of armour.
A 1313 Statute Forbidding Bearing of Armour forbids members of Parliament from entering the House while wearing armour or carrying weapons.
This weird law stems from a time of intense political turmoil where there was a real worry that people would turn up and start swinging a sword around!
2.
It’s considered treason to place a stamp the wrong way up.
Placing a postage stamp bearing the monarch’s head upside down on an envelope is considered as act of treason.
Also, defacing or destroying anything bearing a likeness of the monarch is illegal, which means damaging notes or coins as well as stamps!
3.
It’s illegal to gamble in a library.
The Library Offenses Act of 1898 makes it illegal to gamble in a library.
The law also prohibits abusive or obscene language. We’re not sure quite why they were so specific!
4.
It’s against the law to shake a carpet in London.
Under the Metropolitan Police Act of 1839, it’s illegal to beat or shake a mat, carpet, or a rug in the streets of London.
The only time you can do so is in the morning, before 8am, not one second later!
5.
It’s illegal to handle salmon in suspicious circumstances.
Oddly, this particular law came about in the 80’s!
Under the Salmon Act of 1986, it is an offence to receive or dispose of salmon under suspicious circumstances.
This comes a spate of illegally fished Salmon being sold on the streets!
6.
All beaches whales and sturgeons belong to the reigning monarch.
With another fishy law, Edward II decreed in 1324 that all sturgeons and whales should be offered to the reigning monarch in case they want them (it’s on all the monarch’s wish lists apparently)!
Along with dolphins and porpoises, they are considered royal fish and any captured within 3 miles of shore, or wash ashore, should be first offered to the crown.
7.
It’s illegal to carry a plank along the pavement.
Another law from the Metropolitan Police Act, it is an offence to carry a plank on the sidewalk. This must make it difficult for builders working in London!
This Act also prohibits flying kites on the street and sliding on ice on the sidewalk.
How many of these laws have YOU broken?