Being drunk in a pub or on the back of a cow are both illegal activities in the UK. Great, our plans for the weekend are falling apart. For the trouble, here is a small overview of the most unusual laws of the archipelago.
1. Any whale found dead on British shores belongs to the Crown.
This law was put in place following an obscure “Prerogativa Regis” – or prerogative of the king – dating from the 14th century. Legally, any dead whale head found on the British coast becomes the property of the King, while the tail is the property of his wife the Queen. Why not.
2. In England, all men over the age of 14 must practice two hours of archery a day.
Surely in case the Irish decide to take their revenge and attack with catapults and on horseback.
3. Being drunk on a cow you won’t be.
Under the Licensing Act 1872 it is an offense to drive a horse-drawn carriage or steam engine, or ride a horse or ride on the back of a cow while intoxicated. However, the law does not specify what happens if it is the horse that has raised its elbow too much.
4. Royal Navy ships entering the Port of London must give a barrel of rum to the Keeper of the Tower of London.
An exchange of good manners in the English way, then.
5. It is forbidden to shake a carpet on public roads.
It is an offense under Section 60 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839 to knock or shake one’s carpet, rug or doormat on a public street. above the balcony.
6. It is an act of treason to place a postage stamp with the head of the British monarch upside down.
The trace of an old rivalry with Australia?
7. It is illegal to be drunk in a pub.
According to the Metropolitan Law of 1839, it is illegal for the “keeper of a public establishment to permit drunkenness on the premises”. Under the Licensing Act 2003, it is also illegal to serve alcoholic beverages to customers who are already intoxicated or to purchase alcohol on behalf of someone who is already intoxicated. Breaking the rule exposes you to a fine of £200. We will say that we did not know?
8. The song “Happy Birthday” is subject to copyright if used for commercial purposes.
We finally understand why the staff of the American restaurant next door always sings another slightly corny song when they bring the cake.
9. It is forbidden to cause a nuclear explosion.
This very serious law is governed by the prohibition and inspections of 1998. Bad news for us, who obviously all have a small pocket nuclear kit at home.
10. It is illegal to linger at the grave of a deceased person after a funeral.
Originally put in place to allow gravediggers to carry out their work, it is now proving to be one of the saddest laws in the country. In 2015, a man by the name of Frank Blades stayed for twenty minutes in front of his wife’s grave following her funeral. He was punished for his offense and fined £160 as he shared his final moments with his wife.
11. Sliding on ice or snow is prohibited in London.
This strange law is surely the number one enemy of British children in winter. Dating back to 1989, this Met Police law prevents you from sliding “on ice or snow in any street or other thoroughfare” because it would create a “common danger” for other London walkers. This offense is punishable by a fine of up to £500. Don’t expect to have fun flying a kite either, the law considers it a game that “disturbs the inhabitants”. Fun, these English.
