The Strangest UK Laws

Sadly, I’m not really into breaking laws and its fair to say that they’re there for a reason. Throughout history there have been several that are less than practical, and for a fun weekend post I’ve rounded up a few that are entirely ridiculous. Some of them should definitely still be enforced!

The Ridiculous:

All English males over the age of 14 are to carry out two hours of longbow practice every week, supervised by the local clergy. – This law dates from the Middle Ages when there was no ‘Army’ and has never been repealed. I wish I had known about this when my brother was 14!

It is illegal to let your pet mate with any pet from the Royal House – dating back to the reign of George I.

A pregnant lady is allowed to relieve herself anywhere she likes, including in the hat of a London policeman. – although debated, this does indeed exist as a law, and there have been documents which show that policemen did relinquish their helmets.

 London taxi drivers must ask all passengers if they have smallpox or the plague – Enforced by the Public Heath Control of Disease Act in 1984. I suppose it would help the taxi small talk….

It is illegal to enter the Houses of Parliament in a suit of armour – because people would do this?!

The awesome:

It is illegal for Scotch whisky to be produced with an alcohol content below 40%.  - from the Scotch whisky regulations in 2009.

Royal Navy ships that enter the Port of London are required to provide a barrel of rum to the Constable of the Tower of London – apparently there’s an annual ceremony by the Royal navy where they deliver the Constable’s alcoholic tax. Shame they don’t still enforce this though and make it the best job in London!

It is illegal to be drunk and in charge of a cow in Scotland. - Part of the Licensing Act of 1872, also including horses and carries a fine up to £1200.

The oddly-specific:

It is illegal to enter the hull of the RMS Titanic without permission from the Secretary of State.- From the Protection of Wrecks (RMS Titanic) Order 2003.

Any whale or great Sturgeon caught in the UK becomes the property of the Queen. - Dating back to 1322.

It is illegal to drive any cattle through any street between the hours of 10am and 7pm. - From The Metropolitan Streets Act 1867, and punishable with up to £200 per head of cattle. More out of courtesy for neighbours I think!

It is illegal to keep a pigsty in front of your house, unless it is hidden from public view. - From the same Metropolitan Police Act in 1839. Hopefully this won’t affect estate agents too much….

It is illegal to import potatoes into England or Wales if one has reasonable cause to suspect that they are Polish potatoes. - From the Polish Potatoes (Notification) Order in 2004. As 'there remain concerns about the ring rot situation in Poland.'

It is illegal to beat or shake any carpet rug or mat in any street in the Metropolitan Police District, unless it is a doormat and it is before 8am. - From the Metropolitan Police Act in 1839.

The “Fair enough”:

It is illegal to fire a cannon within 300 yards of anybody's house. - From the same Metropolitan Police Act in 1839.

It is illegal to cause a nuclear explosion. – From a 1998 law. I think it’s fair to say this was needed!

This post is a bit less of a guide, and more of a fun one for the weekend, but if you have any strange laws to add then do put them in the comments!