Weird and Wonderful Laws in the UK
The United Kingdom’s legal system is one of the oldest and most respected in the world, with origins stretching back over a thousand years. Rooted in Anglo-Saxon and medieval traditions, it has evolved into the complex body of law that governs us today. While most UK laws are logical and necessary, there are numerous, ancient and modern, that seem idiosyncratic, redundant, or even amusing. From prohibiting the wearing of armour in Parliament to criminalising the handling of salmon in “suspicious circumstances,” the UK has many strange laws that raise eyebrows and pique curiosity. Surprisingly, many of these laws remain enforceable despite their absurdity.
The medieval period was an era of schisms, upheaval, and strict social structures. Many of the laws from this time reflect these challenges, though some now seem inexplicable. One of the strangest medieval laws still in force today is the Statute Forbidding Bearing of Armour 1313, which makes it illegal to wear armour inside the Houses of Parliament to prevent armed nobles from intimidating lawmakers. This law remains active despite being completely irrelevant in the modern age. If someone were to don a suit of armour and attempt to enter Parliament, assuming they passed security, could technically still be prosecuted.
Another peculiar law, often attributed to the reign of Henry VIII, is the Beard Tax. According to legend, the king introduced a tax on facial hair, despite having a beard himself, with wealthier individuals paying higher fees to keep their beards. While this claim remains shrouded in mystery, it reflects the arbitrary financial policies that existed in the period and the unequal application of the law – even for kings.
A surprising law of medieval England was the restriction on excessive dining. In 1336, King Edward III introduced a law limiting meals to just two courses, regardless of social rank, except during festivals. The intention was to curb gluttony, but this rule remained legally in force until it was repealed in 1856, though it was likely only de jure for centuries. Perhaps the most infamous legal restriction of the period was the ban on Christmas, introduced by the Puritan-led Parliament in 1647. The drunkenness and debauchery of Christmas were loathed by the Puritans, and they sought to replace it with solemn religious reflection. This deeply unpopular law was overturned with the restoration of Charles II in 1660. While medieval laws often seem strange, some modern statutes are just as odd, despite being enacted relatively recently.
One such law is found in the Prohibition and Inspections Act 1998, which makes it illegal to detonate a nuclear weapon. While this law is undoubtedly important, the likelihood of an individual ever being in a position to violate it is virtually non-existent. Similarly, under Section 25 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1985, it is illegal to return library books while suffering from cholera. While introduced as a public health measure, the scenario it addresses seems almost comically farfetched, especially in an era where cholera outbreaks are rare in the UK. Another strangely specific law appears in the Salmon Act 1986, which makes it illegal to handle salmon in ”suspicious circumstances”. While intended to combat illegal fishing and poaching, the vague wording of the statute has led to humorous interpretations about what constitutes “suspicious” fish handling.
Under the Postal Services Act 2000, it is illegal to interfere with an on-duty postal worker. While the law is clearly designed to prevent obstruction, it technically means that delaying your postman with chatter could be an offence. In addition to national legislation, the UK has numerous regional and local laws that now seem strange. For instance, under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847, it is illegal to fly a kite in the street or play games that cause annoyance to pedestrians. Luckily for kite-flyers, law enforcement is unlikely to intervene. Another restriction, in the Metropolitan Police Act 1839, makes it illegal to shake a rug in the street before 8am – unless it is a doormat. While introduced to prevent polluting public areas, the exemption for doormats makes it oddly specific. Animal-related laws can also be unusual. Under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, for example, it is illegal for dogs to mate in public. Ultimately, it would be very difficult for the police to enforce this and this law remains largely de jure.
Many of these unusual laws persist simply because there has never been a strong reason to repeal them. In some cases, the laws have been forgotten, buried within legal texts that saw no impetus to be reviewed. Others remain due to the resource burden that would be required to repeal and edit past laws. Fundamentally, these laws still serve as historical artefacts and offer great insight into the social concerns and attitudes of the past. Whether it be the fear of armed nobles intimidating Parliament, concerns about public cleanliness, or anxieties over nuclear weapons, these laws reflect the priorities of the societies that created them and serve as reminders that the law is also a reflection of the history and culture of the UK.
By Adam Nealon
