1. It’s Illegal to Handle Salmon in Suspicious Circumstances
Under the Salmon Act 1986, it’s an offence to “handle salmon in suspicious circumstances.” The law aims to prevent the sale of illegally fished salmon, but its vague wording has made it infamous and humorous in legal circles.
2. You Can’t Wear a Suit of Armour in Parliament
This old law, still technically in effect, prohibits entering the Houses of Parliament in full armour. Dating back to the 14th century, it was likely intended to discourage intimidation or the appearance of military power during debates.
3. Dying in the Houses of Parliament Is (Supposedly) Illegal
Often cited as one of the weirdest English laws, dying in Parliament is rumoured to be illegal. Although this isn’t actually enforceable, it’s become a staple of British legal trivia and myth.
4. It’s Against the Law to Beat or Shake Any Carpet in the Street
According to Section 60 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839, it’s illegal to beat or shake carpets or rugs in the street—except for doormats, and only before 8 a.m. This was intended to keep Victorian London’s streets cleaner.
5. It’s Illegal to Be Drunk in a Pub
Under the Licensing Act 1872, it’s technically illegal to be drunk on licensed premises—including pubs. While rarely enforced, this ironic rule still stands as an active statute.
6. It’s an Offence to Enter the Queen’s Presence Wearing a Suit of Armour
This overlaps with the Parliament rule but applies more broadly to any royal residence. The statute originates from a time when knights could pose a threat, even if unintentionally, when fully armed in royal company.
7. You Mustn’t Hang a Bed Out of a Window
Also stemming from 19th-century cleanliness laws, this offence relates to the public display of personal items. Hanging bedclothes or bedding out of a window where they’re visible from the street could land you in trouble—technically.
8. It’s Illegal to Carry a Plank Along a Pavement
The Metropolitan Police Act 1839 again strikes with this oddity. Carrying a plank of wood along the sidewalk is prohibited to avoid accidents and disruption to pedestrian traffic in crowded areas.
9. You Can’t Gamble in a Library
Under the Library Offences Act 1898, it’s against the law to gamble, use abusive language, or behave in a disorderly way in a public library. This quaint regulation reminds us that libraries were once strict moral spaces.
10. It’s Illegal to Cause a Nuclear Explosion (Yes, Really)
Perhaps less weird and more extreme, the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons Act 1998 makes it illegal to cause a nuclear explosion in the UK. The surprising part? There’s no exception for government-authorised detonations within the wording.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these weird English laws still enforced?
Most are not actively enforced, but they technically remain on the books unless repealed.
Can I be arrested for breaking one of these laws?
In theory, yes—but in practice, enforcement is extremely unlikely unless it overlaps with modern laws (e.g., public disorder).
Why haven’t these laws been repealed?
Many remain due to legislative oversight, historical significance, or the effort required to remove them formally.
Do other countries have similar weird laws?
Absolutely. Every country has its share of odd, outdated, or overly specific laws that can seem bizarre today.
Are these laws still applicable everywhere in England?
Some apply specifically to London or other regions under acts like the Metropolitan Police Act, while others are national statutes.
Could these weird laws be used in court today?
It’s highly unlikely, but in legal theory, any law that hasn’t been repealed could be cited—though it might not hold up in practice.
Conclusion
Weird English laws are fascinating relics of the country’s long legal history. While most are no longer enforced, they offer a humorous and intriguing look at the evolving relationship between law, society, and culture. Whether you’re a legal enthusiast or just enjoy quirky trivia, these statutes prove that the law isn’t always dry—or entirely logical.
Leave a Reply