From handling fish suspiciously, to drinking too much in your local pub, here are 10 surprising laws that still exist across the UK today.
. UK laws are constantly changing and modernising, however some have remained in place despite society changing around them
UK laws are constantly changing and modernising, however some have remained in place despite society changing around them (Photo: Shutterstock) Photo: Shutterstock
. Wearing naval fancy dress
According to the ‘Seamen’s and Soldiers’ False Characters Act 1906’, no one in the UK is allowed to dress up as a member of the naval military and marine forces. Photo: Shutterstock
. Taking a whale’s head from a beach
All whales found on the coast are property of the Crown. This was apparently written to ensure the Queen had enough whalebone from her corsets. However, the Royal House is at liberty to turn down the offer of the animal remains. Photo: Shutterstock
. Being drunk and in charge of a cattle
If you are found to be drunk and in charge of a cow in Scotland, then you could be jailed for up to 51 weeks or fined £200. It is illegal under the Licensing Act 1872 to be in charge of a carriage, horse, cow or steam engine. Photo: Shutterstock
5. Shaking a rug and carpet on the street
Under section 60 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839, it is illegal to shake any carpet or rug in any street. However, you are allowed to beat or shake a doormat on the street before 8am. Photo: Shutterstock
6. Suit of armour in House of Commons
The 1313 Statute Forbidding Bearing of Armour forbids members of parliament from wearing a suit of armour in the House of Commons. Photo: Shutterstock
7. Handling fish in suspicious circumstances
According to the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, it is illegal to handle fish in suspicious circumstances. The law used to only apply with salmon, but was amended to include all fish in 2009. Photo: Shutterstock
8. Being drunk in the pub
Section 12 of the Licensing Act 1872, states: “Every person found drunk…on any licensed premises, shall be liable to a penalty.” According to the Metropolitan Police Act 1839, it is also an offence for a landlord to permit drunkenness or disorderly conduct on the premises. Photo: Shutterstock