UK laws are constantly changing and modernising, however some have remained in place despite society changing around them (Photo: Shutterstock)UK laws are constantly changing and modernising, however some have remained in place despite society changing around them (Photo: Shutterstock)
UK laws are constantly changing and modernising, however some have remained in place despite society changing around them (Photo: Shutterstock)

10 weird and wonderful UK laws that might surprise you

By Iain Leggat

@Iain_Leggat

Published 19th Feb 2021, 14:33 BST
UK laws are constantly changing and modernising, however some have remained in place despite society changing around them

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 (Photo: Shutterstock)

. 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

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.

. 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

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.

. 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

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.

. 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

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.

1. 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

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.

2. 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

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.

3. 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

Under section 54 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839, it is illegal to carry a plank along a pavement.

4. Carrying a plank on the pavement

Under section 54 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839, it is illegal to carry a plank along a pavement. Photo: Shutterstock

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