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Bizarre Laws of England and Wales

Bizarre Laws of England and Wales

The legal system of England and Wales is a fascinating blend of modern rigor and historical eccentricity.

While contemporary laws tackle issues like cybercrime and environmental issues, a collection of peculiar statutes, which are still legally binding, hark back to times of royal prerogatives, Victorian decorum and other oddities.

Handling Salmon Suspiciously

Legislation: Salmon Act 1986, Section 32

“It is an offence for any person to handle any salmon in suspicious circumstances.”

This anti-poaching measure’s vague wording invites amusement, with fines possible for those caught with fishy intentions.

Wear Armour inside Parliament

Legislation: A Statute forbidding Bearing of Armour (1313)

“The King forbids the coming armed to Parliament…that every Man shall come without all Force and Armour, well and peaceably…”

This medieval rule, still in force, prevents armed clashes in Westminster, a quirky nod to its rowdy past.

Gavin Howe Barrister
Shining Knight in Armour Gavin Howe (Barrister)
Drunk in a Pub

Legislation: Licensing Act 1872, Section 12

“Every person found drunk… on any licensed premises, shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding forty shillings.”

This ironic rule could fine overzealous pub-goers up to £200 in modern terms, though enforcement is rare.

Carrying a Plank in London

Legislation: Metropolitan Police Act 1839, Section 54

“Every person who shall… carry or place any cask, tub, hoop, wheel, ladder, plank, or other bulky article, in any street or public place… shall be liable to a penalty.”

Aimed at preventing obstructions, this could net a £500 fine for careless carpenters in London.

Drunk with Cattle

Legislation: Licensing Act 1872, Section 12

“Every person who is drunk while in charge on any highway or other public place of any… cattle… shall be liable to a penalty.”

Aimed at Victorian drovers, this could fine tipsy herdsmen handling livestock today.

Street Sledding

Legislation: Metropolitan Police Act 1839, Section 54

“Every person who shall… slide upon ice or snow… in any street or other thoroughfare, to the danger of any person, shall be liable to a penalty.”

Fines up to £500 target reckless winter sledding that endangers urban pedestrians.

Importing Polish Potatoes

Legislation: Polish Potatoes (Notification) Order 2004

“No person shall… import into England potatoes… originating in Poland unless… written notification is given to an inspector.”

Non-compliance risks fines, making undeclared Polish spud imports a surprisingly risky venture.

Singing Profane Songs

Legislation: Metropolitan Police Act 1839, Section 54

“Every person who shall… sing any profane, indecent, or obscene song or ballad… in any street or public place, shall be liable to a penalty.”

This Victorian rule could fine bawdy buskers up to £500.

Selling Firearms to Drunks

Legislation: Firearms Act 1968, Section 25

“A person who… supplies a firearm or ammunition to a person whom he knows or has reasonable cause to believe to be drunk… commits an offence.”

This ensures sober firearm transactions with penalties for non-compliance.

Royal Whales and Sturgeons

Legislation: Prerogativa Regis 1324

“The King shall have… whales and sturgeons taken in the sea or elsewhere within the realm.”

This medieval perk claims beached whales and sturgeons for the Crown, barring you from claiming maritime treasures.

Drunk on a Bicycle

Legislation: Licensing Act 1872, Section 12

“Every person who is drunk while in charge on any highway or other public place of any carriage… shall be liable to a penalty.”

Interpreted to include bicycles, this could fine wobbly cyclists.

Check out our related articles on the Rule of Law, Branches of Law, Open Justice, What is Law, Is the Law Black and White ?, Abuse of Process, What Does Lady Justice Symbolise ?, McKenzie Friend, Law Society, Law Commission, McKenzie Friend Right of Audience, Solicitors, Solicitors Regulation Authority, Barristers, Bar Council of England and Wales, Bar Standards Board, R v Sussex Justices, Police Impartiality and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.

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[post_title] was last updated on the 9th June 2026

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"Free speech encompasses the right to offend, and indeed to abuse another." - Para 43 Scottow v CPS [2020] EWHC 3421 (Admin)

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