5 strange British laws that still exist

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There have been many lists claiming to feature absurd laws that have since been disproved as urban myths, but we’ve gathered five of the strangest British laws that have been proven to be 100% legitimate, so do take heed.

1. If you’re hoping to see politicians dressed in their finest iron at the next parliament meeting you’ll be disappointed, as it is illegal for members of parliament to wear suits of armour in the houses of parliament.

2. Be careful what you carry when walking along a pavement, under s 54 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839 it is illegal to carry a plank of wood along a pavement. You should also avoid flying kites, playing annoying games and sliding on ice or snow.

3. It’s against the law to shake a carpet or rug in the street, but if you want to shake your doormat, be sure to do it before 8am. More strange laws covered in s 28 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 are that it’s illegal to keep a pigsty in front of your house, to slaughter cattle in the street, to erect a washing line in the street and to sing obscene songs.

4. If you happen to see a whale on the banks of your local seaside, make sure to treat it nicely – Whales are the property of the British monarch, just like swans.

5. Although strange, this one does make sense, it’s illegal to be drunk whilst in charge of a horse, carriage, steam engine or cow.