The Strange Laws of Old England

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Did you know that:It's against the law to check into a hotel in London under assumed names for the purpose of love-making?The law of habeas corpus came about because of a London lady's drunken parties?Under a statute of Edward II, all whales washed up on the shore belong to the monarch?Under Tudor law, Welshmen are not allowed into the city of Chester after dark?The law requiring a London taxi driver to carry a bale of hay on top of his cab to feed the horse was in force until 1976? Oliver Cromwell passed laws ordering the demolition of theatres, the imprisonment of actors, and the fining of the audience?You're not allowed to feed or shoe horses on the road? However, you can herd cattle along the streets, provided you do not "wantonly and unlawfully pelt, drive or hunt any such cattle".Nigel Cawthorne takes the reader on an entertaining tour of the wilder shores of the British legal system; he has unearthed an extraordinary collection of the most bizarre and arcane laws that have been enacted over the centuries. Some of the laws, incredibly, are still in force. It is still illegal to enter the Houses of Parliament in a suit of armour...This elegant and amusing book is perfect for everyone fascinated by the eccentric history of these islands.