The Strange Laws of Old England

Under a statute of Edward II all whales washed up on the shore belong to the monarch, while in the city of Chester it is legal to shoot Welshmen after dark, a collection of strange and inappropriate statutes found in English Common Law, the basis of the law in the English speaking world Did you know that the law of habeas corpus came about because of a London lady’s drunken parties, or that it is against the law to check into a hotel in London under assumed names for the purpose of lovemaking? Meanwhile, the Duke of Edinburgh breaks the law every time he attends parliament. For this collection, Nigel Cawthorne has unearthed an extraordinary collection of the most bizarre and arcane laws that have been enacted over the centuries, some of them still in force: for example it is still illegal to enter the Houses of Parliament in a suit of armor. This elegant and amusing book is perfect for everyone fascinated by the eccentric history of English law. Readers will find out which strange laws of old England they are breaking, and what the punishments are.