London is a city that has a rich history and culture. Over the years, it has enacted some peculiar laws that may seem strange to outsiders but continue to be enforced. Let’s take a look at some of the weirdest laws in London.
No carrying planks on the pavement
An age-old law dating back to the 1800s prohibits carrying planks on the pavement. The law was put in place to prevent accidents and injuries from falling planks.
No shaking carpets or rugs after 8 am
Another law from the 1800s prohibits shaking carpets or rugs after 8 am to prevent the spread of dust and dirt in the early hours of the morning.
No beating or shaking any carpet or rug in the streets
A similar law to the previous one prohibits beating or shaking carpets or rugs in the streets to prevent dust and debris from spreading in public areas.
No singing or dancing in the streets after 11 pm
This law prohibits singing or dancing in the streets after 11 pm to avoid disturbances and noise pollution during the late hours.
No flying a kite to the annoyance of others
A law from the 19th century prohibits flying kites to the annoyance of others to prevent kite flyers from causing disturbances and accidents in public spaces.
No jumping the queue at the tube station
A strict law in London prohibits jumping the queue at the tube station to ensure people wait their turn and prevent congestion and confusion during busy times.
No entering the Houses of Parliament in a suit of armour
One of the oldest laws in London prohibits entering the Houses of Parliament in a suit of armour to prevent knights from causing disturbances in the halls of government.
No carrying a ladder down the street
This law prohibits carrying a ladder down the street to prevent accidents and injuries from falling ladders.
London has some of the weirdest laws that have been passed over the years, and many of them don’t make any sense in the modern day. Whether or not these laws are actually enforced…. well that’s a matter for the police!
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.