"I recently read about a law found at Hereford Cathederal, which gives an Englishman the right to shoot a Welshman from a distance of 12 yards using a longbow in the grounds of the Cathederal on a Sunday. Is it true, and are there any other daft laws which still exist ?" asks a Grotton reader.This law, made about 1000 years ago, is just one of a number of ancient acts governing Britain which remain on the statute books because nobody has bothered to repeal them.
In fact, there is no such thing as a laws lapsing simply because they are ancient.
The Law Commission has a constant business of going through the statute books and weeding them out. they started at the year dot and are constantly working their way through.
Other laws still on the statute books include these.
In England, all English men over 14 should carry out two or more hours of longbow practice a week to be supervised by the local clergy.
London Hackney Carriages (in other words taxis and cabs) must carry a bale of hay and a sack of oats at all times.
It is illegal to be drunk on a licensed premises, ie in a bar or a pub.
It is illegal to impersonate a Chelsea Pensioner at any time.
(Chelsea Pensioners are the retired former soldiers who live at Chelsea Hospital in London and wear a red uniform overcoat)A woman should not eat chocolates on a public transport.
It is illegal to eat mince pies on Christmas Day
Householders should not hang beds out of the window.
A boy under the age of 10 should not see a naked mannequin.
Members of Parliament are not permitted to enter the House of Commons wearing a full suit of armour.
In Ireland, anyone practising - or pretending to practice - witchcraft, sorcery, enchantment or pretend knowledge will be imprisoned for a year according to a law which dates back to 1736
In Scotland, it is illegal to fish on Sundays.
It is illegal to be drunk in possession of a cow.
If someone knocks on your door and asks to use your toilet (restroom), you must let them in.
From the "Oldham Chronicle", Union Street, Oldham, 25th February 2000