Many thanks to Mary Lynn for sending me this idea…

The UK’s most ancient laws are often a rich source of mirth – here is a short list, including a nod to the upcoming festive season. My absolute favorite, though, is the one about the taxman. 🙂 However many times I read it, it just goes round and round in my head!

• It is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament.

• It could be regarded an act of treason to place a postage stamp bearing the British king or queen’s image upside-down.

• Eating mince pies on Christmas Day is banned.

• The head of any dead whale found on the British coast automatically becomes the property of the King, and the tail of the Queen.

• It is illegal not to tell the tax man anything you do not want him to know, but legal not to tell him information you do not mind him knowing.

• It is illegal to enter the Houses of Parliament wearing a suit of armour.

You might also like this post about the simplification of the UK statute book.