Overview

'Bizarre Laws and Curious Customs of the UK' is a fascinating book, well assembled and written by Monty Lord. Most of us have had occasion to come across some ancient ruling that is still in the statute book and find laughable. Many of these were never made law and take their place in the category of myth and legend. Monty Lord not only brings many new strange laws to our notice but also clarifies what is law and what is just custom, myth or legend. This is an enjoyable and fascinating book that can be read for a number of reasons. It is a useful reference book, an enjoyable bedside dip-in book or just a book to be enjoyed as any other.' - William Roache, OBE - Actor, 'Ken Barlow' in Coronation Street In the UK, we have some bizarre laws that have littered the statute books of our sceptred isle throughout history. Not all of them have been repealed over the centuries. Some of them made perfect sense at the time they were introduced but seen through modern eyes, now appear archaic and draconian. Despite the great efforts of the Law Commission in England and Wales to review and recommend reforms for many of these outdated laws, there are centuries of law that must be painstakingly gone through. As well as some bizarre laws, the UK also has its fair share of curious customs and time-honoured traditions that have been observed for centuries. On the surface, many appear to be nothing more than theatrical pomp and pageantry. However, they are all born from strong rationale. The UK parliament seems to have had a particular penchant for passing laws related to fish and animals, indecency and passing sentences with some humiliating public punishments. This book is a highly entertaining read for anyone who enjoys learning about the more bizarre applications of UK law throughout the centuries, along with some rather macabre consequences along the way. Have you ever heard a bizarre law and thought, that can't possibly be true? Is it genuine? Was it ever in existence or just an urban myth that became so embellished over time? There are surprisingly, a great many laws still in existence on the statute books today, that would make your jaw drop. Whilst bizarre as these laws may now seem to us, it begs the question, are we in fact, unknowingly breaking these laws on a regular basis? For example... Is it illegal to imagine the abolition of the monarchy? Is it illegal to refuse to assist a police constable? Did courts squash people into submission? Was cricket against the law? Was Dr. Frankenstein ever real? ...all these questions and more will be answered in this Volume 3 of a 3 volume series by Monty Lord. Reading this book, you may be inclined to laugh heartily, let out a sorrowful cry or recoil in abject horror at some of the more gruesome sentences passed for breaking these weird laws. With over 300 bizarre but nevertheless true, laws and customs, you can use this book to satisfy your curiosity about what our ancestors had to contend with over the years, or perhaps as a reference guide for trivia quizzes.

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9781916605046

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Reviews

'Monty Lord has beautifully captured the idiosyncrasies of British law & customs in a compelling and immensely readable way. It makes you proud to be British. He is a talent that belies his years and I shall watch his progress with great interest.' - Nazir Afzal OBE, former Chief Crown Prosecutor for NW England, Chief Executive of the Association of Police & Crime Commissioners 'A wonderful romp around the roots of laws and customs, together with some surprising revelations of those rules still hanging onto the statute books. Monty writes in an assured and amused style which makes this book a must read for anyone interested in British legal history or culture or just curious about all those eccentricities that make us British.' - Kirsty Brimelow KC, Chair, Criminal Bar Association of England and Wales, Recorder and Deputy High Court Judge 'They say that ignorance of the law is no defence. So thank goodness for Monty's book. I had no idea I was running so many risks in terms of how I have been leading my life! Lots of fun to be had here.' - Sir. Peter Wanless, CB, Chief Executive, NSPCC 'A truly fascinating insight into the bizarre, funny and sometimes scary laws that have guided us over the centuries!' - Hamza Taouzzale, The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Westminster 'A dazzling kaleidoscope of UK laws and customs from the arcane and bizarre to the downright alarming. Monty Lord has done an outstanding job grouping the laws by subject and providing an entertaining commentary. A gem of a collection from a rising star. Highly recommended.' - Barnaby Jameson KC, Barrister & author 'A cornucopia of eccentric, fascinating laws and practices. This book is a must for anyone interested in legal history with a cracking sense of humour.' - Sasha Wass KC, Barrister, leading barrister on BBC's 'Murder, Mystery and My Family' 'Educative, Hilarious & Inspiring. Bizarre Laws and Curious Customs of the UK is a wonderful book that's had me on the edge of my seat with confusion.' - Saeed Atcha MBE DL, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Charity CEO

Author Information

With a strong interest in challenging injustices through the law, Monty became a BBC Young Reporter and a Director and Legal/Investigative Reporter for both Get Success, an independent television production company and Young Legal Eagles. As a world memory champion, Monty is the youngest person in the United Kingdom with the most world records, holding 5 Guinness World Records for world memory challenges. An accomplished public speaker, Monty has spoken avidly about The Rule of Law, access to the law for children and young people and using enhanced memory techniques to address inequalities in the education system. He's spoken about the rights of the child at TEDx talks, Amnesty International and to world leaders at the United Nations in Geneva. He advocates for children and young people at the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth. Keith Fraser - Chair of the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales, Commissioner on Race and Ethnic Disparities (2020-21), Former Superintendent - West Midlands Police

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