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Questions and Answers
What ancient ruler had his laws written in stone and distributed them across his kingdom?
Which ancient civilisation created written laws almost 5,000 years ago?
In which year was it made illegal for Members of Parliament in England to wear or enter the House wearing armour?
According to a strange historical law in England, who do all swans living on rivers and lakes belong to?
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What is the name of the royal charter that automatically gives all swans of a specific species living on parts of the River Thames to the monarch?
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What is the name of the 900-year-old tradition where swans are counted and marked with a ring every July?
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According to the 1839 Metropolitan Police Act, what is considered illegal after 8 o'clock in the morning in London?
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Which activity made it an act of treason to hide a Catholic priest in your house according to a law from 1534?
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What law from 1541 required Englishmen between 17 and 60 years to practice archery for two hours a week?
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Which of the following activities was made illegal by the 1839 Metropolitan Police Act regarding public behavior in London?
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Study Notes
Ancient Rulers and Civilizations
- Hammurabi, a Babylonian king, had his laws inscribed on stone tablets, known as the Code of Hammurabi, and distributed throughout his kingdom.
- The Sumerians created the earliest known written laws about 5,000 years ago, featuring codes addressing various aspects of daily life and governance.
English Parliamentary Laws
- In 1313, it was made illegal for Members of Parliament in England to wear or enter the House in armor, standardizing the dress code for legislative sessions.
Unusual Laws and Ownership
- A historical law in England dictates that all swans residing on rivers and lakes belong to the Crown, reflecting the status of swans as royal property.
Royal Charter and Swan Tradition
- The royal charter known as "The Royal Swan Upping" establishes that all mute swans on designated parts of the River Thames belong to the monarch, highlighting the royal tradition concerning swan conservation.
- The tradition of swan marking, involving counting and ringing swans every July, has been maintained for over 900 years to monitor the population.
Laws from the Metropolitan Police Act
- The 1839 Metropolitan Police Act classifies selling goods in public after 8 o'clock in the morning in London as illegal, reflecting efforts to regulate public spaces.
- Hiding a Catholic priest in your home became an act of treason under the law established in 1534, during a time of significant religious conflict in England.
Archery Law
- The 1541 law mandated that Englishmen aged 17 to 60 practice archery for two hours each week, aimed at ensuring a well-trained populace in the event of conflict.
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Description
Explore strange and outdated laws that are still in effect today, despite being created thousands of years ago. Learn about the evolution of laws over time and how they adapt to changing behaviors, customs, and technologies.
