In 'Historic Byways and Highways of Old England, ' William Andrews takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the countryside and towns of England. He explores the history and folklore of ancient roads, such as Watling Street and the Pilgrims' Way, and delves into the stories behind famous landmarks and monuments. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in English history, folklore, or the beauty of the English countryside. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
‘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 Not all of them have been repealed over the centuries.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Despite the great efforts of the Law Commission in England and Wales to review and recommend reforms for many of these outdated laws, there are centuries of law that must be painstakingly gone through.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 140 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.
The author draws upon Peak Forest legends to unite readers with Diana Eyre's spirit. A phantom wind ushers the memory of Diana into the forest where she recants her visits to the place of which the King had given authority to her ancestors. She shares treading upon thoroughfares carved out by the Romans. She recollects walks through the dark canopied forest of Hope, Derwent Valley, and Sherwood Forest, the retreat of Robin Hood. She gasps at thoughts of Henry VIII's doings during Reformation. She recalls Eyre monuments in Hathersage Churchyard near Little John's grave, and foresees Hathersage as the setting for the book "Jane Eyre". As Diana relives history and superstitious tales, an elusive wolf lets out a chilling howl. The story nears its close as the wolf's distant cry breaks the wind's spell, and provokes it into fits of aggravated maneuverings. Seemingly, at the behest of nature's call, the wind, having sensed it's completed mission, takes Diana's memories back to their former hidden realm.
