Bri
tish Trivia: A Hidden Side of Britain
The United Kingdom is home to some of the most iconic landmarks such as Big Ben in London, Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, or the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. However, there is a lesser-known side of the country that is no less interesting. In this article, we will explore some of the lesser-known facts about Britain, from its quirky customs to its bizarre laws.
Let's start with the country's customs, which can range from peculiar to downright bizarre. For example, it is considered bad luck to speak to a fisherman or wish them good luck before they have set sail. Instead, you should say 'break a leg' or 'God speed'. Another weird custom is the 'Burning of the Clavie', which takes place annually in the Scottish village of Burghead. On January 11th, the villagers light a barrel filled with tar and carry it around the village to ward off evil spirits.
When it comes to food, the United Kingdom has its fair share of weird and wonderful dishes, such as black pudding, haggis and jellied eels. But did you know that there is a town in Yorkshire that celebrates its love of a particular condiment every year? The town of Easingwold hosts a Tomato Ketchup festival, which includes a tomato ketchup drinking challenge, a tomato wrestling contest, and a tomato ketchup cook-off.
Now, let's talk about some of the bizarre laws that are still in place in the UK. It is illegal to enter the Houses of Parliament in a suit of armor, carry a plank of wood along the pavement, or beat or shake any carpet or rug in the streets of London. In Chester, Welshmen are still allowed to shoot a bow and arrow inside the city walls on a Sunday. And if you want to fly a kite in a public place, you'll need a license from the police.
Finally, there are some fascinating places to explore in the UK that don't get as much attention as their more famous counterparts. For example, the Chislehurst Caves in southeast London were once used as a shelter during World War II and later became a popular venue for rock concerts in the 1960s.
The town of St. Agnes in Cornwall is home to a unique garden called the Japanese Garden, which was created in the 1900s and has since become a favorite spot for visitors. And did you know that the world's only museum of witchcraft is located in Boscastle, a small village on the north coast of Cornwall?
In conclusion, the United Kingdom may be famous for its royal palaces and famous landmarks, but there is so much more to discover beyond the traditional tourist spots. From quirky customs to bizarre laws and hidden gems, the UK is a fascinating and multifaceted country.
