For those of us who have grown up with the movie "Mary Poppins" and its catchy songs like "feed the bird (Tuppence a Bag)" feeding pigeons and London are entwined. London is home to great flocks of these urban dwelling birds (that locals call "flying rats") so much so that they have on occasion damaged national monuments (with their copious droppings) and posed a health risk.

But it's not just the birdies and Trafalgar Square, London has many weird laws that tourists should be aware of. These laws will give everyone full confidence in Britain's law-making abilities. But feeding the birds ruffles the city council's feathers.

Feeding The Pigeons In Trafalgar Square

The heart of London is Trafalgar Square and this was once pigeon (and feeding the pigeons) central, today feeding these avians can land one with a hefty £500 ($680) fine.

The by-law states:

(1) No person other than a person acting at the direction of the Mayor shall within the Square–

(a) feed any bird (which shall include dropping or casting feeding stuff for birds); or

(b) distribute any feeding stuff for birds.

It has been illegal to feed the birds in the main square of Trafalgar since 2003 - but protesters continued to feed the hungry pigeons on its northern terrace where it wasn't banned.

But then the city council decided to put a stop to that too in 2007 citing the bird droppings creating a mess and the spark of complaints. And now those found violating the by-law risk a £500 fine.

The city council said the intention was not to harm the birds but to ensure the square was a clean and welcoming place. Today the sheer flocks of birds in Trafalgar Square are markedly reduced.

  • Hygiene: The Pigeons Had Become a Matter of Public Hygiene

In protest, a group sprang up called Save the Trafalgar Pigeons. Their website is still active on it they say "We are continuing to feed the pigeons every day of the year. However, we do need your support." They are feeding the pigeons in places not banned by the by-law.

For those who are wondering, the famous scene of "Feed the Bird (Tuppence a Bag)" was set on the steps of St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Feeding the pigeons does not seem to have been banned there - although the cathedral says on its website:

"visitors are now encouraged not to feed the pigeons on the steps, many come to have their photos taken in the same spot as the Bird Woman."

Related: 20 Bizarre Laws Around The World That Sound Like Pranks (But Are Actually Real)

Other Things Prohibited In Trafalgar's Square

Some of the other things that will land one in trouble with the London constables in Trafalgar include:

  • Not Keeping A Pet On A Leash
  • Polluting or Bathing in the Fountains In The Square
  • Putting a Canoe (like seriously?) or Any Other Inflatable Object in The Fountains
  • Using Any Kite (That's another Adorable Scene From Mary Poppins Forbidden)
  • Washing Your Clothes
  • Lighting a Fire or Barbeque

Some things that one needs permission to do here include playing music, using amplification equipment, camping in the square, organizing an event there, soliciting for money, or giving a public speech.

Our favorite is that one needs permission to "project any missile manually or by artificial means"

Related: You Probably Didn't Know These States Are Home To Some Of The Weirdest Food Laws

Other Odd Laws In London

As with many cities and countries in the world (particularly old ones), there are many weird laws that one is likely to end up breaking. In all fairness, the police probably have no idea these laws exist either.

Admittedly many of these laws have been rendered obsolete by newer laws but still, they have never been repealed. Many of these "bad" and "fun sucking" laws stem from a particularly joyless year of legislating in London in 1839. In London, it is illegal to:

Handle Salmon "Suspiciously": Under the Salmon Act of 1986 It's against The Law to Handle Salmon ‘under suspicious circumstances

Die In The Houses Of Parliament: This is an Extrapolation of The Rule That if One Dies In The Chambers On is Entitled to a State Funeral

Shaking Rugs Early In The Morning: It's Illegal To Shake One's Rug Out of The Window Before 8.00 am

Be Drunk In A Pub: Since 1839 No One Is Permitted to Be Drunk On A Licenced Premises - Ugh London Pub Crawls Must Be So Boring

Be On A Bus With The Plague: Long Before the Pandemic It was Illegal to Take The Bus With The Plague

Fly Kites: Mary Poppins Was Breaking The Law From The Start - Since 1839 it has Been Illegal to Fly Kites In Public Places

Treasonous Stamps: If One Puts A Stamp Face Down in "Absolute Defiance" It is An Act of Treason

On the flip side, it's not all "thou shalt nots" in London. There are some special permissions - like it is supposedly in a pregnant woman's right to urinate in a policeman's helmet.

Next: These Are The Strictest Laws Locals In China Are Expected To Follow