IT is one of the lesser known aspects of British national life that many of our oldest - and strangest - laws have never been repealed.

For example, under legislation enacted by Edward VI (1547-53) it became illegal to stand within one hundred yards of the reigning monarch when not wearing socks. This remains an offence to this day.

It is also still against the law for a Member of Parliament to enter the House of Commons wearing a full suit of armour. And even in 2005, a woman caught eating chocolates on a public conveyance can still be hauled up before the courts. Just think of the revenue potential if there was a nationwide clampdown.

Parking rebel Robin de Crittenden would appear to be very much aware of our judicial heritage. He's taken on the authorities by using a 17th Century law which states that no one may be fined before being convicted of an offence in a court of law.

The argument is over a parking ticket he received in Worcester. He admits life would be a lot easier if he paid the fine - but his aim is, as he has stated "to put the politicians back in their kennels by requiring them to obey the law that regulates Parliament itself."

Of course, at the crux of this matter is the growing resistance being increasingly displayed by some British citizens who believe that EU laws are fast subsuming the native varieties. However, in his case, the jury would still appear to be out.

But we can all sleep easy knowing that in Hereford, you may not shoot a Welsh person on Sunday with a longbow in the Cathedral Close.