By the late eighteenth century Britain's statute books were plump with capital offences; you could be hanged for any of 200 acts, including, notably, 'impersonating an Egyptian'.
In the late 1700s, Britain had an extensive list of capital offenses, reflecting an era of strict and often bizarre laws. Among the 200 actions punishable by death was the unusual crime of impersonating an Egyptian, highlighting the severity and oddity of the legal system at the time. This indicates a society where even minor transgressions could lead to severe consequences, showcasing a unique aspect of British legal history.
Bill Bryson,...