One of the most bizarre and persistent urban legends in the United Kingdom is the claim that it is still legal to shoot a Welshman with a longbow within the city walls of Chester, but only after midnight. This strange belief has sparked fascination for decades and continues to be mentioned in trivia books, pub conversations, and folklore discussions. While the tale sounds like something out of medieval times, it actually offers an interesting glimpse into the complex history of English and Welsh relations, as well as the enduring power of myths. To better understand where this idea came from, it’s helpful to explore the background of Chester, the political tensions of the past, and how outdated laws become part of cultural mythology.
The Historical Significance of Chester
Chester as a Border City
Chester is a historic city located in northwest England, close to the Welsh border. During medieval times, it was a strategic stronghold for the English Crown, often used to defend against invasions or raids from Wales. As a fortified city with Roman roots and a key military location, Chester played an important role in various Anglo-Welsh conflicts.
Conflict Between England and Wales
In the late medieval period, tensions between the English and the Welsh were high, particularly during times of rebellion. Leaders like Owain Glyndŵr led revolts against English rule, which intensified anti-Welsh sentiment. Laws were introduced to restrict the rights of the Welsh, and the city of Chester was placed under tight control to prevent rebellion or violence from spilling over the border.
The Legend of Shooting a Welshman in Chester
The Law That Never Was
The popular legend claims that there is an old law stating a Welshman can be legally shot with a longbow within Chester’s city walls, but only after the stroke of midnight. Some versions even claim it must be done on a Sunday, and only within specific zones. However, this so-called law has never been officially codified in any active legal system. It likely stems from misinterpretations or exaggerations of medieval statutes that discriminated against the Welsh.
Origins of the Myth
The myth may be rooted in local by-laws from the 13th or 14th centuries that imposed curfews on Welsh people entering Chester. These restrictions were not unusual in medieval border towns and were often aimed at keeping peace during turbulent times. Over time, these rules evolved in public memory, distorted by oral storytelling and embellished details.
Legal and Historical Context
Discriminatory Medieval Laws
There is historical evidence that, in medieval Chester, Welsh people were not allowed within the city after nightfall. In 1403, for instance, the English authorities in Chester issued a decree forbidding Welshmen from carrying weapons or gathering in groups. While these laws were certainly discriminatory, they did not grant anyone the right to kill a Welsh person without consequence.
No Legal Standing Today
In modern times, UK law does not recognize any such permission to harm someone based on nationality or ethnic background. Murder remains illegal, regardless of local myths or historical anecdotes. The UK Parliament has removed many obsolete laws through the Statute Law (Repeals) Acts, and there is no record of any current law allowing violence against Welsh people in Chester or anywhere else.
Enduring Myths and Misunderstandings
Why People Believe the Legend
Part of the reason this myth persists is because it appeals to a sense of the absurd. The idea that such an outdated and violent law could still technically be on the books creates curiosity and a sense of mystery. It’s often told with humor, not taken seriously, and serves as a conversation starter.
Other Similar Urban Legends
- It is legal to kill a Scotsman within the city walls of York with a bow and arrow another common myth.
- In London, taxi drivers are required to carry a bale of hay for their horses an outdated law often cited in jest.
- Pregnant women can legally relieve themselves anywhere, even in a policeman’s helmet another widespread falsehood.
These legends share a common theme: they all reflect a mixture of genuine historical quirks, misunderstood legal history, and a fascination with British eccentricity.
Chester’s Cultural Identity Today
Modern-Day Chester
Today, Chester is a vibrant city known for its rich Roman history, medieval architecture, and tourism appeal. Far removed from its days as a military outpost, it now celebrates multiculturalism and unity. The idea that such an old and hostile law would still apply contradicts the city’s contemporary values.
Relationship with Wales
The modern relationship between England and Wales is cooperative and peaceful, despite historical conflicts. Many people live and work across the border, and shared cultural events, language celebrations, and historical commemorations bring the two regions closer together. The myth of shooting a Welshman in Chester is now mostly seen as a humorous artifact of the past.
Educational and Legal Perspectives
Using Myths to Teach History
Although the myth is legally unfounded, it can still be used as an educational tool. Teachers and historians often use stories like this to spark interest in medieval law, border conflicts, and the evolution of British legal systems. It shows how history can be twisted over time and how important it is to verify facts before accepting them as truth.
Outdated Laws and Legal Reform
The myth also sheds light on how many ancient laws remained on the books for centuries without being officially repealed. In response, governments occasionally review and remove obsolete statutes. The continued belief in laws like the Chester myth has helped raise awareness about the need for legal clarity and reform.
Despite its popularity, the idea that it is legal to shoot a Welshman in Chester after midnight is purely a myth with no legal foundation. It likely originated from old medieval regulations designed to control access to the city during times of conflict, but over the centuries it became a legend. Today, the myth survives as an example of how folklore and law can blend in unusual ways. Rather than promoting violence, this legend serves as a quirky reminder of how far the relationship between England and Wales has progressed, and how storytelling continues to shape our understanding of the past.