We were surprised to learn how little do we know about our own kingdom. Technically, its the Queen’s house and we are the ones paying the rent. Nonetheless, we both coexist mutually and benefit from our communal life. So, here are the facts that we find weird, funny and extremely bizarre about Britain. Though, do not forget to find all other interesting listings on our home page.
The Shortest War Ever Lasted…
…between 38 and 45 minutes. We all know Britain has a long history of conflicts, political dramas and scandalous scenes. Recently, we have been witnessing another melodramatic turn in the history of British politics. However, the shortest war that Britain ever took part in was in 1896s and lasted about half an hour. The seed of war was ingrained when the ruler of Zanzibar and pro-British Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini who was assassinated and the preceding Sultan Khalid bin Barghash become the following ruler of Zanzibar without being accessed and having to obtain the approval of the British Council. The British comprehend this act as a threat/offence against a nation and declaring war. Immediately, the British gave an ultimatum to the shameful Sultan and asked him to leave the palace. Instead, the Sultan barricade himself in the palace.
‘Rent a Mourner’ Service
The service has been on the market for a few years now. And it is not as weird as it may sound though. If we exclude the payment incentives that are behind each service that is done for us, the professional mourners offer comfort and a respectful send-off to people who lost contacts, moved away or were the only one left alive among their friends. In fact, the tradition has its roots in Ancient Egypt, Asia and the Middle East. It was believed that two unfamiliar mourners are the representatives of the goddesses Isis and Nephthys. The role of the actors was to help the deceased one to reach afterlife by transmitting energy from their hairs. Professional mourners may have also existed in Victorian times as well. Dickens’ novel Great Expectations depicts his unsatisfaction with the idea of making profits while others are in pain. Unfortunately, though, the Rent a Mourner service is not available as of 19th of March 2019 as the company could not keep up with the demand and servicing the whole country.
Odd Statistics: Enemies Are Closer than You Think
The most common reason for pain or fatal dead end in the UK turns out to be trousers. The pants take over 6,000 victims annually who had reached for professional help. Some of those 6,000 people were even dead for falling downstairs while putting their pants on. What a morning to be a British citizen! Another weird reason for the hospitalization of 3,000 people in the late 90s in the UK is the laundry basket. It seems like the obstacle was serious and to underestimate it on your way to the kitchen.