1. Damaging A Village Green By Walking Across It Is An Offence
Taken a divot out of the village green by diving to take a catch while playing for the local cricket side on a weekend? Well, you've only gone and committed a crime there. The Commons Act 1876 makes it illegal to "interfere with or disturb a town or village green". Although designed to prevent greens being used for specific purposes - for example football - technically it is an offence to disturb the grass or turf in any way, shape or form.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
Taken a divot out of the village green by diving to take a catch while playing for the local cricket side on a weekend? Well, you've only gone and committed a crime there. The Commons Act 1876 makes it illegal to "interfere with or disturb a town or village green". Although designed to prevent greens being used for specific purposes - for example football - technically it is an offence to disturb the grass or turf in any way, shape or form.