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United Kingdom is known around the world for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and iconic landmarks. However, there are some lesser-known facts about the country that may surprise you. In this article, we will explore some cold facts about the UK that are not widely known. The first fact is about Big Ben, one of the most famous landmarks in London. Many people assume that Big Ben refers to the clock tower, but it is actually the name of the bell inside the tower. The clock tower itself is officially known as Elizabeth Tower, named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate her diamond jubilee in 201
2. Another interesting fact is that the world-famous Great Fire of London, which happened in 1666, actually started in a bakery on Pudding Lane. The fire spread quickly due to strong winds and the abundance of wooden buildings in the city. It destroyed over 13,000 homes and businesses, but thankfully only resulted in a few deaths. Moving away from London, did you know that the Scottish national animal is not the unicorn as many believe, but the majestic Scottish wildcat? Unfortunately, this proud animal is now classified as endangered due to habitat loss and hybridization with domestic cats. If you’re a fan of whisky, then you will be interested to know that it is not only popular in Scotland but also in Wales. In fact, Wales is home to the world-renowned Penderyn Distillery, which produces some of the finest single malt whisky outside of Scotland. Another fascinating fact about the UK is that the world’s first public park was opened in Derby. It was created in 1840 and named after Queen Victoria. The park still exists today and is popular with locals and tourists alike. Did you know that the public can legally have access to any of the country’s beaches up to the mean high water mark? This means that even the Queen, who technically owns all of the coastlines, cannot deny anyone access to any part of the beach below the high water mark. In terms of unusual laws, it is illegal to enter the Houses of Parliament wearing a suit of armor or to drive a cow down the road in London without a keeper. These laws may seem antiquated and bizarre, but they are still part of the UK statute. Finally, the UK is home to a lot of interesting museums, but did you know that there is a museum dedicated solely to the history of medicine? Located in London, the museum showcases how medical practices have evolved over time and includes a collection of rare and unusual medical equipment. In conclusion, these cold facts about the UK may not be well-known, but they are certainly interesting. They showcase the country’s rich history, quirky laws, beautiful landscapes, and fascinating places. We hope that this article has inspired you to learn more about this incredible country.