Kay Easton wrote:
Except, of course, that the lawn mower was invented only about 150
years ago, and before that, mowing was done with scythes ... and just
try doing that to a length of 3/8th inch!
It's true. Although the head gardener at Belton House once told me it was
done with handshears, the same sort they used for sheep. Other country
houses used the sheep.

personally, I like the scene in 'Asterix and the Britons' where a
roman officer tries to charge across an english lawn ..
I love the English versions, the gags with the names. I've never forgotten
Marcus Ginandtonicus.