Evan - there is a legend which suggests that Knights passed each other on the left with their swords on the right to defend themselves. The continent changed when Napoleon had his empire (he was left handed). Now I guess it is just so that we're different from the french.

You will have a slight disadvantage here in overtaking on our country lanes. I find this difficult in Europe if I'm on my own, cause you can't see around the car in front without pulling out.

 

Actually it had to do with carrages and wagons and the driver need ing to use his right hand to operate the whip. If he was on the left side the whip would strike the passengers. On the continent instead of a "driver" a postiolian rider rode the lead horse and as we all get on a horse on the left side it would be darned hard to mount on the right side. You would want to pass an oncoming vech. on the drivers side in each case. The MG list covered this in extreme detail six mounths ago and linked to a web site with a full history. Incidently half of Canada did drive on the left for many years.
Andy