360 questions and answers · page 3 of 12
61. Who designed the Clifton Suspension Bridge?
Isambard Kingdom Brunel was an engineer who built tunnels, bridges, railway lines and ships, including the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
62. What happens if an MP dies or resigns?
If an MP dies or resigns, there will be a fresh election, called a by-election, in his or her constituency.
63. How many times has the UK hosted the Olympic Games?
The UK has hosted the Olympic Games on three occasions: 1908, 1948 and 2012.
64. What does the 'R' Plate stand for?
In Northern Ireland, a newly qualified driver must display an 'R' plate (for restricted driver) for one year after passing the test.
65. When did the Vikings first attack Britain?
The Vikings came from Denmark and Norway. They first visited Britain in AD 789 to raid coastal towns.
66. When did William of Orange invade England?
William of Orange invaded England in 1688 in what became known as the Glorious Revolution.
67. What prehistoric village (off the north coast of Scotland) has helped archaeologists to understand more about how people lived near the end of the Stone Age?
Skara Brae on Orkney is a stone age village that provides insight into life near the end of the Stone Age.
68. In what county can you see a hill fort at Maiden Castle?
Maiden Castle, a massive Iron Age hill fort, is situated in Dorset.
69. What is the 'Grand National'?
The Grand National is a famous horse race run at Aintree, near Liverpool.
70. On which TWO occasions will there be a fresh election, called a by-election, in MP's constituency?
A by-election is held if an MP dies or resigns.
71. How is the Speaker elected?
The Speaker is chosen by other MPs in a secret ballot.
72. Why was the Habeas Corpus Act (1679) so important?
The Habeas Corpus Act became law in 1679. It guaranteed that no one could be held prisoner unlawfully.
73. What did Henry VII do?
Henry VII deliberately strengthened the central administration of England and reduced the power of the nobles to ensure peace.
74. Who is responsible for crime and immigration?
The Home Secretary is responsible for crime, policing, and immigration.
75. When did the English civil war begin?
Civil war between the king and Parliament could not be avoided and began in 1642.
76. What is the Shadow Cabinet?
The Shadow Cabinet consists of senior members of the main opposition party who 'shadow' Government ministers in different departments.
77. Who wrote about their experiences in the First World War?
British poets such as Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon wrote about their experiences in the First World War.
78. What is the Giant's Causeway made of?
The Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland is made of columns formed from volcanic lava.
79. When did the BBC begin the world's first regular TV service?
The BBC began the world's first regular television service in 1936.
80. What destroyed London in year 1666?
The Great Fire of London destroyed much of the city in 1666.
81. During the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I, where did the English government encourage Scottish and English Protestants to settle?
The English government encouraged Scottish and English Protestants to settle in Ulster, the northern province of Ireland.
82. Which architectural style are the famous London buildings of the 19th century, such as the House of Parliament and St Pancras Station, associated with?
In the 19th century, the Gothic style became popular for buildings like the Houses of Parliament and St Pancras Station.
83. Which TWO things happened when Mary Stuart's husband got murdered?
Mary Stuart (Queen of Scots) was suspected of involvement in her husband's murder. She fled to England and asked Elizabeth I for help.
84. The Victoria Cross medal was introduced during which war?
The Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry, was introduced during the Crimean War.
85. Which of the following is part of the UK?
The UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Channel Islands and St Helena are Crown Dependencies or Overseas Territories.
86. Who became one of the most popular monarchs in the 16th century?
Elizabeth I became one of the most popular monarchs in English history, particularly after the defeat of the Spanish Armada.
87. When did the BBC start the first radio broadcast?
The BBC started its first radio broadcasts in 1922.
88. Where do the Laurence Olivier Awards take place?
The Laurence Olivier Awards, which celebrate British theatre, take place annually in London.
89. Who were the first people to start living in Britain?
The first people to live in Britain were hunter-gatherers in the Stone Age.
90. When did the 'Battle of the Boyne' happen?
King William III defeated James II at the Battle of the Boyne in Ireland in 1690.