360 questions and answers · page 7 of 12
181. What type of painter was Joseph Turner?
Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851) was an influential and highly celebrated landscape painter.
182. When was the Magna Carta established?
The Magna Carta was forced on King John by his barons in 1215, restricting the monarch's power.
183. What is the Mercury Music Prize awarded for?
The Mercury Music Prize is awarded annually for the best album from the UK and Ireland.
184. How many members does the Scottish Parliament have?
The Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, Edinburgh, has 129 members known as MSPs.
185. When was Charles I executed?
Following the English Civil War, King Charles I was executed by Parliament in 1649.
186. Who wrote the popular operas HMS Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance and the Mikado?
Gilbert and Sullivan wrote many popular comic operas during the 19th century.
187. James Watt was famous for his work on what?
James Watt (1736-1819) was a Scottish inventor who vastly improved the efficiency of steam engines.
188. Who is the author of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'?
Roald Dahl wrote many famous children's books, including 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' and 'Matilda'.
189. Who founded a monastery on the Island of Iona?
St Columba founded a monastery on the Scottish island of Iona, spreading Christianity in the region.
190. Which stories are associated with Geoffrey Chaucer?
Geoffrey Chaucer wrote 'The Canterbury Tales' in the 14th century, documenting the journey of pilgrims to Canterbury.
191. Who was Boudicca?
Boudicca was the queen of the Iceni, a Celtic tribe in Britain, who led a major rebellion against the occupying Roman forces.
192. Which Emperor successfully invaded Britain in AD 43?
Emperor Claudius successfully invaded Britain in AD 43, after which almost all of Britain was under Roman rule.
193. Who became the first Archbishop of Canterbury?
St Augustine was sent by the Pope to spread Christianity in the south of Britain and became the first Archbishop of Canterbury.
194. Which war was fought between the House of Lancaster and the House of York?
The Wars of the Roses was a series of civil wars fought in the 15th century over the throne of England between the House of Lancaster (red rose) and the House of York (white rose).
195. What was the Domesday Book?
William the Conqueror sent people all over England to draw up lists of towns and villages, who lived there, and what they owned. This was compiled into the Domesday Book.
196. Which TWO of the following are famous Scottish inventions or discoveries?
Alexander Fleming (Penicillin) and John Logie Baird (Television) were both Scottish.
197. Which of Henry VIII's wives survived him?
Catherine Parr was Henry VIII's sixth wife. She survived him and married again after his death.
198. What year did the Spanish Armada try to invade England?
In 1588, the Spanish Armada, a large fleet of ships sent by Spain, was defeated by the English fleet under Elizabeth I.
199. Who was Mary, Queen of Scots?
Mary, Queen of Scots, was a Catholic and a cousin of Elizabeth I. She was eventually executed for plotting against Elizabeth.
200. What did the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 attempt to do?
Guy Fawkes and other Catholic conspirators attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament and King James I in 1605.
201. What is the idea of the 'Divine Right of Kings'?
Charles I believed in the 'Divine Right of Kings', the idea that the king was directly appointed by God and shouldn't have to consult Parliament.
202. Who was given the title of Lord Protector after the English Civil War?
After the execution of Charles I, England became a republic and Oliver Cromwell was given the title of Lord Protector.
203. What is the period called when Charles II returned from exile to become King?
In 1660, Parliament invited Charles II to return from exile in the Netherlands. This event is known as the Restoration.
204. Who discovered that blood is pumped around the body by the heart?
William Harvey was a famous medical professional during the Enlightenment who discovered the circulation of blood.
205. Which famous ship did Captain James Cook command when he mapped the coast of Australia?
Captain James Cook successfully mapped the coast of Australia and a few other territories commanding HMS Endeavour.
206. Which act abolished slavery throughout the British Empire in 1833?
In 1833, the Emancipation Act abolished slavery throughout the British Empire.
207. Who is famous for establishing modern nursing during the Crimean War?
Florence Nightingale went to Turkey during the Crimean War to treat wounded soldiers and is regarded as the founder of modern nursing.
208. What did the Reform Act of 1832 do?
The Reform Act of 1832 greatly increased the number of people with the right to vote and abolished 'rotten boroughs'.
209. Who was George Stephenson?
George Stephenson and his son Robert were famous pioneers of railway engines during the Industrial Revolution.
210. Which famous British author wrote 'Oliver Twist' and 'Great Expectations'?
Charles Dickens was a very famous Victorian author who wrote Oliver Twist and Great Expectations.