Take A Hop Across The Pond And See What You Know About The United Kingdom By Taking This Quiz!
Written by Daniel Rackley
Last updated · 21 min play time
The United Kingdom has been a world power for centuries. In that time, the UK has stretched the arms of its control far and wide, influencing how countless people live. Take this quiz and see what you know about this international powerhouse!
Quiz written by
Daniel RackleyUnited Kingdom Quiz Questions
66 Questions · 783 Plays · No comments
Question 1
What great orator led Britain through WWII, saying "We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be"?
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AWinston Churchill
-
BTony Blair
-
CHugh Grant
-
DClement Attlee
Winston Churchill
"We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds..." Winston Churchill is considered one of Britain's greatest prime ministers, not only for his heart-soaring speeches but for his powerful political career. He is one of Britain's longest-serving politicians.
Question 2
Known as the "Iron Lady," what first female prime minister said, "If you want something done, ask a woman"?
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ATheresa May
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BAngela Merkel
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CMargaret Thatcher
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DYulia Tymoshenko
Margaret Thatcher
A somewhat controversial figure, Margaret Thatcher earned her nickname the "Iron Lady" from a Soviet journalist referencing her uncompromising stances in politics and leadership. Her policies were known as Thatcherism, which put the squeeze on privatization, labor movement, and money supply in order to boost free markets and low inflation. She was the first woman to hold the office of prime minister and, to date, is the longest-serving prime minister, holding the office for over a decade.
Question 3
With 13 nominations and 4 wins, who is the most Oscar-nominated British actor with roles such as Hamlet and Henry IV?
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ALaurence Olivier
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BKenneth Branagh
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CGary Oldman
-
DDaniel Day-Lewis
Laurence Olivier
"To be or not to be..." Laurence Olivier answered that question across many a Shakespearian performance. The actor is best known for his stage and film productions of Shakespeare, such as <i>Hamlet</i>, for which he acted and directed and won Best Actor and Best Picture – the first non-American film to do so at the Oscars.
Question 4
Created by aliens or Merlin (depending on who you ask), what is the name of this famed and highly-visited prehistoric monument?
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AMachu Picchu
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BRing of Brodgar
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CStonehenge
-
DNewgrange
Stonehenge
Located on the Salisbury Plain in England, the prehistoric Stonehenge has long been a mystery to archeologists. The 25-ton stones stand about 13 feet high and seven feet wide and are arranged in an outer ring with horizontal lintel stones running the length of the top. Legend has it that giants built the stones like Legos...others say that they are Roman temple ruins...or did the invading Danes place them to confuse everyone? Who knows?
Question 5
What Oscar-winning Welsh actor brought the creepy Hannibal Lecter to life in 1991's The Silence of the Lambs?
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ATom Hiddleston
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BSean Connery
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CAnthony Hopkins
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DPatrick Stewart
Anthony Hopkins
Directors have called Anthony Hopkins the "greatest actor of his generation." Appearing in <i>The Lion in Winter</i> as Richard the Lionheart, Hopkins' career only took off from there, with one of his most notable roles being the cannibal Hannibal Lecter, in <i>The Silence of the Lambs</i>.
Question 6
Name this naturalist and scientist who spent years on the Galapagos Islands developing the groundbreaking Theory of Evolution.
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ANikola Tesla
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BAlexander Fleming
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CCharles Darwin
-
DMichael Faraday
Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin as a biologist and naturalist, who used his theories of natural selection and evolution to explain how species of today are descended from common ancestors. The theory is now considered fundamental in science.
Question 7
If the Queen's in, you'll see the Royal Standard flying above what famous residence, pictured here?
-
ABuckingham Palace
-
BWestminster Abbey
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C10 Downing Street
-
DWindsor Castle
Buckingham Palace
When the Queen is home, the Royal Standard is flown. The Union flag is actually flown when the Queen is away. It would also be flown at Windsor if she were residing at that royal residence.
Question 8
What unfortunate British royal and queen consort of France was beheaded for treason due to her alleged role in plotting to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I?
-
AMary, Queen of Scots
-
BCleopatra
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CIsabella MacDuff
-
DLady Agnes Campbell
Mary, Queen of Scots
Mary, Queen of Scots, spent most of her life in France and was married to the Dauphin of France, making her the queen consort. After his death, she returned to Scotland and her presence threatened Elizabeth I's claim to the throne. Mary was confined for nearly two decades before she was beheaded for conspiring to overthrow her cousin.
Question 9
Owned by fictional landlady Mrs. Hudson, who is the famous address 221B Baker's Street home to?
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ASherlock Holmes
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BEbenezer Scrooge
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CJames Bond
-
DPhileas Fogg
Sherlock Holmes
Detective Sherlock Holmes lives at 221B Baker's Street in London. When Arthur Conan Doyle wrote the books, the address didn't exist as is, but it was altered after the fictional detective became idolized in Britain and abroad.
Question 10
Known as "the Lady with the Lamp," what social reformer and founder of modern nursing said her success was that she "never gave or took any excuse"?
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AFlorence Nightingale
-
BMary Breckinridge
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CClara Barton
-
DSandra Dee
Florence Nightingale
"The Lady with the Lamp" tended to many British soldiers during the Crimean War, as she managed and trained nurses in Constantinople. She brought new procedures of sanitation to the field and created numerous books and pamphlets developing better ways to care for the wounded. The noted statistician also created one of the earliest versions of the pie chart.
Question 11
Known as the "City of Fog," what is the United Kingdom's most populated city – and also its capital?
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AManchester
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BLiverpool
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CEdinburgh
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DLondon
London
London is both the capital and the UK's largest city by population at nearly 8 million people. As a center of commerce, culture, and finance, London has long been a leader on the world stage.
Question 12
Blasting onto the scene with "Rolling in the Deep," what multi-grammy winner has become one of the world's best-selling music artists?
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AAdele
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BLily Allen
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CDua Lipa
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DAmy Winehouse
Adele
Adele launched to fame in the early 2000s with "Rolling in the Deep" and "Rumor Has It," and rumor has it that she will continue to put out hit after hit, as her career goes from strength to strength. Her album <i>21</i> became the world's best-selling album of the 21st century with 31 million copies sold.
Question 13
The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree with which physicist, who came up with the theory of gravity?
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AAlexander Fleming
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BAlan Turing
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CCharles Darwin
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DIsaac Newton
Isaac Newton
"If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants." As the story goes, Isaac Newton was sitting under a tree when an apple fell, giving him insight into the law of gravity. The famous physicist developed the three laws of motion and also made headway in optics and calculus.
Question 14
Shortly after the Danes conquered Britain, what Norman king came in and took their place, and then went on to build the Tower of London?
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ANapoleon Bonaparte
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BWilliam the Conquerer
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CHarold Godwinson
-
DHarald Hardrada
William the Conquerer
The Duke of Normandy was not satisfied with his title; he wanted to be king. William the Conqueror led the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century and became an effective king for the country. Among his many achievements is the Tower of London, which he had built inside his London fortress. The tower was viewed by the people as a symbol of oppression by the new ruling elite.
Question 15
Name the British billionaire author who wrote the highly popular Harry Potter series sitting in a cafe looking up at Edinburgh Castle.
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AVirginia Woolf
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BAgatha Christie
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CStephanie Meyer
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DJ.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling
"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live." J.K. Rowling didn't forget. <i>Harry Potter</i> is one of the best-selling series of all time, and British author, J.K. Rowling is the mind behind the magical school and its famous wizard. The beloved book series also launched a popular film series, making Rowling a billionaire in a "rags to riches" story of her own.
Question 16
What wars between the House of York and the House of Lancaster began the Tudor line of rule in England?
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AWars of Tulips
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BWars of Lillies
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CWars of Roses
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DWars of Dandelions
Wars of Roses
The English throne was up for grabs in the Wars of the Roses. The 15th-century battles involved the House of York (represented by a white rose) and the House of Lancaster (represented by red) – both rival branches of the House of Plantagenet. Male lineage on both sides was crushed, leading to the Lancasterian Tudor family staking their claim instead.
Question 17
After WWI came WWII. What was the Nazi's incessant eight-month bombing of London called?
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AThe Blitz
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BThe A-bomb
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CThe Strafe
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DThe Coup de Main
The Blitz
Nazi Germany's bombing campaign against the UK was known as the Blitz, short for "blitzkrieg," which in German means "lightning war." The Luftwaffe bombed London and other strategic locations for eight straight months, killing some 40,000 civilians.
Question 18
Napoleon's reign of terror came to an end when the British stamped out the "Little Dictator" in what battle?
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ABattle of Trafalgar
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BBattle of Waterloo
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CBattle of Leipzig
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DBattle of Bull Run
Battle of Waterloo
Napoleon Bonaparte plowed across Europe in his tiny boots, expanding his territory and taking names. But the Brits were having none of it. Alongside the Prussians, they stamped out Napoleon in the Battle of Waterloo, ending his Napoleonic Complex.
Question 19
Famous for its mythological creature, what is the biggest lake by volume in the United Kingdom?
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ALoch Lomond
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BLoch Ness
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CLoch Maree
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DLoch Lock
Loch Ness
Nessie has the largest lake in the UK all to herself with more fresh water than all the Welsh and English lakes combined. By volume, Loch Ness is 263 billion cubic feet, while Northern Ireland's Lough Neigh is the largest in the UK by surface area at 151 square miles.
Question 20
As one of soccer's best midfielders, what Manchester United footballer is the first English player to win league titles in four countries?
-
ACristiano Ronaldo
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BMichael Owen
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CDavid Beckham
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DGareth Bale
David Beckham
David Beckham is one of the most recognizable British athletes. The former footballer launched his two-decade career at the age of 17 with Manchester United and remains the only Englishman to score at three different World Cups and to win league titles in England, the U.S., France, and Spain.
Question 21
What horrible plague befell England in the mid-14th century, killing more than a third of the population?
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ASpanish Flu
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BCOVID-2
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CCOVID-19
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DThe Black Death
The Black Death
The Black Death – aka, the bubonic plague – spread across Europe, leaving no country untouched. Britain was hit hard, with the plague wiping out nearly 40 percent of the population (some 2 million people).
Question 22
What A Brief History of Time author and cosmologist came up with a theory about black holes?
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ARichard Dawkins
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BSteven Hawking
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CAlbert Einstein
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DMaurice Wilkins
Steven Hawking
Having written best-selling books <i>A Brief History of Time</i> and <i>The Theory of Everything</i>, Stephen Hawking was a brilliant theoretical physicist working out of the University of Cambridge. He said, "Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change," and he should know, as he suffered from paralysis caused by a progressive motor neuron disease. Hawking didn't let the disease stop him from proposing a theory of cosmology that united quantum mechanics with the theory of relativity.
Question 23
As one of Britain's most famous monarchs, what "coppernose" went through six wives and piddled his country's wealth away on flashy festivals and food?
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AWilliam the Conquerer
-
BRichard III
-
CHenry V
-
DHenry VIII
Henry VIII
The 16th-century king is known as "the father of the Royal Navy," but he is perhaps most known for his multiple marriages and his spendthrift appetite. Henry VIII pushed the English Reformation, which cut out papal authority from the Church of England – all so he could annul his first marriage from Catherine of Aragon and produce a male heir. Although he did eventually do so after six marriages, several mistresses, and two wives beheaded, his son Edward VI died of tuberculosis at the young age of 15. Elizabeth I's subsequent reign demonstrated that a male heir wasn't necessary after all.
Question 24
Composed of chalk, these famous white cliffs are a big tourist attraction in the UK. Where can you find them?
-
AHunstanton
-
BDovedale
-
CAvon
-
DDover
Dover
Facing France and the Strait of Dover, the 350-foot high White Cliffs of Dover is a stunning coastal range in Kent. Featuring chalky cliffs with black flint-streaks, the scenic area is considered a Special Area of Conservation with a portion of it purchased by the National Trust.
Question 25
Writing "Courage is found in unlikely places," who found courage in Middle Earth, bringing to life the beloved The Lord of the Rings trilogy?
-
ARoald Dahl
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BJ. R. R. Tolkien
-
CDaniel DeFoe
-
DGeoffrey Chaucer
J. R. R. Tolkien
<i>The Lord of the Rings</i> trilogy came to life through the pen of brilliant linguist J.R.R. Tolkien. Fluent in 35 real-world and ancient languages, Tolkien spliced together everything from High Elvish to Qenya to Sindarin from existing languages.
Question 26
Accounting for half of the world's trade at one point, what company was established in the early 17th century and would aid Britain's colonial rule?
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AEast India Company
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BTrinity House
-
CLondon Fog
-
DThe Royal Mail
East India Company
At the turn of the 17th century, the English East India Company was established to gain enormous profits from overseas trade. For more than two centuries, the company traded with Persia, China, Indonesia, and of course India.
Question 27
James Bond did as his author quoth and "never said 'no' to adventure." Who first introduced the James Bond character to the world in his 1953 thriller Casino Royale?
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AIan McKellan
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BIan Fleming
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CCharles Dickens
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DGeorge Orwell
Ian Fleming
The suave and sophisticated spy James Bond, wouldn't exist without Ian Fleming. The 20th-century author created the suspense thrillers, detailing the trials and tribulations of the troubled agent, 007, as he regularly saved the world from its many evil-doers.
Question 28
Home to popular shows like EastEnders and Sherlock, what UK media network is nicknamed "auntie"?
-
ASky One
-
BBBC
-
CThe Guardian
-
DChannel 4
BBC
A staple of British media and news, the BBC has long been referred to as "auntie." While this nickname's origins are hazy, the original use was most likely a criticism of the BBC, suggesting that the network offers unsolicited advice and "knows best."
Question 29
In the late 19th century, what war did England fight with Russia in a dispute over the Holy Land?
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AFirst Opium War
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BFlagstaff War
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CRevolt of the Mercenaries
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DCrimean War
Crimean War
In the 19th century, Christian minorities were being persecuted in the Holy Land. Along with a multitude of other tensions between the allied countries and Russia, the result was the Crimean War. The war brought the UK, France, Sardinia, and the Ottoman Empire together against Russia. Russia lost.
Question 30
Which famed British queen is most associated with Britain's industrial and imperial expansion?
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AQueen Mary
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BQueen Nefertiti
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CQueen Elizabeth I
-
DQueen Victoria
Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria declared herself the Empress of India in 1877. She is known for expanding the British empire and jumpstarting the economy. The London Underground and network railways were also built under her charge. The so-called Victorian period ended in 1901 when she died.
Question 31
Known as "the Bard," Shakespeare was one of the world's greatest poets and playwrights, known for works like Hamlet and Romeo & Juliet. Where was he from?
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ASouth Lanarkshire
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BSheffield
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CStratford-Upon-Avon
-
DNewcastle-upon-Tyne
Stratford-Upon-Avon
The best-known playwright in history, William Shakespeare authored some 38 plays and over a hundred poems and sonnets. "The Bard" even invented some 1,700 words, including arch-villain, cold-blooded, distasteful, engagement, fashionmonger, and the list goes on.
Question 32
With one of his most famous lines being but four words – "You shall not pass!" – what British actor was knighted for his body of work, which includes Shakespearean theatre and his role in The Lord of the Rings?
-
AGary Oldman
-
BMichael Caine
-
CIan McKellan
-
DJohn Wayne
Ian McKellan
Whether as Gandalf in <i>The Lord of the Rings</i> or as Magneto in <i>X-Men</i>, Sir Ian McKellen brings a certain air of authority and credibility to every role he plays. This may be partially due to his history of Shakespearean performances, having won seven Laurence Olivier Awards, among others. The <i>BBC</i> wrote that McKellan's "performances have guaranteed him a place in the canon of English stage and film actors."
Question 33
Home to the Sacred Spring - and a world-famous abbey - what old Roman city sits in Somerset and is famous for its spas?
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ABelfast
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BLiverpool
-
CBrighton
-
DBath
Bath
The city of Bath in Somerset is a spa sight to behold. Built in the 1st century AD, the temples and baths designed by the Romans include the Sacred Spring, the Roman Bath House, and the Grand Pump Room.
Question 34
Once celebrated by giving gifts to the poor, today the day after Christmas is primarily for shopping. What's this UK holiday called?
-
ABlack Friday
-
BThe Day After Christmas
-
CChristmas Post Eve
-
DBoxing Day
Boxing Day
Boxing Day is one of the UK's most popular holidays. Most people shop the sales, play sports, or just walk around on December 26th. No, it has nothing to do with the sport boxing, and more to do with the affluent "boxing" up gifts for their servants.
Question 35
Writing "You see, but you do not observe," Sherlock Holmes and James Watson are his famous creations, as is the novel The Hound of the Baskervilles. Name the author.
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AE.M. Forster
-
BArthur Conan Doyle
-
CThomas Hardy
-
DMark Twain
Arthur Conan Doyle
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle produced perhaps one of literature's most beloved characters, the highly observant and intelligent Sherlock Holmes. The "consulting detective" uses his skills of deduction in investigating various cases, including <i>A Study in Scarlet</i> and <i>The Sign of Four</i>. Sherlock is one of the world's most portrayed literary characters in television and film, according to Guinness World Records.
Question 36
In the early 13th century, what famous charter of rights was signed by King John of England at Runnymede?
-
ARights of Man
-
BTreaty of Paris
-
CDeclaration of Independence
-
DMagna Carta
Magna Carta
By the 13th century, the common people and English nobility had had enough of royalty. In 1215, the Magna Carta was issued, becoming the first written document to lay down the terms of royalty. In order words, neither the king nor the government was above the law. This meant that, for the first time, the law was to keep royal power and authority in check.
Question 37
Breaking away from Roman Catholicism, what church was formed by Henry VIII so he could divorce his wife?
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AEvangelical Church
-
BLutheran Church
-
CMethodist Church
-
DAnglican Church
Anglican Church
The Anglican church – the Church of England – was formed in order to separate from the papal power of the Catholic Church. Wanting to divorce Catherine of Aragon in order to produce a male heir, Henry VIII had the marriage annulled and remarried – and we all know he didn't stop there.
Question 38
Quoted as saying "I would rather be a beggar and single than a queen and married," which "virgin" queen led England to war with Spain?
-
AElizabeth I
-
BElizabeth II
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CFreddie Mercury
-
DVictoria
Elizabeth I
The daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I ended the reign of the House of Tudor. Being the "Virgin Queen," she had no descendants. She is considered one of England's greatest monarchs, leading the country in the defeat of the Spanish Armada and creating a strong, independent nation.
Question 39
Big in the UK as well as Ireland, Saint Patrick's Day celebrates Irish culture and honors the death of its namesake saint. Which of the following was St. Patrick said to have rid from Ireland?
-
ALeprechauns
-
BDragons
-
CSnails
-
DSnakes
Snakes
The patron saint of Ireland is said to have driven all the snakes out of the country and raised some 33 people from the dead. No wonder the Irish celebrate St. Patrick's Day with huge parades, dancing, and traditional foods. Don't forget to wear green!
Question 40
Creating hits like The Office and Extras, what British comedy writer, director, actor, and producer once said "Proper stupidity is fascinating"?
-
ASteve Carell
-
BEddie Izzard
-
CRicky Gervais
-
DJimmy Carr
Ricky Gervais
The co-creator of <i>The Office</i> has taken home armfuls of awards, from Emmys to BAFTAs to Golden Globes, the latter of which he's also hosted on numerous occasions. Gervais has made lists of Britain's greatest stand-up comedians and <i>Time</i>'s list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Question 41
The United Kingdom is made up of 4 separate countries that live under one government. Which of the following is NOT part of the UK?
-
AIreland
-
BWales
-
CScotland
-
DEngland
Ireland
The United Kingdom was officially brought together in its current union in 1922. This union includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Ireland, which was part of the UK starting in 1801, became its own free state that same year.
Question 42
The United Kingdom consists of many islands, and has a lot of coastline. Which of the following bodies of water does NOT border the UK?
-
ABaltic Sea
-
BNorth Sea
-
CIrish Sea
-
DAtlantic Ocean
Baltic Sea
The United Kingdom is surrounded by water. To the west by the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea. To the east, it's bordered by the North Sea. And, of course, the famed English Channel flanks the southern shore.
Question 43
Once the Romans left Britain, right around 400 AD, what group was the next to settle there?
-
AOttomans
-
BAnglo-Saxons
-
CJutes
-
DVikings
Anglo-Saxons
While the Romans left their mark in some ways, the Anglo-Saxons was even more influential, particularly when it comes to language and culture. The Germanic peoples integrated with the Celts, the Danes, and the Normans, forming an early cornucopia of English culture.
Question 44
What group broke up the party that was Northumbria and recorded the history of their raids in runestones?
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AScots
-
BRomans, again
-
CDanes
-
DVikings
Vikings
In the late 8th century AD, the Vikings made an abrupt entrance into Britain. They first raided a holy island off the northeast coast, which was home to the Lindisfarne monastery. After that they came, they saw, and they conquered.
Question 45
Stretching 73 miles (or 80 Roman miles), what famous wall was built when the UK was the Roman province of Britannia?
-
ABerlin Wall
-
BHadrian's Wall
-
CWall of Ston
-
DTrajan's Wall
Hadrian's Wall
The Old Roman Wall was built by Emperor Hadrian of the 2nd century AD. Known today as Hadrian's Wall, it was originally a defensive fortification.
Question 46
Before it eventually went on to become the capital of the UK, what did the Romans call their hub city in Britain?
-
ALindum Colonia
-
BLondinium
-
CBath
-
DLugdunum
Londinium
Roman London was called Londinium, as Roman Britain was called Britannia. The City of London sits atop this original Roman settlement which was founded around 47 BC.
Question 47
Also known as Bonfire Night, a holiday on November 5th commemorates what antihero with the slogan "Remember, remember, the fifth of November"?
-
AJames Bond
-
BShylock
-
CGuy Fawkes
-
DJames Moriarty
Guy Fawkes
Bonfire Night is celebrated on Guy Fawkes Day – the annual commemoration of the Gunpowder Plot that fizzled out. Fawkes and other members attempted to blow up the House of Lords in the 17th century, but in the end, King James I's life was spared.
Question 48
Although he was memorably played by Mel Gibson in Braveheart, his story is even wilder than depicted on the big screen. Name this Scottish knight.
-
AGerard Butler
-
BWilliam Wallace
-
CRobert the Bruce
-
DAdam Smith
William Wallace
"They may take our lives, but they'll never take our freedom!" Scottish knight William Wallace led the army in the First War of Scottish Independence, making headway in battles against the English army. In the end, however, the Scots were defeated, and Wallace was hanged for high treason.
Question 49
What was the name for the series of skirmishes between England and France that began in the 14th century?
-
AWWI
-
BNapoleonic Wars
-
CHundred Years' War
-
DNine Years' War
Hundred Years' War
During the 14th and 15th centuries, the Hundred Years' War dragged on between France and England. Intermittent fighting between the two superpowers ended in a French victory at the Battle of Castillon, after which the Treaty of Paris was signed by French King Louis IX and English King Henry III.
Question 50
Famous for its impromptu street performances, what is London's equivalent to "Times Square" called?
-
APiccadilly Circus
-
BTrafalgar Square
-
CBig Ben
-
DCovent Garden
Piccadilly Circus
It may not have as much grandeur as Times Square, but it does have a lot of heart. Piccadilly Circus is filled with light and life at all hours, centered around the fountain of Eros and branching off into intersecting streets. The "circus" is the circular junction around which all the action radiates.
Question 51
If you go to Scotland, bring an extra suitcase to bring home all its unique products. Which of the following do the Scots produce most of globally?
-
AWool
-
BWhisky
-
CChocolate
-
DVodka
Whisky
The world's biggest producer of whisky, Scotland knows how to pour a strong one. For over a century, they've been producing it without an 'e.' Famed brands include Macallan, Oban, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet.
Question 52
Quoted as saying, "My policy on cake is pro having it and pro eating it," Boris Johnson became Prime Minister of England in 2019. What was his profession before becoming a politician?
-
ARace car driver
-
BVeterinarian
-
CShop owner
-
DJournalist
Journalist
Boris Johnson became the prime minister of the UK in July 2019. Prior to his tenure, he served as mayor of London and later secretary of state for foreign and commonwealth affairs. But prior to that, he was a known correspondent in the UK for <i>The Daily Telegraph</i> and <i>The Spectator</i>.
Question 53
Located mainly in the vast area that is now northern England and southern Scotland, what kingdom was founded in the 6th century?
-
ASussex
-
BAmerica
-
CNorthumbria
-
DKent
Northumbria
The independent states of Deira and Bernicia formed Northumbria, which was ruled by Bernicia's ruler, Aethelfrith. He famously won victories over the Gaels and the Britons.
Question 54
Americans sometimes use the names United Kingdom and Great Britain interchangeably. What is the actual difference?
-
AThey're the same thing
-
BThe United Kingdom has a separate Prime Minister
-
CGreat Britain refers only to England and Scotland
-
DGreat Britain refers to England, Wales, and Scotland
Great Britain refers to England, Wales, and Scotland
To put it simply, the "United Kingdom" is a political term, while "Great Britain" is a geographic one. The former refers to the collective countries of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in their political union, while the latter refers only to the physical island of Britain itself, which contains England, Wales and Scotland.
Question 55
Saying "My definition of success is control," who is this North Irish actor, famous for his Shakespearean roles?
-
AKenneth Branaugh
-
BRobert Pattinson
-
CLaurence Olivier
-
DJeremy Irons
Kenneth Branaugh
Yet another actor to make a name in Shakespearean theatre, Kenneth Branagh is known for his roles in <i>Henry V</i>, <i>Othello</i>, <i>Hamlet</i>, and many more as both actor and director. He also starred as fellow Shakespearean actor Laurence Olivier in <i>My Week with Marilyn</i>, and has taken on countless roles in both television and film.
Question 56
Known as "the People's Princess," Princess Diana died in a car crash in a Paris tunnel while being chased by paparazzi. What year was it?
-
A1997
-
B1994
-
C1991
-
D1989
1997
The beloved Princess of Wales, Lady Di died in a car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997, at the age of 36. She was being chased by paparazzi when the crash occurred, and her death led to a worldwide outpouring of grief, with piles of flowers being left at Kensington Palace. Later that year, Elton John re-released "Candle in the Wind" - or "Goodbye England's Rose" to commemorate her death.
Question 57
The Spice Girls knew "what you want, what you really, really want." Which of the following is NOT a Spice Girls hit from the 1990s?
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A"Waterfalls"
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B"Say You'll Be There"
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C"2 Become 1"
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D"Wannabe"
"Waterfalls"
If you wanted to "spice up your life" in the '90s, the Spice Girls were all the rage. The girl group consisted of Scary Spice, Sporty Spice, Baby Spice, Posh Spice, and Ginger Spice. Together, they helped launch the Second British Invasion. Their biggest hit was "Wannabe" soared to the top of the music charts in 1996.
Question 58
Built atop stunning Castle Rock, what scenic British city is home to the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Holyrood Abbey, and Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags?
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AEdinburgh
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BBelfast
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CCanterbury
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DGlasgow
Edinburgh
High atop Castle Rock (an old volcanic plug) sits Edinburgh Castle, which looks like it's straight out of a medieval saga. The capital of Scotland has a rich history, with the Royal Mile leading visitors through the city's Old Town from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the castle itself. The road has long been a royal procession route, hence its name.
Question 59
What Elizabethan era explorer was the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe and played a key role in defeating the Spanish Armada?
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ASir John Hawkins
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BMarco Polo
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CSir Walter Raleigh
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DSir Francis Drake
Sir Francis Drake
Not only did Sir Francis Drake spend his life exploring, he also took on one of the most powerful navies in the world. Drake helped destroy the Spanish Armada, launching England into its rise as one of the all-time greatest empires.
Question 60
Of the four countries that comprise the UK, each has its own national capital. Which of the following cities is NOT one of them?
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AEdinburgh
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BCardiff
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CBelfast
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DBristol
Bristol
While London is considered the capital of the UK as a whole, each country of the United Kingdom has its own political center. Edinburgh is Scotland's capital, Cardiff is Wales', Belfast is Northern Ireland's, and of course, London is England's. Chester is a city in England.
Question 61
In the late 9th century, who became the King of Wessex and later defeated the Vikings?
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AHenry VI
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BIvan the Terrible
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CJohn the Good
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DAlfred the Great
Alfred the Great
Alfred the Great barely escaped the Vikings, before throwing down the hammer. He returned with reinforcements and knocked them outta the park at the Battle of Edington.
Question 62
The Scottish Highlands are full of magical formations and folklore. What is this famous Isle of Skye rock called?
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AOld Man of Storr
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BOld Man of Hoy
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CCheesewring
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DOld Man and the Sea
Old Man of Storr
The Old Man of Storr has quite a story to tell. This rock formation is located in the scenic mountains of the Isle of Skye and is said to be a giant's thumb protruding from the earth where he was buried at Trotternish Ridge. The rock formation is said to resemble the face of an old man.
Question 63
Drive the Coastal Highway and arrive at this incredible geological formation in Northern Ireland, known as what?
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ACliffs of Moher
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BGiant's Causeway
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CDurdle Door
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DBrimham Rocks
Giant's Causeway
Called "the 8th Wonder of the World" in Ireland, the Giant's Causeway is a stunning sight of six-million-year-old basalt rocks in the form of hexagons jutting out of the sea. Legend has it that they are the ruins of an ancient bridge between Ireland and Scotland that was crushed by a giant.
Question 64
Similar to a Full English Breakfast, which of the following is NOT included in a Northern Ireland Ulster Fry?
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AHashbrowns
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BVeggie roll
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CEgg
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DSoda bread
Hashbrowns
An Ulster Fry is a protein-heavy breakfast that includes egg, bacon, sausage, veggie roll, and soda bread or potato bread. Similar to a "fry-up" or full English Breakfast, the latter also includes all the protein but might also be served with mushrooms, pudding, and fried bread.
Question 65
At only 1.9 million people, which is the least populated country that's part of the United Kingdom?
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AEngland
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BNorthern Ireland
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CScotland
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DWales
Northern Ireland
Of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland is its least populated. England, of course, is the most populated, with nearly 56 million people.
Question 66
Flowing 220 miles through Shropshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire, what is the longest river in the UK?
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AThe Danube
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BRiver Severn
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CRiver Thames
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DRiver Trent
River Severn
Although the Thames gets all the notoriety, the Severn River is actually the longest in the UK, flowing from Plynlimon Mountain to the Bristol Channel. During the Industrial Revolution, the Severn served a particularly important role in the iron industry.
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