Early Britain — Life in the UK Test practice questions
These practice questions cover Early Britain, part of the A long and illustrious history chapter of the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. The correct answer and a clear explanation sit under every question.
Practice questions
Which site is described as the best preserved prehistoric village in northern Europe?
- Sutton Hoo
- Stonehenge
- ✓ Skara Brae — Correct answer
- Maiden Castle
Skara Brae on Orkney is the best preserved prehistoric village in northern Europe. Stonehenge is another Stone Age site, but it was probably a special gathering place for seasonal ceremonies.
Where is Stonehenge now?
- Suffolk
- Dorset
- ✓ Wiltshire — Correct answer
- Orkney
Stonehenge still stands in Wiltshire. Dorset is home to Maiden Castle, Orkney is home to Skara Brae, and Suffolk is home to Sutton Hoo.
What was the Domesday Book used for after the Norman Conquest?
- A list of Roman roads
- A register of church music
- A map of the Danelaw
- ✓ A record of towns, villages, landowners and animals — Correct answer
The Domesday Book was a record of towns and villages, who lived there, who owned the land, and what animals they owned. It still exists today.
What were the houses of Bronze Age people called?
- ✓ Roundhouses — Correct answer
- Plantations
- Longboats
- Manors
People in the Bronze Age lived in roundhouses.
Who was the queen of the Iceni who fought against the Romans?
- St Columba
- Kenneth MacAlpin
- ✓ Boudicca — Correct answer
- Harold
Boudicca was the queen of the Iceni and one of the leaders who fought against the Romans. A statue of her stands on Westminster Bridge in London.
What did Iron Age people use to make weapons and tools?
- Copper
- ✓ Iron — Correct answer
- Stone
- Bronze
Iron Age people learned to make weapons and tools from iron. That period also had roundhouses, hill forts, and the first coins minted in Britain.
Which leader helped the people in the north to unite under one king?
- St Patrick
- ✓ Kenneth MacAlpin — Correct answer
- Julius Caesar
- William the Conqueror
In the north, the threat of Viking attack encouraged people to unite under Kenneth MacAlpin. The term Scotland began to be used for that country.
What is the name for the period when the first people lived in Britain as hunter-gatherers?
- ✓ The Stone Age — Correct answer
- The Iron Age
- The Bronze Age
- The Norman Conquest
The first people in Britain were hunter-gatherers, and this was the Stone Age. The Bronze Age and Iron Age came later.