The Black Death — Life in the UK Test practice questions
These practice questions cover The Black Death, 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
What system of land ownership did the Normans use?
- Parliamentarism
- Humanism
- ✓ Feudalism — Correct answer
- Mercantilism
The Normans used feudalism. In this system, the king gave land to his lords in return for military help.
About what fraction of the population of England died in the Black Death?
- About one quarter
- ✓ One third — Correct answer
- One half
- One fifth
About one third of the population of England died in the Black Death. Similar losses were also seen in Scotland and Wales, showing how severe the plague was across Britain.
What did labour shortages after the Black Death make peasants begin to demand?
- New bishops
- ✓ Higher wages — Correct answer
- More castles
- Longer wars
After the Black Death, labour shortages meant peasants began to demand higher wages.
What were most peasants called if they had to work for their lord and could not move away?
- ✓ Serfs — Correct answer
- Knights
- Bishops
- Aldermen
Most peasants in the feudal system were called serfs. They were tied to their lord’s land and had to work for the lord as part of their duties.