British History: Life in the UK Test Practice Questions
British History is one of the topics covered in the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, which every real test question comes from. It covers: British history from the Romans and the Norman Conquest through the monarchy, the Tudors, the Industrial Revolution, the World Wars and the making of modern Britain.
Of the 696 questions in our practice bank, 257 are British History questions. On a typical 24-question test you can expect roughly 9 from this topic. Below are 10 sample questions with answers and explanations to show you exactly what to prepare for.
Sample British History Questions and Answers
Try each question before expanding the answer. Every question below also appears in one of our free practice tests.
1. What were the first people to live in Britain known as?
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The first people to live in Britain were hunter-gatherers, in what we call the Stone Age.
2. When did the first Christian communities begin to appear in Britain?
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Explanation
It was during the 3rd and 4th centuries AD that the first Christian communities began to appear in Britain.
3. The English Parliament developed into two separate parts known as Houses. What were they called?
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Two separate parts, known as Houses, were established: the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
4. What important book was written to be used in the Church of England during the reign of Edward VI?
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During his reign, the Book of Common Prayer was written to be used in the Church of England. A version of this book is still used in some churches today.
5. When Elizabeth I died in 1603, who inherited the English throne?
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When she died in 1603 her heir was her cousin James VI of Scotland. He became King James I of England, Wales and Ireland.
6. What were constituencies with hardly any voters called after the Glorious Revolution?
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Explanation
Some constituencies had hardly any voters and were called 'rotten boroughs'. Constituencies controlled by a single wealthy family were called 'pocket boroughs'.
7. How long did Queen Victoria reign?
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Queen Victoria reigned until 1901, almost 64 years. At the date of writing (2013), this was the longest reign of any British monarch.
8. The Boer War of 1899 to 1902 was fought in South Africa against settlers from which country?
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The Boer War of 1899 to 1902 saw the British go to war in South Africa with settlers from the Netherlands called the Boers.
9. Which leader became Prime Minister and served as an inspirational figure for the British people throughout the Second World War?
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Winston Churchill became Prime Minister in 1940 and inspired the British people with his leadership and speeches during the Second World War.
10. Which conflict marked the final military engagement between Great Britain and France?
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The Battle of Waterloo in 1815 was the last major battle between Britain and France. It ended Napoleon's rule as Emperor of France and marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars.
Practise British History Until It Sticks
The app lets you practise by category, so you can drill British History questions on their own. All 20 mock exams, every question in 13 languages, and weak-spot tracking, all in the app.
Study This Topic First
Prefer to read before you practise? Our free study guide breaks down what the Life in the UK handbook actually tests.
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Every full test includes British History questions alongside the other four categories, in the same mix as the real exam.