The history chapter opens with several thousand years covered at speed. You don't need to know it in depth, but the dates below are worth learning, 1066 most of all.
From chapter 3 of the handbook: A long and illustrious history
Both Roman dates start with 4: in AD 43, out AD 410.
1066 and 1086 are twenty years apart: the Conquest, then the Domesday Book listing what had been conquered.
Our summary, in our own words. The test can ask about anything in the chapter, so read the official handbook too.
All 16 of our questions on this topic. Say your answer before you open it: trying to answer first helps you remember it.
Roughly how long ago was Britain permanently separated from the continent by the Channel?
Britain became an island about 10,000 years ago, when rising sea levels formed the Channel.
Where does Stonehenge stand?
Stonehenge stands on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, and was probably a site of ceremony or seasonal gathering.
What is Skara Brae?
Skara Brae, on Orkney, is the best preserved prehistoric village in northern Europe.
Who led an unsuccessful Roman invasion of Britain in 55 BC?
Julius Caesar's invasion in 55 BC failed. The successful invasion came nearly a century later.
In which year did the Romans successfully invade Britain?
The successful invasion came in AD 43 under the emperor Claudius. The Romans then stayed for around 400 years.
Who was Boudicca?
Boudicca led the Iceni in revolt against the Romans. There is a statue of her on Westminster Bridge in London.
Why was Hadrian's Wall built?
The emperor Hadrian ordered the wall built to keep out the Picts, the tribes of what is now Scotland.
In which year did the Roman army leave Britain?
The Romans left in AD 410 to defend other parts of their empire, and never returned.
Which group settled in Britain after the Romans left and gave England its name?
Anglo-Saxons from northern Europe settled after the Roman withdrawal, and the kingdoms they founded gave England its name.
What was found at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk?
The burial site at Sutton Hoo is thought to be the grave of an Anglo-Saxon king, buried with his ship and treasure.
In which year did Viking raids on Britain begin?
Viking raids began in AD 789. Some Vikings later stayed and settled rather than raiding.
In which year was the Battle of Hastings fought?
William of Normandy defeated Harold at Hastings in 1066 and became king of England.
Who defeated Harold at the Battle of Hastings?
William of Normandy, known afterwards as William the Conqueror, won at Hastings and took the English throne.
What is the Bayeux Tapestry?
The Bayeux Tapestry depicts the events of the Norman Conquest and can still be seen in France.
What was the Domesday Book, compiled in 1086?
The Domesday Book recorded landholding across England, so the new Norman rulers knew what they had taken.
The Norman Conquest of 1066 was the last successful foreign invasion of England.
No foreign invasion has succeeded in England since 1066.
Chapter 3 practice test: Early Britain · 16 questions · 30 minutes if you take it timed