Q 01/05

Under what name did the Romans found the settlement that became London?

A) Camulodunum

B) Verulamium

C) Londinium

D) Eboracum

Answer · why

C) Londinium

Londinium began while Camulodunum (Colchester) was Roman Britain's capital, but it had probably taken over that role by the 2nd century.

Q 02/05

Which Iceni queen led the rebels who burned London around AD 61?

A) Boudica

B) Cartimandua

C) Eleanor

D) Matilda

Answer · why

A) Boudica

Boudica rose against Rome after it seized her late husband's kingdom and, Tacitus says, had her flogged.

Q 03/05

Legend says disaster will befall Britain if which birds ever leave the Tower of London?

A) Pigeons

B) Ravens

C) Swans

D) Crows

Answer · why

B) Ravens

Ravens at the Tower are enlisted almost like soldiers, and a bird can be dismissed for bad behaviour, as several have been.

Q 04/05

Which king took control of London from the Vikings in 886?

A) Æthelstan

B) Alfred

C) Edward the Elder

D) Edward the Confessor

Answer · why

B) Alfred

Alfred then began calling himself King of the Anglo-Saxons, as the English not under Danish rule submitted to him.

Q 05/05

Where was William the Conqueror crowned on Christmas Day 1066?

A) Canterbury Cathedral

B) Westminster Abbey

C) St Paul's Cathedral

D) Winchester Cathedral

Answer · why

B) Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey rang with cheers at his coronation, which Norman guards outside mistook for a riot, so they set nearby houses on fire.