A Long and Illustrious History
This is the largest area of the test. It covers key eras of British history from prehistoric times to the twentieth century.
Early Britain to the Middle Ages
Ancient sites such as Stonehenge date from the Stone Age and Bronze Age. The Romans occupied Britain for centuries. In 1066 the Norman Conquest, led by William at the Battle of Hastings, was the last successful foreign invasion of England. In 1215 Magna Carta established that even the king was subject to the law.
The Tudors, Union and Empire
Henry VIII broke with the Church of Rome, creating the Church of England. The Act of Union of 1707 joined England (with Wales) and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain. The Industrial Revolution from the 18th century made Britain a leading manufacturing power.
The Twentieth Century
Britain took part in both World Wars. During the Second World War, Winston Churchill became Prime Minister in 1940 and led the country through much of the conflict. These events shaped the modern UK and its place in the world.