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Wales Through the Ages

Crafted by Trivia Architect StuHern

Fun Trivia : Quizzes : UK History : Wales Through the Ages

Introduction:
"This quiz takes a brief look at the history of Wales from Roman times through to the present day."


1. In Roman times, southeast Wales was inhabited by a warlike tribe called the Silurians. Tacitus described them as stubborn and valiant and in AD 52 they managed to defeat a Roman legion.
Eventually, however, the Romans overcame the Silurians and built one Britain's three legionary fortresses in their territory. Where was this fortress?
    Newport
    Caerleon
    Chepstow
    Usk


2. The first mention of this ruler was in the Welsh annals of 519. He was seen as a paragon of valour, and Welsh tradition portrays him as the great hero in the struggle against the Saxons. Who was he?
    King Arthur
    King Uther
    King Hywel Dda
    King Offa


3. Wales holds the distinction of being the only country of the United Kingdom to have a home-grown patron saint. He died in AD 589 and the smallest city in the United Kingdom is named after him. What was his name?
    St David
    St George
    St Patrick
    St Andrew


4. Llewelyn ap Iowerth (Llewelyn, son of Iowerth) managed to unify almost all of Wales under his rule. In 1218, advisors of the young Henry III recognised Llewelyn's virtual rule over Wales and his power remained intact until his death. What was the name given to Llewelyn?
    The Good
    The Great
    He was never given any other name
    The Red


5. Although a few rulers such as Llewelyn almost managed to unify Wales for some time, this never lasted. Throughout the Middle Ages, Wales was beset by internal conflict. Which of these reasons is generally considered to be the greatest cause of this lack of unity?
    Inheritance was spread equally among sons
    Welsh rulers were forbidden from raising children
    Norman kings and lords conspired against Welsh rulers
    The mountainous land made unity impossible


6. As the Welsh border after the Norman conquest was seen as something of a frontier, the Norman kings granted special privileges to lords who would rule over these unstable lands. What name was given to these lords?
    Jogger lords
    Strider lords
    Marcher lords
    Walker lords


7. In 1284, after the English king had lead his armies to defeat Llewelyn ap Gruffudd, the Statute of Rhuddlan declared Wales subject to English law. Who was this English king?
    Edward I
    Henry III
    Edward II
    Henry II


8. At the start of the 15th century, a Welsh nobleman led a revolt against English rule which, due to its guerrilla tactics, almost succeeded. What was his name?
    Lord Grey of Rhuthun
    Hwyel ap Efan
    Owain Glyndwr
    Lord Rhys


9. One of the greatest British royal lines has its origins in Wales. Who was the king, raised in Pembroke, who fought under the banner of the Welsh red dragon?
    Henry VII
    Richard III
    Henry VI
    Richard II


10. During the Civil War between Charles I and Parliament (1642-1648), which side did most of Wales support?
    The Royalists
    Support was split quite evenly
    The Parliamentarians
    Wales took no part in the war


11. Growing unrest in south-west Wales, caused largely by exorbitant tolls, lead to rioting between 1839 and 1843. These riots, called 'The Rebecca Riots' mainly targeted tollgates, although attacks later spread to workhouses, unpopular magistrates and harsh land owners. What was unusual about these riots?
    The rioters were led by women
    The rioters disguised themselves as women
    The rioters only sang hymns at their targets
    The rioters all carried bibles


12. In 1801, Cardiff had a population of 1,870 and was only the 25th largest town in Wales. By 1841, the population had grown to 82,000 and it was bigger than any other town in Wales. Which industry was responsible for such a huge growth?
    Slate
    Coal
    Tin
    Wool


13. Wales has had a long association with socialism and the Labour party. Although born in Scotland, the first leader of the Labour party was elected as a member of parliament for Merthyr Tydfil. Who was this pioneering politician?
    Aneurin Bevan
    Neil Kinnock
    David Lloyd George
    James Kier Hardie


14. Tragedy struck in 1966, when a mountainous top of coal waste slid onto a small village in South Wales. The slide engulfed around 20 houses and the local school where children had just returned to their classes after morning assembly. The disaster claimed the lives of 144 people, including 111 children. What was the name of this village?
    Aberfan
    Aberdare
    Aberaman
    Abercynon


15. Ending on a happier note, which milestone of Welsh history was reached in 1999?
    The creation of the Welsh Assembly
    The Welsh rugby team won the Six Nations grand slam for the first time
    The creation of a Welsh-language television channel
    Cardiff celebrated its centenary as a city


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