What general knowledge facts would you expect someone who is British should know?

[jennymanara]

What facts of general knowledge do you think all adults who are British should know?

The Holocaust and what it is
Basic facts about the first and second world war
Basic facts about each of the main religions in the world
Basic grasp of geography worldwide and in Britain

It’s not just the question of religion that the dissolution of the monasteries explains. There were long reaching social and political consequences as well.

Marcus Garvey quote "A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots."

Another person here who thinks people should know something about the dissolution of the monasteries, because that (in England) was the result of a split between church and state that still influences life in Britain today. However young people tell me they learnt far too much about Henry 8th so perhaps that they are taught too much about the monasteries.

I tried a couple of citizenship tests - passed one well and failed another. I dont see why I need to know which century Christianity came to Britain but I do agree with knowing that Wales is in the UK but Canada is not.

I'd like people to know about things that are still relevant to life in Britain today. So that means not only being taught about 2 world wars (too much emphasis on those) but what the Act of Union was, why we have a Prince of Wales, about the "planting" of people in Northern Ireland and the persecution of Catholics there. They should know about Guy Fawkes, the Spanish Armada, the Spanish Inquisition, Magna Carta, 1066 and all that. They should know about Britain's involvement in slavery and in setting up concentration camps. They should know that we had an empire and still have a Commonwealth - and that it isnt always something to be ashamed of. ( It seems to me that the countries of the Commonwealth are in general better off than neighbouring countries who were not part of the Commonwealth. )

They should also know about Magna Carta, the Peasants Revolt, the Chartists, the Suffragettes, the Tolpuddle Martyrs, the Peterloo massacre.

I'd like to see more open discussion of immigration and emigration - so discussion of the Potato Famines (Scotland as well as Ireland), the Highland clearances, religious persecution and the Pilgrim Fathers, Hugenot refugees, the Holocaust and kindertransport, the Windrush generation.

Will probably think of other things later.

I know about the dissolution of the monasteries and have a bit if a grip on the significance of this.

Has anyone said the Highland Clearances?

I’d add British people scientists and engineers (Lister, MacAdam, Rutherford, Brunel off the top of my head), architects (Luytens, Landserr, Christopher Wren), composers (from Purcell to Lennox Berkeley), artists, sportspeople and explorers.

A vague understanding of what cricket is.

An opinion on Marmite!

A bit of history, good English, knowledge of the political set up, some legal understanding especially road laws, cultural references, knowledge of Christianity (if they are not Christian). The life in Britain test though is too much, I struggled on bits despite being pretty well educated - I think more emphasis on language and values, less on ancient kings!

jennymanara

I know about the dissolution of the monasteries. But as a child we visited Fountains Abbey a couple of times and also I went to RC schools.

People should know not to talk on the tube.

I think there’s a lot of focus in Henry 8th and his wives and the split from Rome. Or at least that’s what people remember.

Pretty much agree with your list there. I’d add the reformation, industrial revolution and social reform.

I passed, but I had no idea on who had won an oscar and I don't see it's relevance.

The 4 capital cities in the uk
How long has the queen been on the throne
Which party is in goverment
The address of the prime minister
Which city were the Beatles from
How long did WW2 last
When was the Falkland's war
What is the name of the crazy First Minister the Scots have to put up with

@sashh I talk on the tube
Last time I chatted to a lovely Greek woman during the rush hour taking her GD to school. She seemed relieved that someone was chatting to her.

I would also expect people to know about the Black Death and the Fire of London.
Agree about the industrial revolution and the peasants revolt - basic info.
Also about the poll tax and the riots. That some cities were traditionally famous for producing certain things such as Sheffield and Stoke on Trent.
The difference between the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

The cause of WW1&2
Knowledge of world/country geography
the history of the country - highland clearances, potato famine in Ireland, slavery, votes for women, the commonwealth and colonalism
a good basic knowledge of science
the formation of the UK
how government works

things on the sample test that are not necessary knowledge

which UK country eats roast beef - not sure the Hindus, vegetarians and vegans want to be lumped in with the people who do.
who appoints life peers - so what?
when Xmas eve is - you'll soon find out when the shops start stocking xmas stuff in September.
that Crystal palace was built for the great exhibition
the two British actors who have won Oscars - a lucky guess for me.

Ffs really? What is the name of the crazy First Minister the Scots have to put up with

Awareness of major landmarks, especially those outside London - Giant’s Causeway, Angel of the North, York Minster, Durham cathedral, Wells Cathedral,Ironbridge Gorge, the Severn Crossings, Clifton Suspension Bridge, Tyne Bridge.

National Parks, mountains

@StoorieHoose how to ignore wind up artists

I went to a rough state school and know all about the dissolution of the monasteries. However, we do have one such a monastery in the centre of our large town so I suppose it was an easy day out.

I only got 1 wrong in that test although I had a couple of guesses. The oscar one was odd. I didn't know that either had got oscars but as the other 2 answers were an American and an F1 driver it was obvious what to choose

What is the name of the crazy First Minister the Scots have to put up with

If you think she's bad, look at what the tories in England have put forward for prime minister...

just doing another "life in the UK" test - just for fun. Unless you live in Wales who needs to know what's in Welsh cakes (although they are eggless, which can be useful). Who needs to know how old Big Ben is, or "What name is given to the period in the 18th century when new ideas about politics, philosophy and science were developed? " or the exact year the War of the Roses ended?

I passed that test - still think some of the questions are too obscure. I do think people should know when Christmas Eve is, though.

@OldHoleySocks

I passed that test - still think some of the questions are too obscure. I do think people should know when Christmas Eve is, though.

I thought that was a really crap question. Christmas Eve is not a public holiday, and when it falls depends on which branch of christianity you follow.

A little bit about the history Ireland Britain share.
That the Republic of Ireland is not part of Britain.
Where the Irish border is.