UK history
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The UK has a long and rich history dating back centuries. Even for history buffs, there are always new fascinating facts about the country to be learned.

If you’re an international student in the country, one way to learn more about the UK is to explore its unique history.

Test yourself on these ten history facts and see how many you know. While it may be tempting to flip the card to reveal the answers, try your best to guess first!

Who is the longest reigning monarch in British history?

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Queen Elizabeth II - she has been ruling England for 67 years. In fact, she is now the world's longest reigning monarch.

What is the official name of Big Ben - London's famous landmark?

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It's official name is The Clock Tower. Situated at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, it was officially renamed 'Elizabeth Tower' in 2012. Big Ben is just a nickname.

When did Margaret Thatcher serve as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom?

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Margaret Thatcher was the Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990 and was the first woman in British history to hold the position.

When was the United Kingdom officially formed?

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The United Kingdom came into being on 1 May 1707, as a result of Acts of Union being passed by the parliaments of England and Scotland to unite the two kingdoms.

When did the United Kingdom join the EU?

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The United Kingdom joined the European Communities on 1 January 1973, which later came to be known as the European Union.

What is the name of the UK's oldest hospital?

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St. Bartholomew's Hospital in Rochester, Kent, is the oldest hospital in the UK. It was founded in 1078, and was closed permanently in September 2016.

When was the University of Oxford established?

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The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, where evidence of teaching was found as early as 1096.

What caused the Great Famine in Ireland, which went on from 1845 to 1849?

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The Great Famine, sometimes called the Irish Potato Famine, was a period of great starvation and disease largely caused by a shortage of potatoes due to infected crops causing a food crisis.

Who is the English engineer and computer scientist who founded the World Wide Web?

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Sir Timothy John Berners-Lee, also known as TimBL, is known as the founder of the World Wide Web.

Which British King owned his very own polar bear that often went swimming in the Thames river?

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King Henry III famously kept a polar bear at the Royal Menagerie, which was a gift by King Haakon of Norway.

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