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Chapter 3 · A long and illustrious history

Life in the UK test questions on the Restoration and the Glorious Revolution

Parliament invited Charles II back to the throne in 1660, which is known as the Restoration. In 1688 leading Protestants invited William of Orange to invade, and James II fled without a battle — which is why it is remembered as the Glorious Revolution. The Bill of Rights of 1689 confirmed that a monarch rules through Parliament rather than above it.

Below are 7 free questions on the Restoration and the Glorious Revolution, taken from handbook section 3.11. Every one is written out in full with its answer and a plain-English explanation — no account, no sign-up and nothing hidden.

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Questions and answers on the Restoration and the Glorious Revolution

The same 7 questions again, this time with the answers shown. Read the explanation even where you were right — the test asks the same facts several ways.

  1. 1. In which year did Parliament invite Charles II to return as king?

    • 1660 — correct answer
    • 1666
    • 1649
    • 1653

    In 1660 Parliament invited Charles II to come back from exile and take the throne. This is known as the Restoration. Handbook section 3.11.

  2. 2. In which year was the Great Fire of London?

    • 1666 — correct answer
    • 1688
    • 1642
    • 1660

    The Great Fire of London broke out in 1666, the year after the plague. It destroyed much of the city. Handbook section 3.11.

  3. 3. What struck London in 1665, killing thousands of people?

    • A famine
    • A major outbreak of plague — correct answer
    • A great flood
    • An earthquake

    In 1665 a major outbreak of plague swept through London. Thousands died, especially in the crowded parts of the city. Handbook section 3.11.

  4. 4. Who was invited to take the throne from James II in 1688?

    • William of Orange, the Protestant ruler of the Netherlands — correct answer
    • The King of France
    • Oliver Cromwell's son
    • The Archbishop of Canterbury

    Protestant leaders invited William of Orange, the Protestant ruler of the Netherlands, to take the throne. He was married to James II's daughter Mary. Handbook section 3.11.

  5. 5. In which year was the Bill of Rights passed?

    • 1707
    • 1660
    • 1679
    • 1689 — correct answer

    The Bill of Rights was passed in 1689, after the Glorious Revolution. It confirmed the rights of Parliament and the limits on royal power. Handbook section 3.11.

  6. 6. What form of government began to take shape after the Glorious Revolution?

    • A constitutional monarchy, in which the monarch rules within limits set by Parliament — correct answer
    • An absolute monarchy
    • A republic with no monarch
    • Direct rule by the Church

    After 1689 Britain became a constitutional monarchy. The monarch stayed as head of state but could only govern within limits set by Parliament. Handbook section 3.11.

  7. 7. What did the Act of Union of 1707 create?

    • A separate parliament for Wales
    • A union between England and Ireland
    • The Kingdom of Great Britain, with one Parliament at Westminster — correct answer
    • The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

    The Act of Union of 1707 joined Scotland to England and Wales as the Kingdom of Great Britain, with a single Parliament at Westminster. Handbook section 3.11.

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