Which historic figure is associated with the birthplace of Hayes Barton in Devon?
- Sir Francis Drake
- Sir Walter Raleigh
- William Shakespeare
- Queen Elizabeth I
Correct Answer: Sir Walter Raleigh
Correct Answer Explanation: Sir Walter Raleigh, a prominent explorer and writer, was born at Hayes Barton in 1552. This connection is mentioned in Phillpotts’s work, highlighting the historical significance of the farmhouse.
What was the primary reason for the building of fortifications at Berry Head in the early 19th century?
- To defend against Viking raids
- To prevent smuggling
- To protect against a potential Napoleonic invasion
- To safeguard the local fishing industry
Correct Answer: To protect against a potential Napoleonic invasion
Correct Answer Explanation: The threat of Napoleon Bonaparte’s ambitions led to the construction of fortifications at Berry Head and other locations along the English coast in the early 19th century. Phillpotts’s writings reflect the anxieties and preparations for potential conflict during that era.
What significant event marked the start of British colonial history in Newfoundland?
- The discovery of gold in Newfoundland
- The establishment of the first British settlement in Newfoundland
- The signing of a treaty between Britain and France for the control of Newfoundland
- The arrival of the first European explorers in Newfoundland
Correct Answer: The establishment of the first British settlement in Newfoundland
Correct Answer Explanation: Sir Humphrey Gilbert, a notable explorer from Devon, established the first British settlement in Newfoundland in 1583, a significant event in British colonial history mentioned in Phillpotts’s work.
Which castle in Devon is the only one named in the Domesday Book?
- Berry Pomeroy Castle
- Tintagel Castle
- Okehampton Castle
- Dunster Castle
Correct Answer: Okehampton Castle
Correct Answer Explanation: Okehampton Castle holds the distinction of being the sole castle in Devon named in the Domesday Book, highlighting its historical importance. This information is provided in Phillpotts’s travelogue.
What was the primary material used in the construction of the “New London Bridge”?
- Brick
- Stone
- Wood
- Iron
Correct Answer: Granite
Correct Answer Explanation: The “New London Bridge” was built with granite quarried from Bagtor in Dartmoor, demonstrating the significance of this natural resource and the transportation infrastructure involved. Phillpotts discusses this in detail.
What notable playwright was born at Bagtor House in Devon?
- William Shakespeare
- John Ford
- Christopher Marlowe
- Ben Jonson
Correct Answer: John Ford
Correct Answer Explanation: John Ford, a renowned playwright known for his tragic and decadent works, was born at Bagtor House in Devon, adding to the region’s literary heritage discussed by Phillpotts.
Which ancient structure on Dartmoor is associated with the legendary King Arthur?
- Siward’s Cross
- Tintagel Castle
- The Devil’s Tor
- The Cheesewring
Correct Answer: Tintagel Castle
Correct Answer Explanation: Although the existing ruin of Tintagel Castle dates back to the Norman Conquest, legend has it that King Arthur was born there. This connection is mentioned by Phillpotts, highlighting the enduring power of myth and legend in the West Country.
What was the primary function of ancient crosses in the West Country?
- To mark boundaries
- To serve as religious symbols
- To provide navigational aid
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Ancient crosses in the West Country served as religious symbols, navigational markers, and boundary markers, showcasing their multifaceted importance and cultural significance. Phillpotts discusses this in detail.
What was the first railroad built in the West Country?
- The Great Western Railway
- The South Western Railway
- The granite tramway connecting Bagtor to the Stover Canal
- The Cornish Railway
Correct Answer: The granite tramway connecting Bagtor to the Stover Canal
Correct Answer Explanation: The granite tramway built to transport stone from Bagtor to the Stover Canal was the first railroad in the West Country, illustrating the early use of rail transport in the region. This is discussed by Phillpotts.
Which type of building did not exist in medieval Okehampton?
- Church
- Manor house
- Castle
- Mill
Correct Answer: Mill
Correct Answer Explanation: While Okehampton had a church, manor house, and castle, it lacked a mill, showing its focus on other industries. This detail is absent from Phillpotts’s work, requiring deduction.
What was the main reason for the construction of the “New London Bridge”?
- To replace the old London Bridge, which was structurally unsound
- To widen the Thames River
- To connect the city of London to the South Bank
- To improve the flow of traffic across the Thames
Correct Answer: To replace the old London Bridge, which was structurally unsound
Correct Answer Explanation: The old London Bridge was structurally unsound and overcrowded with shops, necessitating its replacement with the “New London Bridge”, built with granite quarried from Dartmoor. Phillpotts discusses this.
What is the primary economic activity in the village of Delabole, Cornwall?
- Fishing
- Mining
- Farming
- Tourism
Correct Answer: Mining
Correct Answer Explanation: Delabole is renowned for its slate quarry, which has been operational for over 350 years and produces a significant amount of slate each week. This highlights the importance of mining to the local economy. Phillpotts may allude to this.
What was the primary purpose of “pounds” in the West Country?
- To house prisoners
- To trap game or livestock
- To store grain
- To protect against invaders
Correct Answer: To trap game or livestock
Correct Answer Explanation: “Pounds” were enclosures used to trap game or livestock, providing a vital resource for food and income in the past. This terminology is not explicitly used by Phillpotts, but can be inferred from his descriptions of the countryside.
What is the approximate distance from which the granite used for the “New London Bridge” was transported?
- 500 feet
- 1200 feet
- 2500 feet
- 5000 feet
Correct Answer: 1200 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The granite for the “New London Bridge” was transported 1200 feet down from Hey Tor on Dartmoor, highlighting the engineering challenge involved in moving such a large quantity of material. Phillpotts mentions this.
Which type of bridge is commonly found in the West Country?
- Suspension bridge
- Truss bridge
- Beam bridge
- Clapper-bridge
Correct Answer: Clapper-bridge
Correct Answer Explanation: Clapper-bridges are a distinctive type of bridge found in the West Country, characterized by their flat, open deck supported by a series of stones. Phillpotts may mention them.
What was the name given to the tin miners who worked in the alluvial tin mines of Dartmoor?
- Stannators
- Doodlers
- Bodgers
- Cairn-builders
Correct Answer: Stannators
Correct Answer Explanation: Stannators were the tin miners who worked in the alluvial tin mines of Dartmoor, a significant industry in the West Country’s history. Phillpotts may mention them.
What is the typical shape of a hut circle on Dartmoor?
- Square
- Rectangular
- Circular
- Triangular
Correct Answer: Circular
Correct Answer Explanation: Hut circles on Dartmoor are typically circular depressions in the ground, often surrounded by a ring of stones, marking the location of prehistoric dwellings. Phillpotts might mention them.
What is the primary difference between the early Christian crosses and those that replaced them in the 7th century?
- The early crosses were made of wood, while the later ones were made of stone.
- The early crosses were decorated with elaborate carvings, while the later ones were simpler.
- The early crosses depicted a symbolic lamb, while the later ones depicted the figure of Christ.
- The early crosses were used for navigational purposes, while the later ones were solely religious symbols.
Correct Answer: The early crosses depicted a symbolic lamb, while the later ones depicted the figure of Christ.
Correct Answer Explanation: The early Christian crosses in Cornwall depicted a symbolic lamb, but this was replaced by the figure of Christ in the 7th century, reflecting a shift towards a more human representation of Christ. Phillpotts might allude to this.
What geological feature is responsible for the distinctive landscape of Dartmoor?
- Volcanic activity
- Glacier erosion
- River erosion
- Granite formations
Correct Answer: Granite formations
Correct Answer Explanation: The rugged landscape of Dartmoor is shaped by granite formations, which have weathered over time to create its distinctive tors, valleys, and moorland. Phillpotts discusses this in detail.
What is a “palimpsest”?
- A type of ancient weapon
- A type of musical instrument
- A type of historical document
- A type of religious ritual
Correct Answer: A type of historical document
Correct Answer Explanation: A palimpsest is a manuscript or object that has been written or inscribed over multiple times, revealing layers of history. Phillpotts might mention them.
What is the meaning of the term “foderatore”?
- A type of ancient Roman chariot
- A type of Italian raftman
- A type of medieval knight
- A type of Celtic priest
Correct Answer: A type of Italian raftman
Correct Answer Explanation: Foderatores were raftmen in Italy, who navigated dangerous waters in their quest for transport and trade. This is not mentioned by Phillpotts, but is a relevant term related to the West Country’s maritime history.
What is the primary natural feature of the Exe Estuary?
- A series of waterfalls
- A vast forest
- A network of caves
- The interplay of sea and river
Correct Answer: The interplay of sea and river
Correct Answer Explanation: The Exe Estuary is a dynamic landscape where the sea and the River Exe meet, creating a unique environment. Phillpotts discusses this in detail.
Which of these is NOT a feature of the Cornish coastline?
- Secluded coves
- Dramatic cliffs
- Sandy beaches
- Deep forests
Correct Answer: Deep forests
Correct Answer Explanation: While Cornwall has many natural features, deep forests are not a prominent part of its coastline. Phillpotts likely mentions the cliffs, coves, and beaches.
What is a “stickle” in a stream or river?
- A type of fish
- A bend in the river
- A shallow stretch of water
- A type of water plant
Correct Answer: A shallow stretch of water
Correct Answer Explanation: A stickle is a shallow stretch of water in a stream or river, often containing rapids or waterfalls. Phillpotts might mention them.
Which of these works of literature is NOT mentioned by Phillpotts in relation to the West Country?
- “Westward Ho!”
- “The Lover’s Melancholy”
- “Pride and Prejudice”
- “‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore”
Correct Answer: “Pride and Prejudice”
Correct Answer Explanation: “Pride and Prejudice” is not set in the West Country and is not referenced by Phillpotts. The other works are all associated with the region.
What is the significance of the “Act for Reforming the Church Service” in the history of Berry Pomeroy Castle?
- It led to the castle being demolished
- It led to the castle being sold to a new owner
- It led to the castle being seized by the Crown
- It had no impact on the castle
Correct Answer: It led to the castle being seized by the Crown
Correct Answer Explanation: The Pomeroy family’s defiance against the “Act for Reforming the Church Service” in 1549 led to the sequestration of Berry Pomeroy Castle to the Crown. Phillpotts mentions this.
What is the primary source of information for Phillpotts’s “A West Country Pilgrimage”?
- Personal experience and observation
- Archival research
- Historical records
- Literary sources
Correct Answer: Personal experience and observation
Correct Answer Explanation: Phillpotts’s “A West Country Pilgrimage” is a travelogue based on his personal experiences and observations while exploring the West Country. He blends this with historical information, but his primary source is his own journey.
What is the approximate year of publication for “A West Country Pilgrimage”?
- 1820
- 1920
- 2020
- 1720
Correct Answer: 1920
Correct Answer Explanation: “A West Country Pilgrimage” by Eden Phillpotts was published in 1920, just after the end of World War I. Phillpotts’s writing reflects the social and political changes of that era.
What is a “cairn”?
- A type of prehistoric burial mound
- A type of ancient fort
- A type of Celtic religious symbol
- A type of traditional West Country dance
Correct Answer: A type of prehistoric burial mound
Correct Answer Explanation: Cairns are piles of stones used as markers or monuments, often marking prehistoric burial sites. They are found in the West Country and mentioned by Phillpotts.
Which of these is NOT a characteristic of the West Country landscape?
- Rolling hills
- Winding rivers
- Vast moors
- Dense jungles
Correct Answer: Dense jungles
Correct Answer Explanation: The West Country is known for its rolling hills, winding rivers, and vast moors, but dense jungles are not a characteristic feature. Phillpotts describes these landscapes.
What is the primary literary genre of “A West Country Pilgrimage”?
- Historical fiction
- Romance
- Travelogue
- Poetry
Correct Answer: Travelogue
Correct Answer Explanation: “A West Country Pilgrimage” is a travelogue, a genre that combines personal experiences, observations, and historical information to provide a vivid account of a journey.
What is the approximate year of Sir Walter Raleigh’s birth?
- 1452
- 1552
- 1652
- 1752
Correct Answer: 1552
Correct Answer Explanation: Sir Walter Raleigh was born in 1552 at Hayes Barton in Devon. This is mentioned by Phillpotts, highlighting his importance to the region’s history.
What is the name of the only castle in Cornwall associated with King Arthur?
- Tintagel Castle
- Caerphilly Castle
- Dover Castle
- Edinburgh Castle
Correct Answer: Tintagel Castle
Correct Answer Explanation: Tintagel Castle in Cornwall is the only castle associated with King Arthur, although the existing ruin dates back to the Norman Conquest. Phillpotts mentions this.
What is the significance of the “New London Bridge” in the context of Phillpotts’s work?
- It demonstrates the importance of the West Country’s natural resources
- It highlights the engineering advancements of the era
- It reflects the anxieties of the time
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The “New London Bridge” is a prominent example of how the West Country’s natural resources (granite) were used for major projects, showcasing engineering advancements and reflecting the anxieties of the time. Phillpotts discusses this in detail.
What is the approximate year of the opening of the “New London Bridge”?
- 1731
- 1831
- 1931
- 2031
Correct Answer: 1831
Correct Answer Explanation: The “New London Bridge” was opened in 1831, signifying a major engineering achievement of the time. Phillpotts likely mentions this.
What is the primary purpose of the Old Delabole Slate Quarry?
- To produce stone for building houses
- To produce slate for roofing
- To extract granite for roads
- To mine for gold
Correct Answer: To produce slate for roofing
Correct Answer Explanation: Old Delabole Slate Quarry is known for producing slate for roofing, highlighting the importance of this natural resource to the region’s economy. Phillpotts may mention this.
What is the primary material used for clapper bridges in the West Country?
- Granite
- Brick
- Wood
- Iron
Correct Answer: Granite
Correct Answer Explanation: Clapper bridges in the West Country are typically built with granite, reflecting the region’s abundant supply of this stone. Phillpotts may mention this.
What is the name of the river that flows through the Exe Estuary?
- The River Tamar
- The River Avon
- The River Exe
- The River Severn
Correct Answer: The River Exe
Correct Answer Explanation: The Exe Estuary is formed by the confluence of the River Exe and the sea. Phillpotts mentions this.
What is the approximate year of John Ford’s birth?
- 1486
- 1586
- 1686
- 1786
Correct Answer: 1586
Correct Answer Explanation: John Ford, a notable playwright, was born in 1586 at Bagtor House in Devon. Phillpotts mentions this.
What is a “pot-hole” in the context of the West Country landscape?
- A type of ancient dwelling
- A type of rock formation
- A type of traditional game
- A type of local delicacy
Correct Answer: A type of rock formation
Correct Answer Explanation: Pot-holes are round, smooth depressions in rock surfaces, carved by the swirling action of water. They are found in the West Country and might be mentioned by Phillpotts.
What is the name of the medieval stronghold built by Radulphus de la Pomerio in the 11th century?
- Tintagel Castle
- Berry Pomeroy Castle
- Okehampton Castle
- Dunster Castle
Correct Answer: Berry Pomeroy Castle
Correct Answer Explanation: Berry Pomeroy Castle was built by Radulphus de la Pomerio in the 11th century, a significant historical landmark in the West Country. Phillpotts mentions this.
What is the primary theme of “A West Country Pilgrimage” by Eden Phillpotts?
- The beauty and history of the West Country
- The challenges faced by people in the West Country
- The impact of modernization on the West Country
- The role of religion in the West Country
Correct Answer: The beauty and history of the West Country
Correct Answer Explanation: Phillpotts’s “A West Country Pilgrimage” is a celebration of the West Country’s natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural heritage. This is the overarching theme of his work.