What was the name of the Roman settlement near Cambridge?
- Camboritum
- Granta-ceaster
- Ely
- Stourbridge
Correct Answer: Camboritum
Correct Answer Explanation: Camboritum was the Roman settlement near Cambridge, possibly derived from the British Cam Rhydd, meaning “ford of the Cam.”
What is the meaning of the phrase “Hobson’s Choice”?
- A choice between two equally good options
- A choice between two equally bad options
- The only choice available
- A choice that is made without any thought
Correct Answer: The only choice available
Correct Answer Explanation: The phrase “Hobson’s Choice” originated from Thomas Hobson, a Cambridge carrier who famously offered his customers “This or none” when choosing horses.
Which church in Cambridge is considered the oldest?
- St. Benet’s Church
- Great St. Mary’s Church
- King’s College Chapel
- Trinity College Chapel
Correct Answer: St. Benet’s Church
Correct Answer Explanation: St. Benet’s Church is considered the oldest church in Cambridge, with its Saxon tower potentially built by English inhabitants dispossessed by the Danes.
What is the name of the defensive ditch surrounding Cambridge?
- The King’s Ditch
- The Devil’s Dyke
- The Fleam Dyke
- The Cam
Correct Answer: The King’s Ditch
Correct Answer Explanation: The King’s Ditch, a defensive ditch surrounding Cambridge, was possibly built by the Danes and later expanded by King John and Henry the Third.
What is the name of the prehistoric earthwork running from the Cam to Balsham?
- The King’s Ditch
- The Devil’s Dyke
- The Fleam Dyke
- The Cam
Correct Answer: The Fleam Dyke
Correct Answer Explanation: The Fleam Dyke is a prehistoric earthwork running from the Cam to Balsham, a defensive line against invaders.
Which medieval guild founded Corpus Christi College?
- The Guild of St. Mary
- The Guild of Corpus Christi
- The Guild of St. Radegund
- The Guild of St. Neot’s
Correct Answer: The Guild of Corpus Christi
Correct Answer Explanation: The Guild of Corpus Christi, along with the Guild of St. Mary, played a vital role in the development of Cambridge, contributing to the establishment of the Collegiate system.
What is the name of the glass tankard housed in Clare College believed to change color in the presence of poison?
- The Poison Cup
- The Stourbridge Cup
- The Cambridge Cup
- The Ely Cup
Correct Answer: The Poison Cup
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Poison Cup,” a glass tankard housed in Clare College, was fitted with a crystal that was believed to change color in the presence of poison.
What is the name of the renowned fair held near Cambridge, described as the largest in Europe by Carter?
- Stourbridge Fair
- Ely Fair
- Cambridge Fair
- The Fenland Fair
Correct Answer: Stourbridge Fair
Correct Answer Explanation: Stourbridge Fair, once a renowned fair held near Cambridge, was described by Carter as the largest in Europe and served as the inspiration for Bunyan’s “Vanity Fair.”
What is the name of the Roman road that passed through Cambridgeshire?
- Akeman Street
- Ermine Street
- Fosse Way
- Via Devana
Correct Answer: Akeman Street
Correct Answer Explanation: Akeman Street, a Roman road that passed through Cambridgeshire, connected Wells on the Wash with Aust on the Severn.
What is the name of the prehistoric earthwork near Cherry Hinton, evidence of a past massacre?
- The War Ditches
- The Devil’s Dyke
- The Fleam Dyke
- The King’s Ditch
Correct Answer: The War Ditches
Correct Answer Explanation: The War Ditches, a prehistoric earthwork near Cherry Hinton, revealed evidence of a past massacre through excavation.
Which Scottish princess sought refuge at Eltisley?
- St. Pandiana
- St. Etheldreda
- St. Neot
- St. Mary
Correct Answer: St. Pandiana
Correct Answer Explanation: St. Pandiana, a Scottish princess, sought refuge at Eltisley, where a well still bears her name.
Which town was founded by Ethelfleda, “the Lady of the Mercians”?
- St. Neot’s
- Cambridge
- Ely
- Stourbridge
Correct Answer: St. Neot’s
Correct Answer Explanation: St. Neot’s, the town founded by Ethelfleda, “the Lady of the Mercians,” was named after St. Neotus, the brother and spiritual mentor of King Alfred.
What is the name of the geological site near Ely known for the unusual presence of chalk above boulder clay?
- The Roslyn Pit
- The Ely Pit
- The Devil’s Dyke
- The Fleam Dyke
Correct Answer: The Roslyn Pit
Correct Answer Explanation: The Roslyn Pit, a geological site near Ely, is known for the unusual presence of chalk above boulder clay, potentially caused by ice action.
What is the name of the massive sluice that controls the flow of water into the Wash?
- Denver Sluice
- The Bedford Rivers
- The Ely Sluice
- The Cam
Correct Answer: Denver Sluice
Correct Answer Explanation: Denver Sluice, a massive sluice that controls the flow of water into the Wash, is a crucial element of the fenland drainage system.
What is the name of the street leading to Ely Cathedral?
- The Gallery
- The College
- The Palace
- The Cloister
Correct Answer: The Gallery
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Gallery,” the street leading to the cathedral, was named after the covered gallery that once connected the Cathedral and the Palace.
What is the name of the long gallery added to Ely Palace by Bishop Goodrich?
- The Gallery
- The College
- The Palace
- The Cloister
Correct Answer: The Gallery
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Gallery” within Ely Palace was added by Bishop Goodrich and features his original inscription of the “Duties” towards God and neighbor.
What is the name of the term still used to refer to the Cathedral precincts at Ely?
- The Gallery
- The College
- The Palace
- The Cloister
Correct Answer: The College
Correct Answer Explanation: The term “College” is still used to refer to the Cathedral precincts at Ely, a reminder of the College of Priests founded by Alfred the Great.
What is the name given to the area of gardens and river walks behind the Cambridge colleges?
- The Backs
- The Commons
- The Cloister
- The Gallery
Correct Answer: The Backs
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Backs,” the area of gardens and river walks behind the Cambridge colleges, offer a picturesque setting for contemplation and relaxation.
What is the name for the system of traps used to catch wild fowl, formerly common in the Fens?
- Decoy
- Sluice
- Leam
- Lode
Correct Answer: Decoy
Correct Answer Explanation: Decoys, a system of traps used to catch wild fowl, were once prevalent in the Fens.
What is the name given to artificial channels cut through the Fenland, providing navigation routes?
- Decoy
- Sluice
- Leam
- Lode
Correct Answer: Lode
Correct Answer Explanation: Lodes, artificial channels cut through the Fenland, provided navigation routes for boats and contributed to the region’s economic development.
What is the name for the lowest quality of beer at Ely Abbey?
- Skegman
- Common Ale
- Abbey Ale
- Strong Ale
Correct Answer: Skegman
Correct Answer Explanation: “Skegman” was the term for the lowest quality of beer at Ely Abbey.
What is the name of the unique octagonal tower at Ely Cathedral, designed by Alan of Walsingham?
- The Octagon
- The Lantern
- The Spire
- The Tower
Correct Answer: The Octagon
Correct Answer Explanation: The Octagon at Ely Cathedral is a unique octagonal tower designed by Alan of Walsingham after the fall of the original central tower, showcasing the genius of Decorated architecture.
What is the name of the Fellows’ Garden at St. John’s College, noted for its abundance of spring flowers?
- The Wilderness
- The Garden
- The Fellows’ Garden
- The Backs
Correct Answer: The Wilderness
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Wilderness,” the Fellows’ Garden at St. John’s College, is noted for its abundance of spring flowers, a rarity in Cambridgeshire.
How many monks were at Ely Abbey before the dissolution?
- 28
- 36
- 70
- 100
Correct Answer: 70
Correct Answer Explanation: Prior to the dissolution of the monasteries, Ely Abbey housed approximately 70 monks.
What is the approximate value of the Priory of St. Radegund’s annual income in 1455, converted to today’s money?
- £30
- £1,200
- £3,500
- £7,000
Correct Answer: £1,200
Correct Answer Explanation: The Priory of St. Radegund had an annual income of £70 in 1455, which is equivalent to approximately £1,200 today.
What is the average yield of coprolites per acre?
- 100 tons
- 200 tons
- 300 tons
- 400 tons
Correct Answer: 300 tons
Correct Answer Explanation: The average yield of coprolites, a type of fossilized dung used as fertilizer, was 300 tons per acre.
How much did merchants pay for the right to dig coprolites per acre?
- £3
- £30
- £150
- £300
Correct Answer: £150
Correct Answer Explanation: Merchants paid £150 per acre for the right to dig coprolites.
What was the approximate weekly wage for a “fossil-digger”?
- 10s.
- 20s.
- 40s.
- 60s.
Correct Answer: 40s.
Correct Answer Explanation: The weekly wage for a “fossil-digger” was 40s.
What was the approximate annual income of Whittlesea Church before its division in the 19th century?
- £100
- £300
- £700
- £1,200
Correct Answer: £700
Correct Answer Explanation: Whittlesea Church had an annual income of £700 before its division in the 19th century.
How many vessels cleared from Wisbech harbor in 1909?
- 100
- 209
- 300
- 400
Correct Answer: 209
Correct Answer Explanation: In 1909, 209 vessels cleared from Wisbech harbor, showcasing the importance of Wisbech as a port in the region.
What was the original length of Thorney Abbey Church?
- 117 feet
- 290 feet
- 400 feet
- 500 feet
Correct Answer: 290 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The original length of Thorney Abbey Church was 290 feet, but much of it was demolished by Henry VIII during the dissolution of the monasteries.
How many couples of wild fowl were sent from a single decoy at Ely to London in 1750?
- 1,000
- 2,000
- 3,000
- 4,000
Correct Answer: 3,000
Correct Answer Explanation: In 1750, a single decoy at Ely sent 3,000 couples of wild fowl to London, demonstrating the significance of the Fens for hunting and wildlife.
What is the name of the system for heating a Roman house using hot air?
- Hypocaust
- Decoy
- Sluice
- Leam
Correct Answer: Hypocaust
Correct Answer Explanation: The Romans utilized a system called a hypocaust to heat their houses by circulating hot air under the floor and through the walls.
Who was the legendary figure who led resistance against the Normans?
- Hereward the Wake
- Brithnoth
- Edmund Ironside
- Canute
Correct Answer: Hereward the Wake
Correct Answer Explanation: Hereward the Wake was a legendary figure who led resistance against the Normans, using the Isle of Ely as a refuge.
What is the name of the early type of crucifix depicting Christ in a royal robe and helm?
- The Majestas crucifix
- The Poison Cup
- The Stourbridge Cup
- The Cambridge Cup
Correct Answer: The Majestas crucifix
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Majestas” crucifix, an early type of crucifix, depicts Christ in a royal robe and helm, a predecessor to the later “realistic” crucifix.
What is the name of the passageway connecting the cloisters with the main building of an abbey or monastery?
- Slype
- Gallery
- Cloister
- Backs
Correct Answer: Slype
Correct Answer Explanation: The “slype,” a passageway connecting the cloisters with the main building of an abbey or monastery, was a key element of monastic architecture.
What is the name of the gallery in a church, above the arcade and below the clerestory?
- Triforium
- Gallery
- Cloister
- Backs
Correct Answer: Triforium
Correct Answer Explanation: The “triforium,” a gallery in a church located above the arcade and below the clerestory, often features windows and adds a unique architectural element.
What is the name of the ornamental screen or wall behind an altar, often featuring sculptures or paintings?
- Reredos
- Gallery
- Cloister
- Backs
Correct Answer: Reredos
Correct Answer Explanation: The “reredos,” an ornamental screen or wall behind an altar, often features sculptures or paintings and enhances the visual appeal of the church’s interior.
What is the name of the small bell rung during certain parts of the Mass?
- Sanctus Bell
- Chapel Bell
- Altar Bell
- Choir Bell
Correct Answer: Sanctus Bell
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Sanctus Bell,” a small bell rung during certain parts of the Mass, notably the “Ter Sanctus” and the consecration of the Host, adds a devotional element to the service.
What was the approximate annual pension for a “good choir man”?
- £5
- £15
- £50
- £80
Correct Answer: £80
Correct Answer Explanation: A “good choir man” received an annual pension of £80, reflecting the importance of the choir in the liturgical life of the abbey.
What is the approximate equivalent value of the £26 8s. money given to each monk upon leaving Ely Abbey in today’s money?
- £5
- £15
- £50
- £80
Correct Answer: £15
Correct Answer Explanation: The £26 8s. given to each monk upon leaving Ely Abbey is equivalent to approximately £15 in today’s money.
What is the name of the system of serfdom in medieval England where peasants were bound to work for their lord?
- Villenage
- Manorialism
- Feudalism
- Peasantry
Correct Answer: Villenage
Correct Answer Explanation: Villenage was the system of serfdom in medieval England, where peasants were bound to work for their lord in exchange for the use of land.
What is the name for a Roman country house, often with luxurious features such as a hypocaust?
- Villa
- Mansion
- House
- Palace
Correct Answer: Villa
Correct Answer Explanation: A “villa” was a Roman country house, often with luxurious features such as a hypocaust, reflecting the Roman presence and influence in the region.
What is the name for a document where earlier writing has been scraped off to make room for new text?
- Palimpsest
- Manuscript
- Codex
- Scroll
Correct Answer: Palimpsest
Correct Answer Explanation: A “palimpsest” is a document where earlier writing has been scraped off to make room for new text, sometimes visible beneath the later text.
What is the name for willow shoots used to make baskets?
- Withes
- Twigs
- Branches
- Shoots
Correct Answer: Withes
Correct Answer Explanation: “Withes” are willow shoots used to make baskets, highlighting the traditional crafts and skills of the region.
What is the name for a partition, often with elaborate wood carving, used to create enclosed pews or confessionals in churches?
- Parclose
- Screen
- Wall
- Partition
Correct Answer: Parclose
Correct Answer Explanation: A “parclose” is a partition, often with elaborate wood carving, used to create enclosed pews or confessionals in churches.
What is the name for a chamber or gallery above a church porch, often used for prayer or as a space for musicians?
- Parvis
- Gallery
- Porch
- Belfry
Correct Answer: Parvis
Correct Answer Explanation: A “parvis” is a chamber or gallery above a church porch, often used for prayer or as a space for musicians.
What is the name for a monk’s cassock, lined with wool?
- Pellice
- Cassock
- Habit
- Robe
Correct Answer: Pellice
Correct Answer Explanation: A “pellice” is a monk’s cassock, lined with wool, reflecting the distinctive attire of monastic orders.
What is the name for a branch house of a religious order, such as those established by the Knights Hospitallers?
- Preceptory
- Abbey
- Monastery
- Priory
Correct Answer: Preceptory
Correct Answer Explanation: A “preceptory” was a branch house of a religious order, such as those established by the Knights Hospitallers, showcasing the diverse religious institutions present in the region.
What is the name for a freeholder, often a farmer, in medieval England?
- Yeoman
- Peasant
- Serf
- Villein
Correct Answer: Yeoman
Correct Answer Explanation: A “yeoman” was a freeholder, often a farmer, in medieval England, reflecting the social hierarchy of the time.
What is the name for the term for a church or building that has been damaged or destroyed?
- Wreck
- Ruin
- Destruction
- Devastation
Correct Answer: Wreck
Correct Answer Explanation: “Wreck” is a term used to describe a church or building that has been damaged or destroyed, reflecting the historical events and changes that shaped the landscape.
What is the name for a means of crossing over a fence or wall?
- Stile
- Gate
- Passage
- Path
Correct Answer: Stile
Correct Answer Explanation: A “stile” is a means of crossing over a fence or wall, highlighting the rural character of the region and the practicalities of navigating the landscape.
What is the name of the decisive battle between Edmund Ironside and Canute in 1016?
- Assandun
- Maldon
- Hastings
- Stamford Bridge
Correct Answer: Assandun
Correct Answer Explanation: Assandun, possibly located near Bartlow, was the site of a decisive battle between Edmund Ironside and Canute in 1016.
What is the name of the famous poem that recounts the heroic stand of Brithnoth against a Danish invasion?
- The Song of Maldon
- The Song of Brithnoth
- The Battle of Assandun
- The Battle of Hastings
Correct Answer: The Song of Maldon
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Song of Maldon,” a famous poem, recounts the heroic stand of Brithnoth, Alderman of East Anglia, against a Danish invasion.