Through East Anglia in a Motor Car Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

What did Vincent find to be the only Roman colony in East Anglia?

Norwich
Bury St. Edmunds
Colchester
Cambridge

Correct Answer: Colchester

Correct Answer Explanation: Vincent notes that while Roman occupation in East Anglia was limited, Colchester stands out as the region’s only Roman colony, highlighting its historical significance.

What is the story of the “Wolfpittes” at Woolpit?

Two children emerged from pits claiming to be from a land without sun
A wolf guarded the head of St. Edmund
A group of stags was trained to go four-in-hand
Eugene Aram, a schoolmaster, was accused of murder

Correct Answer: Two children emerged from pits claiming to be from a land without sun

Correct Answer Explanation: The “Wolfpittes” at Woolpit are known for the peculiar tale of a boy and a girl who emerged from the pits, claiming to be from a land without sun. Their story is often cited as an example of folklore and the region’s rich tapestry of local legends.

What is the meaning of the Latin phrase “Cunctando restituit rem”?

Shame be to him who thinks evil of it
The glory has departed
By delaying he restored the state
A piece of metal with a picture of Christ on it

Correct Answer: By delaying he restored the state

Correct Answer Explanation: “Cunctando restituit rem” is a Latin phrase meaning “by delaying he restored the state.” The phrase is often used to describe the strategy of delaying action in order to gain an advantage.

Which city was once considered the second city in Norfolk?

Norwich
Thetford
Bury St. Edmunds
Ipswich

Correct Answer: Thetford

Correct Answer Explanation: Thetford, despite its decline in prominence, was once considered the second city in Norfolk, a testament to its historical importance and former grandeur.

Which famous figure was born in Burnham Thorpe?

John Constable
Thomas Paine
Horatio Nelson
Eugene Aram

Correct Answer: Horatio Nelson

Correct Answer Explanation: Burnham Thorpe holds the distinction of being the birthplace of the renowned Admiral Horatio Nelson, a figure whose impact on British naval history is undeniable.

Who was responsible for reclaiming the Fens for agriculture?

Vermuyden, Francis, Duke of Bedford, and Rennie
The Iceni
The Danes
Robert Fitzwalter

Correct Answer: Vermuyden, Francis, Duke of Bedford, and Rennie

Correct Answer Explanation: The reclamation of the Fens, a challenging feat of engineering, was largely attributed to the efforts of individuals like Vermuyden, Francis, Duke of Bedford, and Rennie, who transformed the watery wilderness into fertile farmland.

What was the estimated area of land lost to the sea in East Anglia over ten centuries?

100 square miles
160 square miles
200 square miles
250 square miles

Correct Answer: 160 square miles

Correct Answer Explanation: The relentless force of the sea has claimed a significant portion of East Anglia’s landmass, with estimates suggesting that over ten centuries, a staggering 160 square miles were lost to the relentless waves.

What is a clerestory?

A fortified town or city
A piece of metal with a picture of Christ on it
A gallery or chamber over a church porch
A row of windows placed high in the walls of a church

Correct Answer: A row of windows placed high in the walls of a church

Correct Answer Explanation: Clerestories are architectural elements that add a distinctive feature to many churches. These windows, situated high in the walls above the aisle roof, serve to bring natural light into the interior.

What is the main projectile used in the “Battle of Harwich”?

A 32-pounder red-currant pudding
A cannonball
An arrow
A stone

Correct Answer: A 32-pounder red-currant pudding

Correct Answer Explanation: The “Battle of Harwich” is a humorous anecdote that highlights the lighthearted spirit of the era. In this unconventional battle, eleven yachtsmen battled nine others, with the surprising main projectile being a 32-pounder red-currant pudding.

How many parishes are in the Norfolk and Suffolk countryside?

Correct Answer: 730

Correct Answer Explanation: The Norfolk and Suffolk countryside is characterized by its vast expanse, encompassing 730 parishes that contribute to the region’s unique character and rural charm.

How many churches are in Norwich?

Correct Answer: 35

Correct Answer Explanation: Norwich is known for its abundance of churches, with 35 standing as testament to the city’s rich history and architectural heritage.

What did Vincent note as the most significant impact of the motor-car on the social landscape?

Increased travel speed
Increased vehicle pollution
Increased traffic congestion
Increased opportunities for recreation

Correct Answer: Increased opportunities for recreation

Correct Answer Explanation: Vincent, writing in a time when the motor-car was a relatively new invention, saw its greatest impact on the social landscape as an opportunity for greater leisure and recreation.

Which monastery did Vincent mention as being particularly important to the local culture and economy?

Ely Cathedral
Bury St. Edmunds Abbey
Walsingham Priory
All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: Vincent highlights the significant role of several monasteries, including Ely Cathedral, Bury St. Edmunds Abbey, and Walsingham Priory, in shaping the cultural and economic landscape of East Anglia.

What was the approximate population of Norwich in 1906?

70,000
80,000
90,000
112,000

Correct Answer: 112,000

Correct Answer Explanation: Norwich, a city steeped in history, experienced a growth in population during the early 20th century. In 1906, its population reached an estimated 112,000 people, reflecting the city’s ongoing vitality.

How many shafts do the “Dane holes” in Hangman’s Wood have?

Correct Answer: 50

Correct Answer Explanation: The “Dane holes” of Hangman’s Wood, thought to be ancient refuges from the Danes, hold a unique place in East Anglia’s history. These underground chambers are accessed through a network of shafts, with a total of 50 documented shafts.

Where was the first coursing club in England founded?

Norwich
Thetford
Swaffham
Ipswich

Correct Answer: Swaffham

Correct Answer Explanation: The tradition of coursing, a sport involving the pursuit of hares by greyhounds, has deep roots in East Anglia. The first coursing club in England was established in Swaffham, a testament to the region’s connection to this sport.

What is the main reason for the decline of Dunwich?

The plague
War
Erosion of the cliffs
Loss of trade

Correct Answer: Erosion of the cliffs

Correct Answer Explanation: Dunwich, once a thriving port, has suffered a slow and relentless decline due to the erosive power of the sea. The cliffs that once protected the town have gradually crumbled, leading to its gradual disappearance.

Why was the “Great White Horse” in Ipswich criticized by Charles Dickens?

The horse was poorly made
The horse was a symbol of oppression
The horse was built on land that was later used for a railway
The horse was a symbol of a past era that Dickens found distasteful

Correct Answer: The horse was a symbol of a past era that Dickens found distasteful

Correct Answer Explanation: Charles Dickens, known for his social commentary, found the “Great White Horse” in Ipswich to be an outdated symbol of a past era he found distasteful. This criticism highlights Dickens’s keen observation of the changing social landscape.

Which figure was imprisoned in Castle Rising?

Boadicea
Isabella
King Edmund
Thomas Paine

Correct Answer: Isabella

Correct Answer Explanation: Castle Rising, a historic site in East Anglia, has witnessed a rich tapestry of events. One notable figure imprisoned within its walls was Isabella, also known as the She-Wolf of France, a testament to the castle’s role in shaping history.

What was the main cause for the decline of Thetford as a major city in Norfolk?

Loss of trade routes
Plague
War
Fire

Correct Answer: Loss of trade routes

Correct Answer Explanation: Thetford, once a significant city, suffered a decline in fortunes due to the loss of key trade routes. This shift in economic activity contributed to its diminishing stature.

What is the approximate height of Landguard Point?

285 feet
385 feet
485 feet
585 feet

Correct Answer: 385 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: Landguard Point, a prominent feature along East Anglia’s coastline, stands at an impressive 385 feet in height, providing stunning views of the surrounding area.

Which of these was not mentioned as a feature of the Fenland?

Watery wilderness
Fertile landscape
Ancient Roman fortresses
Reclamation for agriculture

Correct Answer: Ancient Roman fortresses

Correct Answer Explanation: The Fens, a unique landscape in East Anglia, are characterized by their watery origins, reclamation for agriculture, and fertile soil. However, the presence of ancient Roman fortresses is not a notable characteristic of this region.

What was the main purpose of Brancaster as a Roman fortress?

To control trade
To defend the coast against Saxon pirates
To house Roman soldiers
To protect the interior from invaders

Correct Answer: To defend the coast against Saxon pirates

Correct Answer Explanation: Brancaster, a Roman fortress strategically located on the East Anglian coast, served primarily as a defensive outpost against Saxon pirates. Its location underscored the importance of securing the coast against invaders.

Where was the first six-cylinder Rolls-Royce built?

Norwich
Thetford
Ipswich
Cambridge

Correct Answer: Ipswich

Correct Answer Explanation: Ipswich, a town with a rich automotive history, was the birthplace of the first six-cylinder Rolls-Royce, marking a significant milestone in the development of the automobile.

Why was the “Angel” in Bury St. Edmunds a popular destination for travelers?

It was a famous church
It was a popular stop for coach travelers
It was a well-known marketplace
It was a prominent landmark

Correct Answer: It was a popular stop for coach travelers

Correct Answer Explanation: The “Angel” in Bury St. Edmunds held a special appeal for travelers during the 19th century. Its reputation as a popular stop for coach travelers underscored its significance as a welcoming and hospitable establishment.

What is a parvise?

A row of windows placed high in the walls of a church
A piece of metal with a picture of Christ on it
A gallery or chamber over a church porch
A fortified town or city

Correct Answer: A gallery or chamber over a church porch

Correct Answer Explanation: Parvises, often found in churches, are galleries or chambers located above the porch. They can serve as additional space for various purposes, such as prayer or contemplation.

Who was the author of The Age of Reason?

John Constable
Eugene Aram
Thomas Paine
Horatio Nelson

Correct Answer: Thomas Paine

Correct Answer Explanation: The Age of Reason, a controversial work exploring deism and Enlightenment principles, was written by Thomas Paine, a figure known for his radical views and impact on the American Revolution.

Which figure is most closely associated with the story of the “Dane holes”?

King Edmund
The Iceni
Boadicea
Vermuyden

Correct Answer: The Iceni

Correct Answer Explanation: The “Dane holes” of East Anglia are often linked to the Iceni, a powerful tribe that inhabited the region during the Roman period. These underground chambers are thought to be ancient refuges from the Danes, reflecting a time of conflict and resilience.

Which of these is not a historical fact about Norwich?

It was a major wool-trading center in the 1800s
It had 35 churches
Its population in 1693 was between 28,000 and 29,000
It was founded by the Romans

Correct Answer: It was founded by the Romans

Correct Answer Explanation: Norwich’s history stretches back to before the Roman period, with evidence of Anglo-Saxon settlement in the city. While Roman influence is seen in its development, the city predates the Roman era.

Which of these is not a traditional product of East Anglia?

Ipswich oysters
Red-currant pudding
Rolls-Royce
Norwich mustard

Correct Answer: Rolls-Royce

Correct Answer Explanation: Rolls-Royce, while associated with Ipswich as the birthplace of its first six-cylinder model, is not a traditional product of East Anglia. The region is known for its oysters, mustard, and other local delicacies.

Who was Boadicea?

Queen of the Iceni
Queen of the Fens
Queen of the Saxons
Queen of the Danes

Correct Answer: Queen of the Iceni

Correct Answer Explanation: Boadicea, a legendary figure in British history, was the Queen of the Iceni, a tribe that inhabited East Anglia. Her rebellion against Roman rule is a significant event in the region’s history.

What was the approximate height of Thetford’s Mound?

50 feet
75 feet
100 feet
125 feet

Correct Answer: 100 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: Thetford’s Mound, a prominent landmark in the town, stands at an impressive 100 feet in height, offering sweeping views of the surrounding area.

Which of these is not a traditional English phrase or saying?

Honi soit qui mal y pense
Ichabod
Murage
Petticoats

Correct Answer: Murage

Correct Answer Explanation: “Murage” is a historical term referring to a tax levied for the building and maintenance of city walls. While other phrases like “Honi soit qui mal y pense” and “Ichabod” are common English expressions, “Murage” is less frequently encountered in everyday conversation.

What was the primary reason for the construction of Landguard Fort in Harwich?

To protect against French invasion
To defend the coastline against pirates
To control trade routes
To house military personnel

Correct Answer: To protect against French invasion

Correct Answer Explanation: Landguard Fort in Harwich was strategically built to protect the English coast against the threat of French invasion, reflecting the historical tensions between the two nations.

What is the approximate compass of Thetford’s Mound?

250 feet
500 feet
750 feet
1000 feet

Correct Answer: 1000 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: Thetford’s Mound, a prominent feature in the town, has a compass of 1000 feet, reflecting its scale and historical significance.

Which of these is not a historical figure mentioned in the book?

Sir Robert de Salle
Thomas Coke
Eugene Aram
John Constable

Correct Answer: John Constable

Correct Answer Explanation: John Constable, while a famous landscape painter associated with East Anglia, is not mentioned in the book as a historical figure.

What is a “pax”?

A piece of metal with a picture of Christ on it
A row of windows placed high in the walls of a church
A gallery or chamber over a church porch
A fortified town or city

Correct Answer: A piece of metal with a picture of Christ on it

Correct Answer Explanation: The “pax” is a religious object used in Catholic services. It is a piece of metal with a picture of Christ on it, kissed by all after Mass, a practice symbolizing peace and unity among the congregation.

What is the approximate cost to build the “White Hart” in Scole in 1655?

£250
£500
£750
£1057

Correct Answer: £1057

Correct Answer Explanation: The “White Hart” in Scole, a historical inn, cost a significant sum of £1057 to build in 1655, reflecting the substantial investment made in creating such a prominent establishment.

What was the main reason for the decline of Yarmouth as a major port?

Erosion of the coastline
Competition from other ports
The plague
War

Correct Answer: Competition from other ports

Correct Answer Explanation: Yarmouth, a once-thriving port, experienced a decline in its fortunes due to competition from other ports that emerged as more important centers for trade.

What was the approximate population of Norwich in 1693?

10,000
20,000
28,000
35,000

Correct Answer: 28,000

Correct Answer Explanation: Norwich, a city with a long history, had a population of approximately 28,000 in 1693, demonstrating its size and importance during that period.

What is the approximate tax paid by the “Angel” in Norwich for 30 windows in the 18th century?

£50
£75
£100
£115

Correct Answer: £115

Correct Answer Explanation: The “Angel” in Norwich, a historical inn, paid a tax of £115 for its 30 windows during the 18th century. This tax demonstrates the financial burden placed on such establishments during that period.

What is the meaning of the word “oppidum”?

A piece of metal with a picture of Christ on it
A gallery or chamber over a church porch
A fortified town or city
A row of windows placed high in the walls of a church

Correct Answer: A fortified town or city

Correct Answer Explanation: “Oppidum” is a Latin word that refers to a fortified town or city, particularly one of British origin. It highlights the military and defensive significance of such settlements.

Who was the third Lord Orford?

A prominent landowner who trained a team of four stags to go four-in-hand
A famous coach driver who traveled through East Anglia
A renowned admiral who fought in the Battle of Harwich
A historical figure who was imprisoned in Castle Rising

Correct Answer: A prominent landowner who trained a team of four stags to go four-in-hand

Correct Answer Explanation: The third Lord Orford is notable for his unusual feat of training a team of four stags to go four-in-hand. This anecdote illustrates the eccentricities of the aristocracy and the unique stories that emerge from East Anglia’s history.

What is the approximate size of Hainault Forest?

1000 acres
2000 acres
3000 acres
4000 acres

Correct Answer: 4000 acres

Correct Answer Explanation: Hainault Forest, a significant woodland area in East Anglia, spanned a considerable size of 4000 acres. It is a reminder of the region’s natural beauty and the importance of preserving its green spaces.

What is the main purpose of a “petticoat” in the context of art?

A type of clothing worn by women
A style of portraiture featuring women
A type of fabric used in painting
A technique used in painting

Correct Answer: A style of portraiture featuring women

Correct Answer Explanation: “Petticoats” is a term used by Gainsborough, a famous painter, to refer to portraits of women, particularly emphasizing the elegance and grace of their attire. This term highlights the role of clothing and fashion in artistic expression.

What is the meaning of the word “rhapsodize”?

To speak or write in an enthusiastic or exaggerated way
To tell a story in a dramatic way
To write a poem about a specific topic
To create a piece of art

Correct Answer: To speak or write in an enthusiastic or exaggerated way

Correct Answer Explanation: “Rhapsodize” is used to describe the act of speaking or writing with great enthusiasm or exaggeration, often to express excitement or admiration for a particular topic.

What was the main reason for the construction of the “Dene-holes”?

To protect against Saxon pirates
To house Roman soldiers
To defend the coast from the Danes
To provide shelter from invaders

Correct Answer: To provide shelter from invaders

Correct Answer Explanation: The “Dene-holes” of East Anglia are thought to be ancient refuges from invaders, particularly the Danes. These underground chambers served as safe havens during times of conflict, underscoring the importance of resilience and survival in the region’s history.

Who is most closely associated with the legend of St. Edmund, King of East Anglia?

The Danes
The Saxons
The Romans
The Iceni

Correct Answer: The Danes

Correct Answer Explanation: St. Edmund, King of East Anglia, is a prominent figure in the region’s history. He was martyred by the Danes, and his legend is intricately linked to their invasion and influence in the area.

Which city was a major wool-trading center in the 1800s?

Ipswich
Norwich
Cambridge
Bury St. Edmunds

Correct Answer: Norwich

Correct Answer Explanation: Norwich played a significant role in the wool trade during the 1800s, a testament to its economic strength and importance as a center for commerce.

What is the main reason why East Anglia is often overlooked by tourists?

The region is too expensive to visit
The region lacks historical significance
The region is often associated with negativity
The region lacks attractions

Correct Answer: The region lacks attractions

Correct Answer Explanation: While East Anglia boasts rich history and natural beauty, it often suffers from the perception that it lacks the iconic attractions that draw tourists to other regions of England. However, this perception belies the region’s hidden gems and captivating stories.

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