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Westminster Abbey Trivia Quiz

Westminster Abbey is perhaps one of the best known churches in the world, so I thought why not do a quiz about it.

A multiple-choice quiz by kittyconner. Estimated time: 5 mins.

Author
kittyconner

Time
5 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
97,930

Updated
Jan 08 22

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
5 / 10

Plays
592

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Which King built the first church on the site where the Abbey now stands? Hint

Harold l

Edward the Martyr

Edward the Confessor

William the Conqueror

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Question 2 of 10

2. Edward built his church in honour of which saint? Hint

St George

St Paul

St Andrew

St Peter

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Question 3 of 10

3. When was King Edward's church consecrated? Hint

December 1066

December 1063

December 1064

December 1065

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Question 4 of 10

4. William the Conqueror was the first king to be crowned there, but on what specific day was his coronation? Hint

Christmas Eve

Easter Sunday

Boxing Day

Christmas Day

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Question 5 of 10

5. In 1163 Edward the Confessor became a saint, and his shrine in the abbey was consecrated, who performed this act?

Answer: (Three Words (middle word is 'a' or �))

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Question 6 of 10

6. In 1240 Henry III demolished the original church. What was Henry's nickname? Hint

Henry the architect

Henry the builder

Henry the vandal

Henry the destroyer

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Question 7 of 10

7. In 1270 there was no more money for the rebuilding of the abbey, so when was work on the abbey finally completed? Hint

1645

1745

1845

1545

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Question 8 of 10

8. Which of the following poets is not buried it Poets Corner? Hint

Robert Browning

Lord Byron

John Masefield

Alfred Lord Tennyson

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Question 9 of 10

9. Who was the last unknown person to be buried in the Abbey? Hint

the unknown soldier

the unknown sailor

the unknown warrior

the unknown pilot

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Question 10 of 10

10. Royal brides always lay their bridal bouquets on the tomb of the unknown warrior. Who started the tradition? Hint

Queen Elizabeth ll

Princess Alexandria

Queen Victoria

Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Which King built the first church on the site where the Abbey now stands?

Answer: Edward the Confessor

At that time Westminster was separated from London proper, it was on an island called Thorney Island, only after the church was built did it get the name Westminster, meaning 'west church'. Edward began building his church in 1042. In this context, 'Confessor' has nothing to do with going to confession but means 'one who resolutely proclaims the faith in the face of danger or adversity.'

2. Edward built his church in honour of which saint?

Answer: St Peter

Edward did this at the request of the then Pope.

3. When was King Edward's church consecrated?

Answer: December 1065

Edward barely lived long enough to see the consecration of his beloved church, he died in January 1066.

4. William the Conqueror was the first king to be crowned there, but on what specific day was his coronation?

Answer: Christmas Day

1066 was the 'year of the three kings', Edward the Confessor, Harold I and William the Conqueror.

5. In 1163 Edward the Confessor became a saint, and his shrine in the abbey was consecrated, who performed this act?

Answer: Thomas � Becket

Thomas � Becket was murdered seven years later in Canterbury cathedral.

6. In 1240 Henry III demolished the original church. What was Henry's nickname?

Answer: Henry the builder

In Henry's reign there were no major wars, so he could spend his time on building projects, and his first priority was the rebuilding of Westminster Abbey.

7. In 1270 there was no more money for the rebuilding of the abbey, so when was work on the abbey finally completed?

Answer: 1745

Most of the building was completed in the 13th century, Henry VII's Chapel at the east end - an outstanding example of highly ornate, late medieval architecture - was added in the reign of Henry VII, but parts of the nave weren't completed until 1745.

8. Which of the following poets is not buried it Poets Corner?

Answer: Lord Byron

When Byron died in Greece. Permission was requested for him to be buried in the Abbey. Because Byron's lifestyle was considered so scandalous, the request was refused. Although he died in 1824 it wasn't until 1969 that he was even granted a memorial plaque there.

9. Who was the last unknown person to be buried in the Abbey?

Answer: the unknown warrior

The body of an unknown soldier was brought back from France in 1920. He was interred in the Abbey to represent all the fallen in that most horrendous war. Since then no-one has been buried in the Abbey, but many people have their ashes there.

10. Royal brides always lay their bridal bouquets on the tomb of the unknown warrior. Who started the tradition?

Answer: Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother

The Queen Mother did this at her wedding to Albert Duke of York, who later became King George VI. It's possible she did this in memory of her brother who was killed in WWl.

Source: Author kittyconner

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
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