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d Knowledge of British History
1. The first traffic light in the world was installed in London in 1868, but it exploded and injured the police officer who was operating it.
2. In 1930, the River Thames froze over for several weeks, and people even held a football match on the ice.
3. The surname “Smith” is the most common surname in England, and the surname “Jones” is the most common in Wales.
4. The first recorded game of golf in Britain took place in 1457, played by King James II of Scotland at St Andrews.
5. The English Channel is the busiest shipping lane in the world, with an average of 500 ships passing through it every day.
6. The first chocolate bar was made in Britain by Fry’s in 184
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7. Buckingham Palace was originally called Buckingham House, and was built for the Duke of Buckingham in 170
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8. The first public toilets in Britain were installed in London’s Fleet Street in 185
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9. The London Underground is the oldest underground railway network in the world, opening in 186
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10 The first recorded use of the term “soccer” was in Britain in the 1880s, and comes from the phrase “association football”. 1
1. The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed over 13,000 homes and left 70,000 people homeless, but it also led to the rebuilding of the city in a more modern style. 1
2. The Tower of London has served many purposes throughout history, including a royal palace, a prison, and now a tourist attraction. 1
3. The city of York was once the capital of Roman Britain, and contains many ancient ruins and historic sites. 1
4. The Industrial Revolution began in Britain in the late 18th century, and had a significant impact on the global economy and society. 1
5. The first Test cricket match was played in 1877 between Australia and England, and is still played today. In conclusion, there are many interesting and surprising facts about British history that are not widely known. From the first traffic light to the oldest underground railway network, Britain has a rich and diverse history that continues to fascinate people around the world. Whether you are interested in ancient ruins, modern innovations or sporting traditions, there is something for everyone in British history.