Scots know more about British history than the English
source: http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/uk/Scots-are-past-masters-on.4399371.jp
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A survey has found that Scots know more about British history than other people in the rest of the UK.
Ten multiple-choice historical questions, ranging from "When was the Battle of Hastings?" to "Which two kingdoms were merged in the Act of Union of 1707?" were put to 1,000 people. Scots scored an average of 69 per cent, compared to the national average of 63 per cent. The Welsh managed only 58 per cent.
Perhaps less surprisingly, the study also confirmed that younger people know far less than those aged over 65.
Historian Tom Devine, professor at the University of Edinburgh, said the recent growth in a sense of Scottish identity, merged with an ignorance of Scottish history because of poor education in the 1960s and 1970s, might be boosting an interest in history in the country.
He said: "This quiz tests specific facts and that is important, but it's very basic. What's important is interpretation, explanation, trying to find out why things came about the way they have. The past becomes increasingly intriguing as people mature. I don't get the same sense of enthusiasm from the younger population."
The survey also revealed men have more historical knowledge than women, with an average score of 70 per cent compared to 57 per cent.
Historian Dominic Sandbrook said: "It's heartening that after decades of politically driven teaching and Mickey Mouse empathy exercises, most people still have a vague idea of what happened when. That suggests an enduring appetite for history in general, and for the rich drama of our national story in particular."
Ten multiple-choice historical questions, ranging from "When was the Battle of Hastings?" to "Which two kingdoms were merged in the Act of Union of 1707?" were put to 1,000 people. Scots scored an average of 69 per cent, compared to the national average of 63 per cent. The Welsh managed only 58 per cent.
Perhaps less surprisingly, the study also confirmed that younger people know far less than those aged over 65.
Historian Tom Devine, professor at the University of Edinburgh, said the recent growth in a sense of Scottish identity, merged with an ignorance of Scottish history because of poor education in the 1960s and 1970s, might be boosting an interest in history in the country.
He said: "This quiz tests specific facts and that is important, but it's very basic. What's important is interpretation, explanation, trying to find out why things came about the way they have. The past becomes increasingly intriguing as people mature. I don't get the same sense of enthusiasm from the younger population."
The survey also revealed men have more historical knowledge than women, with an average score of 70 per cent compared to 57 per cent.
Historian Dominic Sandbrook said: "It's heartening that after decades of politically driven teaching and Mickey Mouse empathy exercises, most people still have a vague idea of what happened when. That suggests an enduring appetite for history in general, and for the rich drama of our national story in particular."
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