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The first farmers, Stonehenge and Skara Brae

Study note

Farming reached Britain about 6,000 years ago, brought by people whose ancestors probably came from south-east Europe. This was a major change from the wandering life of the earlier hunter-gatherers. These first farmers settled in one place, grew crops and kept animals, and they left behind houses, tombs and great monuments that we can still study today.

The most famous monument from this period is Stonehenge, which stands in the English county of Wiltshire. Historians believe it was a special gathering place, most likely used for ceremonies that marked the changing seasons of the year. Its huge standing stones still attract visitors from around the world.

Far to the north, on the Orkney islands off the northern coast of Scotland, lies Skara Brae. This Stone Age settlement is so well preserved that it is described as the best preserved prehistoric village in the whole of northern Europe, giving a remarkable picture of how these early people lived.

Memory tip: Stonehenge = Wiltshire ceremonies; Skara Brae = Orkney, best preserved prehistoric village.

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Question 1 of 6

About how long ago did the first farmers arrive in Britain?

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Show all questions and answers for The first farmers, Stonehenge and Skara Brae(6 questions with explanations)

The first farmers, Stonehenge and Skara Brae: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. About how long ago did the first farmers arrive in Britain?

    • About 60,000 years ago
    • About 600,000 years ago
    • About 6,000 years ago
    • About 600 years ago

    Correct answer: About 6,000 years ago

    The first farmers arrived in Britain about 6,000 years ago.

  2. 2. In which English county does Stonehenge stand?

    • Cornwall
    • Wiltshire
    • Suffolk
    • Dorset

    Correct answer: Wiltshire

    Stonehenge is located in the county of Wiltshire.

  3. 3. What was Stonehenge probably used for?

    • A special gathering place for seasonal ceremonies
    • A medieval castle
    • A Roman fort
    • A Viking burial ship

    Correct answer: A special gathering place for seasonal ceremonies

    Stonehenge is thought to have been a gathering place for seasonal ceremonies.

  4. 4. Skara Brae, the best preserved prehistoric village in northern Europe, is found where?

    • Kent
    • North Wales
    • The Isle of Wight
    • Orkney, off the north coast of Scotland

    Correct answer: Orkney, off the north coast of Scotland

    Skara Brae is a Stone Age village on Orkney, off northern Scotland.

  5. 5. Skara Brae is described as the best preserved prehistoric village in northern Europe.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. Skara Brae on Orkney is the best preserved prehistoric village in northern Europe.

  6. 6. Which of these statements is correct?

    • Stonehenge stands in the county of Cornwall
    • Stonehenge stands in the county of Wiltshire

    Correct answer: Stonehenge stands in the county of Wiltshire

    Stonehenge is in Wiltshire.

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