Teens lack historical knowledge
Clueless teenagers believe Delia Smith, Jerry Hall and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall were among Henry VIII’s wives, research has revealed.
The shocking lack of knowledge emerged in a study carried out among 11 to 16-year-olds, which also found many are unaware of the Gunpowder Plot or which countries were involved in WWII.
Other clangers included thinking telly builder Nick Knowles built the pyramids and believing that William Shakespeare was the chairman of the BBC.
A third of the school kids questioned said they love learning about history in school and with so much culture on our doorstep it’s important to get kids out and about to experience things first hand.
The survey by hotel chain Premier Inn also found that one in ten thought Arsenal’s Emirates stadium was built before the likes of Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Even more alarmingly, Bruce Forsyth, Rod Stewart and Alan Sugar were all identified as WWII Prime Ministers.
A spokesman for Premier Inn said: “We are a bit surprised by the fact youngsters don’t know their Shakespeare from Sir Alan or where many of the major historical events took place in the UK.
“However it’s something that can be rectified by visiting all the fantastic landmarks and places of interest the UK has to offer.
“A third of the school kids questioned said they love learning about history in school and with so much culture on our doorstep it’s important to get kids out and about to experience things first hand.
“However it’s not surprising with families under financial pressure that days out and trips away may have suffered.”
Other bloopers that emerged from the study of 2,000 teenagers included thinking Anne Frank was an American chat show host and believing the plague, which killed tens of thousands of people in 1665, was a heavy metal band.
Answers given when asked who Emmeline Pankhurst was included founder of the Body Shop, an X factor finalist and owner of Miss Selfridge.
The poll also touched on aspects of geography and teenagers didn’t fare any better – a third did not know that the city of London is in the Southeast, while a quarter didn’t realise Arsenal was a football club based in London.
Fortunately, 91 per cent were aware that last year’s Olympics were held in the capital, although a confused one in twenty thought Paris were the hosts.
The spokesman added: “Some of the mistakes highlighted by the research are slips-ups and you can understand the confusion and others can easily be addressed with some fun family days out.
“The research found that more than half of British school kids have never visited UK landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and St Paul’s Cathedral.
“Premier Inn is encouraging parents and grandparents alike to explore the UK with their kids this Easter and to visit cities and landmarks that have made the country famous.”
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