Quizzes!
Text: Mind your manners! Could you be the perfect historical dinner guest? Image: Elizabeth I and James I of England and VI of Scotland

Take our fun quiz to find out if you know how to be the perfect guest at feasts through the ages!

 

Mosaic floor in the dining room at Lullingstone Roman Villa
Part of the mosaic floor in the dining room at Lullingstone Roman Villa

1.  You’re at a feast at Lullingstone Roman Villa and the host makes a toast to the gods. What should you do?

A) Put your plate on your head in respect

B) Take a drink from your wine cup to show agreement

C) Throw salt over your left shoulder

 

2.  The host of a Saxon feast at Portchester Castle calls for some entertainment. Do you…

A) Play videos on your phone

B) Recite some poetry while playing the lute

C) Put on a silly hat and take out some juggling balls

A reconstruction of how the medieval great hall at Eltham Palace might have looked during a feast
A reconstruction of how the medieval great hall at Eltham Palace might have looked during a feast

3.  A servant gives you a slice of stale bread during a medieval feast at Eltham Palace. What do you do with it?

A) Use it as a frisbee to start a food fight

B) Start eating it

C) Use it as a plate for your food

Image: an illustration of Henry VIII and his queen enjoying a feast

4.  You’ve been invited to a Tudor feast at Gainsborough Old Hall. What should you remember to do?

A) Bring your own knife and spoon to the table

B) Lick your plate clean when you’ve finished

C) Bring a doggy bag with you to take away any leftovers

The dining room at Marble Hill
The dining room at Marble Hill

5.  You’re hosting a Georgian dinner party at Marble Hill. Should you remember to…

A) Sit the most honoured guest at the head of the table

B) Blindfold your guests and see if they can find the dining room

C) Insist everyone changes places between courses

Victorian kitchen equipment at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens
Victorian kitchen equipment at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens

6.  A Victorian dinner party has just finished at Brodsworth Hall. Do you...

A) Dash off to catch the last train home

B) Burp loudly and pat your full stomach

C) Retire to the drawing room

  • Answers:

    1. B) Take a drink from your wine cup to show agreement

    2. B) Recite some poetry while playing the lute

    3. C) Use it as a plate for your food

    4. A) Bring your own knife and spoon to the table

    5. A) Sit the most honoured guest at the head of the table

    6. C) Retire to the drawing room

Results: how many did you get right?

1-3 correct: You’re a disgraceful diner!

4-5 correct: Don’t expect another invite!

6-7 correct: You’re the toast of the table!