Hidden Church Quick Check

See how much you remember about the church, its hidden history and how people changed it over time.

Comprehension

1. Why did the children first think the churchyard felt strange?

All the graves looked modern and newly polished. The graves seemed old, similar in date and rather neglected. There were no graves at all.

2. Why did Ray think one old grave might belong to a pirate?

It had a skull and crossbones carved on it. It had a treasure map beside it. It said Captain Bluebeard on the stone.

3. What did Mr Abbott explain about the skull and crossbones?

It proved the man was a pirate in disguise. It was an old symbol reminding people about death. It showed where treasure had been hidden.

4. What stood on the church site before there was a large church?

A Saxon stone cross and then a very small church. A Victorian concert hall. A large Norman cathedral with pews.

5. What is one important message at the end of the story?

Old buildings should always be knocked down and replaced. Big old churches need money and imaginative uses if they are to be cared for. Churches were never changed by later generations.

Grammar

The quiz questions below use this short piece from the story:

“The first Saxon church would have been very small.”

“It had an earthen floor.”

Mr Abbott showed the children the old arch.

Ray looked closely at the carved stone.

6. “Ray looked closely at the carved stone.” Which is the verb?

Ray looked stone

7. “The first Saxon church.” Which word is an adjective?

church Saxon the

8. “The old arch.” Which word is the adjective?

old arch the

Thinking Together

This question is not scored. Which use would you suggest to help an old church raise money without losing its history?

Hold concerts and community performances. Create a small local history exhibition. Use part of it for school visits and workshops. Design your own careful idea.

There is no single right answer. Talk about which idea could raise money while still respecting the church and its history.