New British citizenship test puts emphasis on history, culture and even humor

LONDON — What does it mean to be British? Monarchs, Margaret Thatcher and Monty Python are all important parts of the nation’s heritage, according to a new guide for immigrants introduced Monday.

The government is revising the “Life in the U.K.” handbook and test taken by those seeking to become British citizens or settle here permanently.

While the previous version — created under the former Labour government — included some practical questions about daily life, the emphasis is now firmly on British history and culture. There are questions on sports, music and historical figures from William Shakespeare to Winston Churchill....