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Test Your Knowledge: March

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Ihope you enjoyed February’s questions and even managed to answer a few. This month’s quiz is about firsts in London I’ve posed these questions before so that should give you a fighting chance. As before the correct answer will turn green when it’s clicked upon and expanded to give more information. The incorrect answers will turn red giving the correct explanation.

1. What was invented in a workshop in Hatton Garden in the 1880s?
The world’s first machine gun
CORRECT Hiram Maxim was an American who moved to London, opened a workshop in Hatton Garden, near the junction with Clerkenwell Road and eventually became a naturalised Briton and a knight of the realm. His Maxim Gun invented in 1881 was the first fully automatic machine gun. At Shangari River in 1893 Cecil Rhodes’ troops, armed with a Maxim Gun, only lost four men and killed 1,500 natives. Not content with killing native Africans he went on to invent the first auto-resetting mousetrap.
The world’s first tank
WRONG Hiram Maxim was an American who moved to London, opened a workshop in Hatton Garden, near the junction with Clerkenwell Road and eventually became a naturalised Briton and a knight of the realm. His Maxim Gun invented in 1881 was the first fully automatic machine gun. At Shangari River in 1893 Cecil Rhodes’ troops, armed with a Maxim Gun, only lost four men and killed 1,500 natives. Not content with killing native Africans he went on to invent the first auto-resetting mousetrap.
The world’s first flame thrower
WRONG Hiram Maxim was an American who moved to London, opened a workshop in Hatton Garden, near the junction with Clerkenwell Road and eventually became a naturalised Briton and a knight of the realm. His Maxim Gun invented in 1881 was the first fully automatic machine gun. At Shangari River in 1893 Cecil Rhodes’ troops, armed with a Maxim Gun, only lost four men and killed 1,500 natives. Not content with killing native Africans he went on to invent the first auto-resetting mousetrap.
2. What ‘first’ did Colonel Pierpoint admire before he died?
The first pedestrian crossing
WRONG At his expense in 1864 Colonel Pierpoint had London’s first traffic island constructed in St. James’s Street opposite his club in Pall Mall. On its completion, his excitement (and possible inebriation) encouraged him to dash across the road to admire his contribution to society. Alas, he was knocked down and killed by a passing cab.
The world’s first traffic island
CORRECT At his expense in 1864 Colonel Pierpoint had London’s first traffic island constructed in St. James’s Street opposite his club in Pall Mall. On its completion, his excitement (and possible inebriation) encouraged him to dash across the road to admire his contribution to society. Alas, he was knocked down and killed by a passing cab.
The first traffic light
WRONG At his expense in 1864 Colonel Pierpoint had London’s first traffic island constructed in St. James’s Street opposite his club in Pall Mall. On its completion, his excitement (and possible inebriation) encouraged him to dash across the road to admire his contribution to society. Alas, he was knocked down and killed by a passing cab.
3. Coram’s Fields commemorates a London first that revolutionised the world. But what?
Charity
CORRECT In 1739 Captain Thomas Coram, a London merchant was appalled by the number of abandoned babies he saw, he set up the Foundling Hospital, the world’s first charity, Handel and Hogarth were among the benefactors of the world’s first incorporated charity. Coram’s Fields are unique in only allowing adults if accompanied by a child.
Vaccine
WRONG In 1739 Captain Thomas Coram, a London merchant was appalled by the number of abandoned babies he saw, he set up the Foundling Hospital, the world’s first charity, Handel and Hogarth were among the benefactors of the world’s first incorporated charity. Coram’s Fields are unique in only allowing adults if accompanied by a child.
Statistics
WRONG In 1739 Captain Thomas Coram, a London merchant was appalled by the number of abandoned babies he saw, he set up the Foundling Hospital, the world’s first charity, Handel and Hogarth were among the benefactors of the world’s first incorporated charity. Coram’s Fields are unique in only allowing adults if accompanied by a child.
4. On 10th January 1946, the first meeting took place of what international organisation?
World Health Organisation
WRONG The First General Assembly of the United Nations, with 51 nations represented, was held in the Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, a successor to the League of Nations, which was thought to have been ineffective in preventing World War II.
Oxfam
WRONG The First General Assembly of the United Nations, with 51 nations represented, was held in the Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, a successor to the League of Nations, which was thought to have been ineffective in preventing World War II.
United Nations
CORRECT The First General Assembly of the United Nations, with 51 nations represented, was held in the Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, a successor to the League of Nations, which was thought to have been ineffective in preventing World War II.
5. Five years before the last public hanging at Newgate, what was the world’s first when completed?
The first urban underground
CORRECT Opening in 1863, the Metropolitan Railway between Paddington (then called Bishop’s Road) and Farringdon was the world’s first urban underground passenger-carrying railway. Confusingly, the original platform now serves the Hammersmith & City Line.
The first tramline
WRONG Opening in 1863, the Metropolitan Railway between Paddington (then called Bishop’s Road) and Farringdon was the world’s first urban underground passenger-carrying railway. Confusingly, the original platform now serves the Hammersmith & City Line.
The first scheduled bus service
WRONG Opening in 1863, the Metropolitan Railway between Paddington (then called Bishop’s Road) and Farringdon was the world’s first urban underground passenger-carrying railway. Confusingly, the original platform now serves the Hammersmith & City Line.
6. Nearly every country now has one, but Croydon saw the world’s first. But what was it that is now commonplace?
A radio station
WRONG In 1920 the world’s first international airport opened in Croydon, offering flights to Europe. A remodelling 8 years saw the world’s first purpose-built airport terminal and airport hotel.
An international airport
CORRECT In 1920 the world’s first international airport opened in Croydon, offering flights to Europe. A remodelling 8 years saw the world’s first purpose-built airport terminal and airport hotel.
A department store
WRONG In 1920 the world’s first international airport opened in Croydon, offering flights to Europe. A remodelling 8 years saw the world’s first purpose-built airport terminal and airport hotel.
7. Today we take it for granted, but what world’s first was constructed near Holborn Viaduct?
The world’s first water pumping station
WRONG The world’s first public electricity generating station was opened in 1882 to light the lamps on the bridge. Designed by Thomas Edison, it was steam-powered and supplied DC current, and predated New York’s power station by some months.
The world’s first sewage treatment works
WRONG The world’s first public electricity generating station was opened in 1882 to light the lamps on the bridge. Designed by Thomas Edison, it was steam-powered and supplied DC current, and predated New York’s power station by some months.
The world’s first public electricity generating station
CORRECT The world’s first public electricity generating station was opened in 1882 to light the lamps on the bridge. Designed by Thomas Edison, it was steam-powered and supplied DC current, and predated New York’s power station by some months.
8. What invention was first demonstrated in a room above what is now the Bar Italia coffee lounge in Frith Street, Soho?
The espresso coffee machine
WRONG John Logie Baird began his research into the transmission of visual images in Hastings in the early 1920s, but in 1924 rented an attic room at 22 Frith Street to use as a workshop. On 26th January 1926 members of the Royal Institution made up the first television audience. A blue plaque is displayed above Bar Italia commemorating that day.
The vacuum cleaner
WRONG John Logie Baird began his research into the transmission of visual images in Hastings in the early 1920s, but in 1924 rented an attic room at 22 Frith Street to use as a workshop. On 26th January 1926 members of the Royal Institution made up the first television audience. A blue plaque is displayed above Bar Italia commemorating that day.
The television
CORRECT John Logie Baird began his research into the transmission of visual images in Hastings in the early 1920s, but in 1924 rented an attic room at 22 Frith Street to use as a workshop. On 26th January 1926 members of the Royal Institution made up the first television audience. A blue plaque is displayed above Bar Italia commemorating that day.
9. What did Joseph Merlin demonstrate for the first time at a masquerade party in Soho in 1760?
Roller skates
CORRECT Roller skates were first demonstrated at famous society hostess’ Mrs Cornelys Soho Square house by clock and instrument maker John Joseph Merlin. Making an appearance at the party gliding across the floor on boots that he had adapted by fitting them with wheels, unfortunately, he had failed to devise a method of stopping himself and he crashed into a large mirror.
The kaleidoscope
WRONG Roller skates were first demonstrated at famous society hostess’ Mrs Cornelys Soho Square house by clock and instrument maker John Joseph Merlin. Making an appearance at the party gliding across the floor on boots that he had adapted by fitting them with wheels, unfortunately, he had failed to devise a method of stopping himself and he crashed into a large mirror.
The penny-farthing bicycle
WRONG Roller skates were first demonstrated at famous society hostess’ Mrs Cornelys Soho Square house by clock and instrument maker John Joseph Merlin. Making an appearance at the party gliding across the floor on boots that he had adapted by fitting them with wheels, unfortunately, he had failed to devise a method of stopping himself and he crashed into a large mirror.
10. In 1905 two brothers named Stratton were convicted of robbery and murder at a paint shop in Deptford High Street. What methodology was used to secure convictions?
The first identikit portrait from a witness, the local milkman
WRONG On 27th March 1905, Chapman’s Oil and Paint Shop was raided and the shopkeeper murdered. A thumb mark was left on the emptied cash box. Using a method of identification that had been in use for a couple of years, it was the first time the Crown achieved a murder conviction and one of the first in the world to use the methodology still in use today.
The first case in which fingerprints were successfully used to convict
CORRECT On 27th March 1905, Chapman’s Oil and Paint Shop was raided and the shopkeeper murdered. A thumb mark was left on the emptied cash box. Using a method of identification that had been in use for a couple of years, it was the first time the Crown achieved a murder conviction and one of the first in the world to use the methodology still in use today.
Their getaway car, which had an early number plate was identified leading to the police tracking them down
WRONG On 27th March 1905, Chapman’s Oil and Paint Shop was raided and the shopkeeper murdered. A thumb mark was left on the emptied cash box. Using a method of identification that had been in use for a couple of years, it was the first time the Crown achieved a murder conviction and one of the first in the world to use the methodology still in use today.
Puppydog tails

Test Your Knowledge: February

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Ihope you enjoyed January’s questions and even managed to answer a few. This month’s quiz is about last in London. As before the correct answer will turn green when it’s clicked upon and expanded to give more information. The incorrect answers will turn red giving the correct explanation.

1. Where is the last remaining tollgate in London?
College Road, Dulwich
CORRECT The toll is owned by Dulwich College, the nearby public school. An old board shows the tolls, which dates from the end of the 18th-century, is still there. Taking a flock of sheep through the gate costs 2d. Pedestrians can pass through it for free.
Well Walk, Hampstead
WRONG The toll is owned by Dulwich College, the nearby public school. An old board shows the tolls, which dates from the end of the 18th-century, is still there. Taking a flock of sheep through the gate costs 2d. Pedestrians can pass through it for free.
Strand on the Green, Chiswick
WRONG The toll is owned by Dulwich College, the nearby public school. An old board shows the tolls, which dates from the end of the 18th-century, is still there. Taking a flock of sheep through the gate costs 2d. Pedestrians can pass through it for free.
2. Who was the last person to be executed in the Tower of London?
Henry Laurens, an American spy during the Revolutionary War
WRONG Josef Jakobs had been parachuted into southern England in July 1941. He injured himself on landing and was soon captured. He was executed by firing squad on a miniature rifle range in the King’s House in the Tower. Carl Lody was executed in November 1914. Henry Laurens, the only American ever imprisoned in the Tower, was there between 1779 and 1781 but was eventually released.
Josef Jakobs, a German spy during the Second World War
CORRECT Josef Jakobs had been parachuted into southern England in July 1941. He injured himself on landing and was soon captured. He was executed by firing squad on a miniature rifle range in the King’s House in the Tower. Carl Lody was executed in November 1914. Henry Laurens, the only American ever imprisoned in the Tower, was there between 1779 and 1781 but was eventually released.
Carl Lody, a German spy during the First World War
WRONG Josef Jakobs had been parachuted into southern England in July 1941. He injured himself on landing and was soon captured. He was executed by firing squad on a miniature rifle range in the King’s House in the Tower. Carl Lody was executed in November 1914. Henry Laurens, the only American ever imprisoned in the Tower, was there between 1779 and 1781 but was eventually released.
3. Where did the last London tram run to on 6 July 1952?
New Cross
CORRECT The first electric trams appeared on London’s streets in 1901 following on from horse-drawn trams which were introduced in 1861. On that final run, the tram’s journey time was extended by almost 3 hours as crowds of cheering Londoners surrounded it along various stages of the route from Woolwich to New Cross.
Elephant and Castle
WRONG The first electric trams appeared on London’s streets in 1901 following on from horse-drawn trams which were introduced in 1861. On that final run, the tram’s journey time was extended by almost 3 hours as crowds of cheering Londoners surrounded it along various stages of the route from Woolwich to New Cross.
Woolwich
WRONG The first electric trams appeared on London’s streets in 1901 following on from horse-drawn trams which were introduced in 1861. On that final run, the tram’s journey time was extended by almost 3 hours as crowds of cheering Londoners surrounded it along various stages of the route from Woolwich to New Cross.
4. In the 1950s the Thames was declared biologically dead. How many fish species are there today?
Less than 50
WRONG In 2016 according to Ian Tokelove of the London Wildlife Trust, there are over 125 types of fish in the Tidal Thames measured from the estuary mouth to Teddington Lock.
Between 50 and 100
WRONG In 2016 according to Ian Tokelove of the London Wildlife Trust, there are over 125 types of fish in the Tidal Thames measured from the estuary mouth to Teddington Lock.
More than 120
CORRECT In 2016 according to Ian Tokelove of the London Wildlife Trust, there are over 125 types of fish in the Tidal Thames measured from the estuary mouth to Teddington Lock.
5. Which London theatre, known as a writers’ theatre, led to the abolition of theatrical censorship in 1968?
Royal Court Theatre
CORRECT From 1737 until 1968 all plays had to be licensed by the Lord Chamberlain’s office before they could appear on the London stage. The Royal Court had three John Osborne plays refused permission to be performed. Outrage over the bans led to the end of theatrical censorship.
The Donmar Warehouse
WRONG From 1737 until 1968 all plays had to be licensed by the Lord Chamberlain’s office before they could appear on the London stage. The Royal Court had three John Osborne plays refused permission to be performed. Outrage over the bans led to the end of theatrical censorship.
Soho Theatre
WRONG From 1737 until 1968 all plays had to be licensed by the Lord Chamberlain’s office before they could appear on the London stage. The Royal Court had three John Osborne plays refused permission to be performed. Outrage over the bans led to the end of theatrical censorship.
6. Spencer Perceval became the last (and the only) British Prime Minister to be assassinated. But where did he die?
On the staircase in 10 Downing Street
WRONG Spencer Perceval was shot dead in the lobby of the House of Commons at about 5:15 pm by John Bellingham who believed that the government was to blame for his difficulties trading with Russia. He was detained four days after the murder, was tried, convicted and sentenced to death. He was hanged at Newgate Prison one week after the assassination.
In the lobby of the House of Commons
CORRECT Spencer Perceval was shot dead in the lobby of the House of Commons at about 5:15 pm by John Bellingham who believed that the government was to blame for his difficulties trading with Russia. He was detained four days after the murder, was tried, convicted and sentenced to death. He was hanged at Newgate Prison one week after the assassination.
Outside his house in Lincoln’s Inn Fields
WRONG Spencer Perceval was shot dead in the lobby of the House of Commons at about 5:15 pm by John Bellingham who believed that the government was to blame for his difficulties trading with Russia. He was detained four days after the murder, was tried, convicted and sentenced to death. He was hanged at Newgate Prison one week after the assassination.
7. Described in Parliament by Benjamin Disraeli as “The Gondolas of London” and invented during Victoria’s reign, the Hansom Cab continued in use into the 20th-century. What year was the last license surrendered?
1927
WRONG The last horse-drawn Hackney carriage license was surrendered on 3 April 1947, in fact for the first three decades of the 20th-century, the Hansom Cab outnumbered motorized vehicles.
1937
WRONG The last horse-drawn Hackney carriage license was surrendered on 3 April 1947, in fact for the first three decades of the 20th-century, the Hansom Cab outnumbered motorized vehicles.
1947
CORRECT The last horse-drawn Hackney carriage license was surrendered on 3 April 1947, in fact for the first three decades of the 20th-century, the Hansom Cab outnumbered motorized vehicles.
8. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre can lay claim to being a last. But what last in London?
The last open-air theatre to be built
WRONG Shakespeare’s Globe had to have special permission to have a thatched roof – there had been a law against thatched buildings in London since the Great Fire in 1666. It took 6,000 bundles of reeds from Norfolk, the reed beds only grow 4,000 a year, a year and a half’s reed supply.
The last timber-framed building to be erected in London
WRONG Shakespeare’s Globe had to have special permission to have a thatched roof – there had been a law against thatched buildings in London since the Great Fire in 1666. It took 6,000 bundles of reeds from Norfolk, the reed beds only grow 4,000 a year, a year and a half’s reed supply.
The last construction with a thatched roof
CORRECT Shakespeare’s Globe had to have special permission to have a thatched roof – there had been a law against thatched buildings in London since the Great Fire in 1666. It took 6,000 bundles of reeds from Norfolk, the reed beds only grow 4,000 a year, a year and a half’s reed supply.
9. On 12 April 2004 Londoners witnessed the last journey down the Thames of an iconic passenger-carrying vehicle. What was that?
Concorde on route to a museum
CORRECT Destined for display at the National Museum of Flight near Edinburgh, with no valid CAA certificate and no crews to fly her, Concorde’s 40-tonne fuselage was carefully driven out of Heathrow on a custom-built trailer costing £1million and carried to the Thames at Isleworth. A purpose-designed heavy barge took her down the Thames on its journey to Scotland.
Waverly the last ocean-going paddle steamer
WRONG Destined for display at the National Museum of Flight near Edinburgh, with no valid CAA certificate and no crews to fly her, Concorde’s 40-tonne fuselage was carefully driven out of Heathrow on a custom-built trailer costing £1million and carried to the Thames at Isleworth. A purpose-designed heavy barge took her down the Thames on its journey to Scotland.
One of the last Routemaster buses destined for the scrap
WRONG Destined for display at the National Museum of Flight near Edinburgh, with no valid CAA certificate and no crews to fly her, Concorde’s 40-tonne fuselage was carefully driven out of Heathrow on a custom-built trailer costing £1million and carried to the Thames at Isleworth. A purpose-designed heavy barge took her down the Thames on its journey to Scotland.
10. Comics talk of ‘dying’ on stage, but which comedian made his last appearance and actually died on a London stage?
Arthur Askey
WRONG On 15 April 1984 Tommy Cooper collapsed from a heart attack in front of millions of television viewers midway through his act on the London Weekend Television variety show ‘Live from Her Majesty’s’ it was transmitted live from Her Majesty’s Theatre in Haymarket.
Tommy Cooper
CORRECT On 15 April 1984 Tommy Cooper collapsed from a heart attack in front of millions of television viewers midway through his act on the London Weekend Television variety show ‘Live from Her Majesty’s’ it was transmitted live from Her Majesty’s Theatre in Haymarket.
Dickie Henderson
WRONG On 15 April 1984 Tommy Cooper collapsed from a heart attack in front of millions of television viewers midway through his act on the London Weekend Television variety show ‘Live from Her Majesty’s’ it was transmitted live from Her Majesty’s Theatre in Haymarket.