Tag Archives: Test Your Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge: March 2023

3 March, 2023 Gibson Square 4 Comments

With ULEZ soon coming into force, the M25 is now the demarcation line between free and expensive driving, so how’s your knowledge about this iconic road? 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. When was the M25 first planned?

1947

WRONG The Highways Development Survey drawn up by engineer Sir Charles Bressey and his consultant Sir Edwin Lutyens provided the first coherent proposal in 1937 for an orbital road round Greater London, at a radial distance of 18 to 20 miles from Charing Cross. World War II put paid to their grand plans, but the route they devised for the South Orbital section in particular is pretty much followed by the M25 today.

1937

CORRECT The Highways Development Survey drawn up by engineer Sir Charles Bressey and his consultant Sir Edwin Lutyens provided the first coherent proposal in 1937 for an orbital road round Greater London, at a radial distance of 18 to 20 miles from Charing Cross. World War II put paid to their grand plans, but the route they devised for the South Orbital section in particular is pretty much followed by the M25 today.

1957

2. Which village is outside the M25 but is still subject to ULEZ?

South Ockendon

WRONG North Ockendon a scattered farming community with labourers’ cottages at its core on Church Lane is the only settlement outside the M25, but within Greater London. Curiously impoverished South Ockendon is not subject to ULEZ.

North Ockendon

CORRECT North Ockendon a scattered farming community with labourers’ cottages at its core on Church Lane is the only settlement outside the M25, but within Greater London. Curiously impoverished South Ockendon is not subject to ULEZ.

Corbets Tey

3. How many counties does the M25 pass through?

CORRECT The M25 passes through all six of the so-called Home Counties: Kent, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Essex. Most book and website references on the layout of the M25 will tell you that the motorway passes through only five counties, failing as they do to recognise the very short passage across the little bit of Berkshire that manages to infiltrate the circumference just south of J13.

WRONG The M25 passes through all six of the so-called Home Counties: Kent, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Essex. Most book and website references on the layout of the M25 will tell you that the motorway passes through only five counties, failing as they do to recognise the very short passage across the little bit of Berkshire that manages to infiltrate the circumference just south of J13.

4. What M25 themed prize did Chris and Sue Glazier win?

A wedding

CORRECT In 1991 Chris and Sue Glazier won a mystery prize in a local radio competition for couples intent on marriage. The prize was a prepaid wedding, which they were told the night before the ceremony would involve spending their wedding night travelling at 50 mph with their guests being invited to come along for the ride. The wedding the next day at Thurrock Services was followed by a coach trip round the M25, the coach had at least been fitted out with a four-poster bed, and the organisers were sufficiently discreet to drop the guests off after the first of three circuits.

A holiday

WRONG In 1991 Chris and Sue Glazier won a mystery prize in a local radio competition for couples intent on marriage. The prize was a prepaid wedding, which they were told the night before the ceremony would involve spending their wedding night travelling at 50 mph with their guests being invited to come along for the ride. The wedding the next day at Thurrock Services was followed by a coach trip round the M25, the coach had at least been fitted out with a four-poster bed, and the organisers were sufficiently discreet to drop the guests off after the first of three circuits.

A trip of a lifetime

5. What typeface is used on M25 road signs?

Motorway Permanent

CORRECT Motorway Permanent is used on the regular white-on-blue and Motorway Temporary for the black-on-yellow roadwork signs. Designed in 1958 by British graphic designers Jock Kinneir and Margaret Calvert, who also designed many of the pictograms that we are so familiar with, such as the instantly recognisable Men At Work. The designs are so good that there has been no need to change them for over 60 years.

Univers

WRONG Motorway Permanent is used on the regular white-on-blue and Motorway Temporary for the black-on-yellow roadwork signs. Designed in 1958 by British graphic designers Jock Kinneir and Margaret Calvert, who also designed many of the pictograms that we are so familiar with, such as the instantly recognisable Men At Work. The designs are so good that there has been no need to change them for over 60 years.

Gill

6. J8 holds the record for what?

The most southern M25 junction

WRONG This humble junction has a real claim to fame, because it possesses the longest motorway slip road in the country, climbing up Reigate Hill for 1.5 miles, and perhaps surprisingly, the A217 that crosses over it reaches the Fulham Road.

The longest motorway slip road in the country

CORRECT This humble junction has a real claim to fame, because it possesses the longest motorway slip road in the country, climbing up Reigate Hill for 1.5 miles, and perhaps surprisingly, the A217 that crosses over it reaches the Fulham Road.

The M25’s most hazardous junction

7. What service station can you cycle to?

Clacket Lane

WRONG South Mimms is unusual in being the only services in Britain linked to the National Cycle Network on Route 12, known as the Great North Way.

Cobham

WRONG South Mimms is unusual in being the only services in Britain linked to the National Cycle Network on Route 12, known as the Great North Way.

South Mimms

CORRECT South Mimms is unusual in being the only services in Britain linked to the National Cycle Network on Route 12, known as the Great North Way.

8. How did Margaret Thatcher officially open the M25?

Cut a ribbon

WRONG At a carefully choreographed ceremony somewhere between J22 and J23, and after a 58-page illustrated brochure to commemorate the opening had been produced, nothing was left to chance, right down to a practice run of the removal of a single cone by an employee of similar build to the prime minister the day before, on 29 October 1986 Thatcher picked up a cone in each hand and symbolically marched them off to the side of the road. The handbag didn’t budge an inch.

Break open a bottle of British sparkling wine

Moved two traffic cones

CORRECT At a carefully choreographed ceremony somewhere between J22 and J23, and after a 58-page illustrated brochure to commemorate the opening had been produced, nothing was left to chance, right down to a practice run of the removal of a single cone by an employee of similar build to the prime minister the day before, on 29 October 1986 Thatcher picked up a cone in each hand and symbolically marched them off to the side of the road. The handbag didn’t budge an inch.

9. What datum point lies just west of Clacket Lane Services?

The meridian line

CORRECT The Prime Meridian Line is about 1.5 miles west of Clacket Lane Services, when we excitingly travel through time, or at least through the point at which the world’s time begins, returning about halfway between J25 and J26, we re-enter the Eastern Hemisphere of planet earth. Immediately after we do so we will rather appropriately cross from Hertfordshire into Essex, the county of the East Saxons.

The M25’s lowest point

WRONG The Prime Meridian Line is about 1.5 miles west of Clacket Lane Services, when we excitingly travel through time, or at least through the point at which the world’s time begins, returning about halfway between J25 and J26, we re-enter the Eastern Hemisphere of planet earth. Immediately after we do so we will rather appropriately cross from Hertfordshire into Essex, the county of the East Saxons.

Blue driver location signs zero point

10. The Bell Common Tunnel changed the fixtures of which sport?

Football

WRONG During the two years it took to construct the tunnel between J26 and J27 by cut-and-cover, the Epping Foresters Cricket Club agreed to play as a wandering club on the understanding that their pitch and pavilion would be reinstated on the same common land above the tunnel once its cutting had been covered over, and that duly happened. It is the English way, after all.

Cricket

CORRECT During the two years it took to construct the tunnel between J26 and J27 by cut-and-cover, the Epping Foresters Cricket Club agreed to play as a wandering club on the understanding that their pitch and pavilion would be reinstated on the same common land above the tunnel once its cutting had been covered over, and that duly happened. It is the English way, after all.

Golf

Puppydog tails

Test Your Knowledge: February 2023

3 February, 2023 Gibson Square 3 Comments

The Mousetrap has recently celebrated 70 years in the West End, and it’s been announced that it will finally make its Broadway debut this year. How much do you know about this iconic play? 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. The Mousetrap was originally written as what?

A bedtime story for a niece

WRONG It was originally a BBC radio play, written as an 80th birthday present for Queen Mary, wife of King George V, and broadcast in May 1947. It is the world’s longest-running theatrical show.

A birthday gift for a queen

CORRECT It was originally a BBC radio play, written as an 80th birthday present for Queen Mary, wife of King George V, and broadcast in May 1947. It is the world’s longest-running theatrical show.

An activity for a long train journey

WRONG It was originally a BBC radio play, written as an 80th birthday present for Queen Mary, wife of King George V, and broadcast in May 1947. It is the world’s longest-running theatrical show.

2. Which acting couple appeared in the original cast?

Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor

WRONG Husband and wife couple took a 10 per cent stake in the production in exchange for part of their salaries. Richard Attenborough said of it: “Foolishly I sold some of my shares to open a short-lived Mayfair restaurant called the Little Elephant and, later still, disposed of the remainder to keep the 1982 film Gandhi afloat.”

Richard Attenborough and Sheila Sim

CORRECT Husband and wife couple took a 10 per cent stake in the production in exchange for part of their salaries. Richard Attenborough said of it: “Foolishly I sold some of my shares to open a short-lived Mayfair restaurant called the Little Elephant and, later still, disposed of the remainder to keep the 1982 film Gandhi afloat.”

Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh

3. Which language has not been used in turning The Mousetrap to film?

English

CORRECT According to the company set up by Agatha Christie: ‘The contract terms of the play state that no film version can be made until the West End show has been closed for at least six months, and since it is still running, no official film has been made.’

Russian

WRONG According to the company set up by Agatha Christie: ‘The contract terms of the play state that no film version can be made until the West End show has been closed for at least six months, and since it is still running, no official film has been made.’

Bengali

4. The Mousetrap was the first to place an advertisement at which venue?

Lord’s Cricket Ground

CORRECT In 1961, The Mousetrap made history by being the first advertiser of any kind at Lord’s when it was promoted on a cricket scorecard.

Wimbledon Championships

WRONG In 1961, The Mousetrap made history by being the first advertiser of any kind at Lord’s when it was promoted on a cricket scorecard.

Arsenal Football Club

WRONG In 1961, The Mousetrap made history by being the first advertiser of any kind at Lord’s when it was promoted on a cricket scorecard.

5. Who was given the rights to the play?

Christie’s grandson

CORRECT Agatha Christie gave the rights to the play to her grandson Mathew Prichard as a 9th birthday present.

Christie’s dogs

WRONG Agatha Christie gave the rights to the play to her grandson Mathew Prichard as a 9th birthday present.

Christie’s husband

WRONG Agatha Christie gave the rights to the play to her grandson Mathew Prichard as a 9th birthday present.

6. A charity performance is credited with what occurrence?

An actors’ strike

WRONG In 1959, the London cast put on a production for 300 prisoners at London’s Wormwood Scrubs. Fifteen minutes before the final curtain, warders discovered two inmates had escaped mid-performance.

A jailbreak

CORRECT In 1959, the London cast put on a production for 300 prisoners at London’s Wormwood Scrubs. Fifteen minutes before the final curtain, warders discovered two inmates had escaped mid-performance.

A local by-election

7. The Mousetrap takes its name from an earlier play by which writer?

George Bernard Shaw

WRONG The suggestion to call it The Mousetrap came from Christie’s son-in-law, Anthony Hicks. In Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, ‘The Mousetrap’ is Hamlet’s answer to Claudius’s inquiry about the name of the play whose prologue and the first scene the court has just observed.

Oscar Wilde

William Shakespeare

CORRECT The suggestion to call it The Mousetrap came from Christie’s son-in-law, Anthony Hicks. In Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, ‘The Mousetrap’ is Hamlet’s answer to Claudius’s inquiry about the name of the play whose prologue and the first scene the court has just observed.

8. On an occasion such as cast changes, a cake is ceremoniously cut with a sword. What shape does it take?

The murderer

WRONG The cake is in the shape of a ticker counter that keeps track of the number of performances.

Agatha Christie

WRONG The cake is in the shape of a ticker counter that keeps track of the number of performances.

A ticker counter

CORRECT The cake is in the shape of a ticker counter that keeps track of the number of performances.

9. What was the play’s original title?

Three blind mice

CORRECT First broadcast on 30th May 1947 under the name Three Blind Mice starring Barry Morse, the story drew from the real-life case of Dennis O’Neill, who died after he and his brother Terence suffered extreme abuse while in the foster care of a Shropshire farmer and his wife in 1945.

Of mice and men

WRONG First broadcast on 30th May 1947 under the name Three Blind Mice starring Barry Morse, the story drew from the real-life case of Dennis O’Neill, who died after he and his brother Terence suffered extreme abuse while in the foster care of a Shropshire farmer and his wife in 1945.

The cat and mouse

10. One actor has appeared in every production, in what form?

In a picture on the mantlepiece

WRONG The late Deryck Guyler provided the pre-recorded voice of the newsreader in the first act and the same recording is still used today.

As the newsreader on the radio

CORRECT The late Deryck Guyler provided the pre-recorded voice of the newsreader in the first act and the same recording is still used today.

Their image on a newspaper’s front page

WRONG The late Deryck Guyler provided the pre-recorded voice of the newsreader in the first act and the same recording is still used today.

Puppydog tails

Test Your Knowledge: January 2023

6 January, 2023 Gibson Square 4 Comments

This month’s post is been called ‘Going Underground’, not travelling on the Tube, but trivia about below London’s surface. 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. If we were to travel back in time without leaving the Sir Christopher Hatton pub we would find ourselves in the basement of what famous department store, which closed in 1972?

Bourne & Hollingsworth

WRONG Gamages, well known for its toy and hardware departments, traded between 1878 and 1972. Located in Holborn, opposite where now Sainsbury’s has their headquarters. In the late 1960s, a second Gamages store opened in Romford closing down in the early 1970s. The flagship Gamages in Holburn closed down soon after in March 1972, and no trace of the original building remains above ground.

Gamages

CORRECT Gamages, well known for its toy and hardware departments, traded between 1878 and 1972. Located in Holborn, opposite where now Sainsbury’s has their headquarters. In the late 1960s, a second Gamages store opened in Romford closing down in the early 1970s. The flagship Gamages in Holburn closed down soon after in March 1972, and no trace of the original building remains above ground.

Dickins & Jones

2. A little-known subterranean market operates out of an old bank vault off Chancery Lane. What type of goods does the market specialise in?

Gold

WRONG The London Silver Vaults occupy a sprawling Victorian storage facility beneath Chancery Lane. Few realise that you can simply walk down the stairs and freely browse one of the largest silver markets on Earth.

Silver

CORRECT The London Silver Vaults occupy a sprawling Victorian storage facility beneath Chancery Lane. Few realise that you can simply walk down the stairs and freely browse one of the largest silver markets on Earth.

Bullion

3. What unusual feature was installed in Holloway tube station in 1906, but never opened to the public?

A spiral escalator

CORRECT The remains of a spiral escalator are now stored at London Transport Museum Depot.

An automatic ticket machine

WRONG The remains of a spiral escalator are now stored at London Transport Museum Depot.

Public toilets

WRONG The remains of a spiral escalator are now stored at London Transport Museum Depot.

4. What function did ferrets perform prior to the 1981 wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer?

Lay TV cables in Buckingham Palace

CORRECT Some of the TV cables at Buckingham Palace had to be fed through a very narrow underground duct. Conventional methods had failed, so the trusty animal was fitted with a harness connected to a very light but strong line. Lured by a piece of bacon, it scuttled through the duct. When it emerged at the other end engineers were able to attach the TV cables to the line and pull them through.

Clear pigeons from St. Paul’s Cathedral

WRONG Some of the TV cables at Buckingham Palace had to be fed through a very narrow underground duct. Conventional methods had failed, so the trusty animal was fitted with a harness connected to a very light but strong line. Lured by a piece of bacon, it scuttled through the duct. When it emerged at the other end engineers were able to attach the TV cables to the line and pull them through.

Promoting Diana’s favourite animal which appeared on BBC’s Blue Peter

5. Which underground venue played host to David Bowie, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd?

Chislehurst Caves

CORRECT During World War II Chislehurst Caves became the largest deep air-raid shelter outside London, offering protection to over 1,500 people during the Blitz. Once the war ended, Chislehurst caves adopted a more celebratory function, serving as a venue for dances and concerts throughout the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s.

Village Underground, Shoreditch

WRONG During World War II Chislehurst Caves became the largest deep air-raid shelter outside London, offering protection to over 1,500 people during the Blitz. Once the war ended, Chislehurst caves adopted a more celebratory function, serving as a venue for dances and concerts throughout the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s.

Wallacespace, Clerkenwell Green

6. How deep are the foundations of Western Europe’s tallest building, The Shard?

155ft

WRONG The Shard’s piles, many up to 6ft in diameter took 700 truckloads of concrete which were poured in a mammoth 36-hour long pour, concrete volumes that might ordinarily be poured in a day were poured every hour. The 5,500 cubic meter single pour set a new record for the UK’s largest continuous concrete pour, beating the previous record delivered at Wembley Stadium by nearly 15 per cent.

175ft

CORRECT The Shard’s piles, many up to 6ft in diameter took 700 truckloads of concrete which were poured in a mammoth 36-hour long pour, concrete volumes that might ordinarily be poured in a day were poured every hour. The 5,500 cubic meter single pour set a new record for the UK’s largest continuous concrete pour, beating the previous record delivered at Wembley Stadium by nearly 15 per cent.

135ft

7. During the early 1940s, eight deep-level shelters were built to protect the population from bombing, what was their proposed ultimate purpose?

Command centres in the event of nuclear war

WRONG Designed to protect 8,000 people beneath the street, they were not completed until after the main Blitz, so only saw limited use. The shelters were cleverly designed so that, after the war, they might be linked together to form an express tube line, more pressing needs meant that the money never materialised. The shelters were never demolished, and most became secure document storage spaces, but a few have found more imaginative roles.

Storage space for top-secret documents

Linked to form an express tube line

CORRECT Designed to protect 8,000 people beneath the street, they were not completed until after the main Blitz, so only saw limited use. The shelters were cleverly designed so that, after the war, they might be linked together to form an express tube line, more pressing needs meant that the money never materialised. The shelters were never demolished, and most became secure document storage spaces, but a few have found more imaginative roles.

8. Culex pipiens molestus is a unique London subspecies of what?

Worms

WRONG In 1999, researcher Katharyne Byrne compared Underground mosquitoes with others found in London, she discovered that they were a distinct subspecies. After ruling out migration from elsewhere she concluded that the London Underground was colonised by mosquitoes at a single time, then achieved ‘reproductive isolation’, making it a unique member of the culicidae family.

Rats

Mosquitos

CORRECT In 1999, researcher Katharyne Byrne compared Underground mosquitoes with others found in London, she discovered that they were a distinct subspecies. After ruling out migration from elsewhere she concluded that the London Underground was colonised by mosquitoes at a single time, then achieved ‘reproductive isolation’, making it a unique member of the culicidae family.

9. Beam, Bollo, Crane and Mole are all what?

Underground rivers

CORRECT London has over 20 different rivers which, over time, have been forced underground. Today, apart from the River Thames, there are only two London rivers that remain almost entirely above ground the River Wandle and the River Brent.

WWII underground command centres

WRONG London has over 20 different rivers which, over time, have been forced underground. Today, apart from the River Thames, there are only two London rivers that remain almost entirely above ground the River Wandle and the River Brent.

Disused Underground stations

10. What do Pear Tree House, Sydenham, Dulwich and Sydenham Golf Club and Kingsway Telephone Exchange, Holborn have in common?

Emergency water pumping stations

WRONG During the Cold War, as part of ROTOR, a Cold War plans to protect Britain’s skies, London was divided into four groups, each reporting directly to Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Shelter, in turn, each group was subdivided into individual boroughs, each of them having its control centre. In recent months interest has been piqued amid fears of a nuclear conflict following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

Nuclear fallout shelters

CORRECT During the Cold War, as part of ROTOR, a Cold War plans to protect Britain’s skies, London was divided into four groups, each reporting directly to Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Shelter, in turn, each group was subdivided into individual boroughs, each of them having its control centre. In recent months interest has been piqued amid fears of a nuclear conflict following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

Emergency electricity power stations

Puppydog tails

Test Your Knowledge: December 2022

2 December, 2022 Gibson Square 2 Comments

In October we counted the ways to cross the Thames, what other facts do you know about traversing London’s waterway? 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. Can you remember how many ways there were to cross the Thames that was publicly accessible to humans?

WRONG A total of 11 routes to cross the Thames on a London Underground line, plus 14 other railway crossings. There are 25 roads and/or footbridges to cross the Thames, plus 5 pedestrian/vehicle tunnels. We have 3 boat and ferry services offering direct routes across the Thames. In addition the cable car between Royal Docks and North Greenwich, whatever they call it this week. The total number of ways to cross the Thames by this count is 59.

CORRECT A total of 11 routes to cross the Thames on a London Underground line, plus 14 other railway crossings. There are 25 roads and/or footbridges to cross the Thames, plus 5 pedestrian/vehicle tunnels. We have 3 boat and ferry services offering direct routes across the Thames. In addition the cable car between Royal Docks and North Greenwich, whatever they call it this week. The total number of ways to cross the Thames by this count is 59.

2. On 30th December 1952 Albert Gunter made the newspapers for his unusual river crossing. Why?

He was the first to paraglide across the Thames

WRONG On the 30th December 1952, Albert Gunter was travelling north over Tower Bridge when it started to open, he accelerated and successfully jumped the bridge with only one injury, the bus conductor broke his leg. Albert was awarded £10 and a day off work for his quick thinking.

He jumped Tower Bridge while driving a bus

CORRECT On the 30th December 1952, Albert Gunter was travelling north over Tower Bridge when it started to open, he accelerated and successfully jumped the bridge with only one injury, the bus conductor broke his leg. Albert was awarded £10 and a day off work for his quick thinking.

He walked on a tightrope between Tower Bridge’s towers

3. What have John Burns, Ernest Bevin and James Newman to do with crossing the Thames?

They’re the names of three 1963-built Woolwich ferries

CORRECT The Ernest Bevin, John Burns and James Newman ferries, named after local politicians, have been chugging vehicles across the Thames to and from Woolwich for more than 50 years. The old sea dogs made their last trip on 5th October 2018.

They’re politicians who opened a tunnel under the Thames on the Jubilee Line

WRONG The Ernest Bevin, John Burns and James Newman ferries, named after local politicians, have been chugging vehicles across the Thames to and from Woolwich for more than 50 years. The old sea dogs made their last trip on 5th October 2018.

They’re captains of Uber Boats by Thames Clippers

4. A notice on Albert Bridge commands soldiers to do what?

Stop marching

CORRECT The notice reads: All troops must break step when marching over this bridge. In 1831 the Broughton Suspension Bridge collapsed as a troop of 74 men marched across. Investigations put this down to the effects of mechanical resonance and the army issued an order that troops should ‘break step’ when crossing a bridge.

Stop whistling

WRONG The notice reads: All troops must break step when marching over this bridge. In 1831 the Broughton Suspension Bridge collapsed as a troop of 74 men marched across. Investigations put this down to the effects of mechanical resonance and the army issued an order that troops should ‘break step’ when crossing a bridge.

Stop crossing

5. Which bridge carries the A3 over the Thames?

London Bridge

CORRECT The A3, known as the Portsmouth Road is a major road connecting the City of London and Portsmouth via London Bridge, passing close to Kingston upon Thames, Guildford, Haslemere and Petersfield.

Blackfriars Bridge

WRONG The A3, known as the Portsmouth Road is a major road connecting the City of London and Portsmouth via London Bridge, passing close to Kingston upon Thames, Guildford, Haslemere and Petersfield.

Westminster Bridge

WRONG The A3, known as the Portsmouth Road is a major road connecting the City of London and Portsmouth via London Bridge, passing close to Kingston upon Thames, Guildford, Haslemere and Petersfield.

6. Why are there said to be sharp bends at each end of the Rotherhithe Tunnel?

Built to avoid plague pits

WRONG An urban myth is that the bends were installed to prevent horses from seeing daylight at the end of the tunnel too early, which might make them bolt for the exit.

To stop horses bolting for the exit

CORRECT An urban myth is that the bends were installed to prevent horses from seeing daylight at the end of the tunnel too early, which might make them bolt for the exit.

To slow traffic

WRONG An urban myth is that the bends were installed to prevent horses from seeing daylight at the end of the tunnel too early, which might make them bolt for the exit.

7. Which tunnel is longer to walk?

Woolwich Tunnel

WRONG Designed by Sir Maurice Fitzmaurice, the Rotherhithe Tunnel was constructed using both a tunnelling ‘shield’ and the ‘cut and cover’ method, at 4,860 feet in length is four times longer than Greenwich Tunnel.

Greenwich Tunnel

Rotherhithe Tunnel

CORRECT Designed by Sir Maurice Fitzmaurice, the Rotherhithe Tunnel was constructed using both a tunnelling ‘shield’ and the ‘cut and cover’ method, at 4,860 feet in length is four times longer than Greenwich Tunnel.

8. Whose motorcade was accidentally split in two when Tower Bridge’s bascules opened in May 1997?

His Holiness Pope John Paul II

WRONG When President Clinton was returning late and behind schedule to the American Embassy from lunch with British Prime Minister Tony Blair at a restaurant on the banks of the Thames, to the horror of his forward security detail who had already crossed the Tower Bridge and cleared traffic for the President’s safe journey, the bridge suddenly opened behind them for a yacht called Gladys which passed beneath on the exact scheduled time previously agreed to by the Embassy.

French President Jacques Chirac

President Bill Clinton

CORRECT When President Clinton was returning late and behind schedule to the American Embassy from lunch with British Prime Minister Tony Blair at a restaurant on the banks of the Thames, to the horror of his forward security detail who had already crossed the Tower Bridge and cleared traffic for the President’s safe journey, the bridge suddenly opened behind them for a yacht called Gladys which passed beneath on the exact scheduled time previously agreed to by the Embassy.

9. What is the surname of the father-son team who built the first tunnel under the Thames, which opened in 1843 and now carries trains between Wapping and Rotherhithe?

Brunel

CORRECT Built between 1825 and 1843 by Marc Brunel and his son Isambard using the tunnel shield, was originally designed for horse-drawn carriages, but was mainly used by pedestrians and became a tourist attraction. In 1869 it was converted into a railway tunnel which, since 2010, is part of the London Overground Railway Network.

Rennie

WRONG Built between 1825 and 1843 by Marc Brunel and his son Isambard using the tunnel shield, was originally designed for horse-drawn carriages, but was mainly used by pedestrians and became a tourist attraction. In 1869 it was converted into a railway tunnel which, since 2010, is part of the London Overground Railway Network.

Locke

10. How many times does the Jubilee Line pass under the Thames?

WRONG The Jubilee line crosses beneath the Thames an impressive four times within nine stops: between Westminster and Waterloo; Canada Water and Canary Wharf; Canary Wharf and North Greenwich; and North Greenwich and Canning Town.

CORRECT The Jubilee line crosses beneath the Thames an impressive four times within nine stops: between Westminster and Waterloo; Canada Water and Canary Wharf; Canary Wharf and North Greenwich; and North Greenwich and Canning Town.

Puppydog tails

Test Your Knowledge: November 2022

4 November, 2022 Gibson Square 6 Comments

This month’s quiz titled London around the world… and beyond. 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. 1 As a former colonial power, the name of our capital has been foisted on settlements around the world, but how many?

WRONG There are a total of 18 Londons in the United States, two in Alabama, and two in Ohio, you can also find London in: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Canada has a London in the province of Ontario, the second largest London in the world (after, of course, ours). The main settlement on Christmas Island (AKA Kiritimati) in Kiribati (an island nation in the Pacific Ocean) is called London. There are five Londons in the African continent: one in Equatorial Guinea, three in South Africa and one in Nigeria. South Africa also has a city called East London. There is also a London Island in Chile, a London in Belize and, slightly closer to home, a London in Finland. In total 29.

CORRECT There are a total of 18 Londons in the United States, two in Alabama, and two in Ohio, you can also find London in: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Canada has a London in the province of Ontario, the second largest London in the world (after, of course, ours). The main settlement on Christmas Island (AKA Kiritimati) in Kiribati (an island nation in the Pacific Ocean) is called London. There are five Londons in the African continent: one in Equatorial Guinea, three in South Africa and one in Nigeria. South Africa also has a city called East London. There is also a London Island in Chile, a London in Belize and, slightly closer to home, a London in Finland. In total 29.

2. In which American state can you find much of the previous London Bridge, which was shipped over to the States in the late 1960s?

Arkansas

WRONG What Londoners may not know is that they needn’t travel 5,400 miles to Arizona to keep an eye on their erstwhile icon. Thanks to a 2r hour webcam, you can watch cars whizz over the bridge (not many red double-deckers, alas) while boats navigate through its arches — from the comfort of your London home.

Arizona

CORRECT What Londoners may not know is that they needn’t travel 5,400 miles to Arizona to keep an eye on their erstwhile icon. Thanks to a 2r hour webcam, you can watch cars whizz over the bridge (not many red double-deckers, alas) while boats navigate through its arches — from the comfort of your London home.

Alabama

3. The Battle of Porto Bello in 1739 is commemorated in Notting Hill’s Portobello Road. But in which present-day country did the battle take place?

Panama

CORRECT The capture of Puerto Bello was part of a campaign known as ‘The War of Jenkins’ Ear’, fought against Spain in the West Indian colonies. When merchant sea captain Robert Jenkins had his ear cut off by a Spanish officer at Havana in 1731 it led to calls in Parliament for war with Spain. Captain Edward Vernon claimed he could take the Spanish town of Porto Bello on the north side of the Isthmus of Darien between Columbia and Panama – with only six ships of the line, this he duly achieved on 22 November 1739.

Portugal

WRONG The capture of Puerto Bello was part of a campaign known as ‘The War of Jenkins’ Ear’, fought against Spain in the West Indian colonies. When merchant sea captain Robert Jenkins had his ear cut off by a Spanish officer at Havana in 1731 it led to calls in Parliament for war with Spain. Captain Edward Vernon claimed he could take the Spanish town of Porto Bello on the north side of the Isthmus of Darien between Columbia and Panama – with only six ships of the line, this he duly achieved on 22 November 1739.

Paraguay

4. Severndroog Castle is a famous folly on Shooter’s Hill and takes its name from an island fortress in which country?

India

CORRECT Its name is taken from an island fortress in India captured by Commodore Sir William James in 1755. While commonly referred to as a castle due to its turrets, it was built as a folly, as can be discerned by its small size and because it has never functioned as a castle.

Indonesia

WRONG Its name is taken from an island fortress in India captured by Commodore Sir William James in 1755. While commonly referred to as a castle due to its turrets, it was built as a folly, as can be discerned by its small size and because it has never functioned as a castle.

Iraq

5. In which American state would you find the Thames River, which flows 15 miles from Norwich to New London?

Connecticut

CORRECT The Thames River a short river in Connecticut flows for 15 miles from Norwich to New London.

California

WRONG The Thames River a short river in Connecticut flows for 15 miles from Norwich to New London.

Colorado

WRONG The Thames River a short river in Connecticut flows for 15 miles from Norwich to New London.

6. The Memorial to Paddy the Wanderer, in Wellington, New Zealand is a drinking fountain for dogs. It’s built from stones salvaged from which London landmark?

Old Euston Station

WRONG Paddy The Wanderer was an Airedale Terrier who wandered the streets during the Great Depression. He was the beloved pet of a 13-year-old and took to wandering the wharf after his young owner died of pneumonia. Paddy soon became a familiar face as dockers, sailors and taxi drivers kept him well-fed and even turn took turns paying for his annual dog license. When he died of old age in 1939, hundreds of people mourned the loss of their local celebrity as a funeral procession of black taxi cabs accompanied his body across town. In 1945, enough donations were raised to erect a memorial fountain for humans and dogs alike in his honour, using material from old Waterloo Bridge.

Old Waterloo Bridge

CORRECT Paddy The Wanderer was an Airedale Terrier who wandered the streets during the Great Depression. He was the beloved pet of a 13-year-old and took to wandering the wharf after his young owner died of pneumonia. Paddy soon became a familiar face as dockers, sailors and taxi drivers kept him well-fed and even turn took turns paying for his annual dog license. When he died of old age in 1939, hundreds of people mourned the loss of their local celebrity as a funeral procession of black taxi cabs accompanied his body across town. In 1945, enough donations were raised to erect a memorial fountain for humans and dogs alike in his honour, using material from old Waterloo Bridge.

Old Wembley Stadium

7. St. Paul’s Chapel in present-day Manhattan is a direct architectural copy of which famous London church?

St. Paul’s Cathedral

WRONG St. Paul’s Chapel is Manhattan’s oldest public building still in use and is considered the closest replica to St. Martin’s in the Fields, it was designed in 1764 by Thomas McBean, a student of James Gibbs who created St. Martin’s in the Fields, it has the combination that is the signature feature of many New England churches, a monumental portico and an elegant steeple.

St. Clement Danes

St. Martin’s in the Fields

CORRECT St. Paul’s Chapel is Manhattan’s oldest public building still in use and is considered the closest replica to St. Martin’s in the Fields, it was designed in 1764 by Thomas McBean, a student of James Gibbs who created St. Martin’s in the Fields, it has the combination that is the signature feature of many New England churches, a monumental portico and an elegant steeple.

8. What was the first biscuit consumed on the moon?

Garibaldi

WRONG Although all these biscuits were invented in Peek Freans’ Bermondsey factory (some dispute this), the bourbon stands as being the very first biscuit to be consumed on the moon by Edwin Aldrin in 1969. The Bourbon biscuit is the 5th most popular biscuit in the United Kingdom selling £80 million, certainly not crumbs.

Custard cream

Bourbon

CORRECT Although all these biscuits were invented in Peek Freans’ Bermondsey factory (some dispute this), the bourbon stands as being the very first biscuit to be consumed on the moon by Edwin Aldrin in 1969. The Bourbon biscuit is the 5th most popular biscuit in the United Kingdom selling £80 million, certainly not crumbs.

9. The prelate of the Vatican wears coloured vestments each signifying the wearer’s position in the church or marking the religious point in the calendar. Which colour was invented in London?

Purple

CORRECT Purple once a rare dye due to its cost, is worn by bishops symbolizing penance, humility and sorrow for Jesus’ suffering. An economical purple was accidentally made by 18-year-old William Perkin at his East End home.

Red

WRONG Purple once a rare dye due to its cost, is worn by bishops symbolizing penance, humility and sorrow for Jesus’ suffering. An economical purple was accidentally made by 18-year-old William Perkin at his East End home.

Green

10. At Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri can be found a memorial dedicated to Winston Churchill. What forms its centrepiece?

Crosby Hall

WRONG Destroyed on 13th December 1940 by German bombs, St. Mary Aldermanbury’s 7,000 stones were, in the 1960s, relocated on the other side of the Atlantic. The stones had been jumbled and it took a day to locate the first two stones, and a decade to build. Crosby Hall was relocated to Chelsea from The City, while Temple Bar went from Fleet Street to Cheshunt returning to Paternoster Square near St. Paul’s.

St. Mary Aldermanbury

CORRECT Destroyed on 13th December 1940 by German bombs, St. Mary Aldermanbury’s 7,000 stones were, in the 1960s, relocated on the other side of the Atlantic. The stones had been jumbled and it took a day to locate the first two stones, and a decade to build. Crosby Hall was relocated to Chelsea from The City, while Temple Bar went from Fleet Street to Cheshunt returning to Paternoster Square near St. Paul’s.

Temple Bar