If you’ve only taken a passing interest in CabbieBlog you’d have noticed that Monday’s post is about London Quotes. For the month’s quiz, I’ve given a short line from a quotation and three possible speakers. 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. “Why, Sir, you find no man,”
Samuel Pepys
WRONG “Why, Sir, you find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” Boswell and Johnson were discussing whether or not Boswell’s affection for London would wear thin should he choose to live there, as opposed to his occasional visits from Scotland. This discussion happened on 20th September 1777.
Samuel Johnson
CORRECT “Why, Sir, you find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” Boswell and Johnson were discussing whether or not Boswell’s affection for London would wear thin should he choose to live there, as opposed to his occasional visits from Scotland. This discussion happened on 20th September 1777.
Samuel Foote
WRONG “Why, Sir, you find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” Boswell and Johnson were discussing whether or not Boswell’s affection for London would wear thin should he choose to live there, as opposed to his occasional visits from Scotland. This discussion happened on 20th September 1777.
2. “Goodness me, but isn’t London big?”
Peter Ackroyd
WRONG “Goodness me, but isn’t London big? It seems to start about twenty minutes after you leave Dover and just goes on and on, mile after mile of endless grey suburbs…”. Bill Bryson – Notes from a Small Island.
Bill Bryson
CORRECT “Goodness me, but isn’t London big? It seems to start about twenty minutes after you leave Dover and just goes on and on, mile after mile of endless grey suburbs…”. Bill Bryson – Notes from a Small Island.
Will Self
WRONG “Goodness me, but isn’t London big? It seems to start about twenty minutes after you leave Dover and just goes on and on, mile after mile of endless grey suburbs…”. Bill Bryson – Notes from a Small Island.
3. “When it’s three o’clock in New York,”
Bette Midler
CORRECT “When it’s three o’clock in New York, it’s still 1938 in London.” Bette Midler, American comic.
Joan Rivers
WRONG “When it’s three o’clock in New York, it’s still 1938 in London.” Bette Midler, American comic.
Whoopi Goldberg
WRONG “When it’s three o’clock in New York, it’s still 1938 in London.” Bette Midler, American comic.
4. “Oh, I love London Society!”
Oscar Wilde
CORRECT “Oh, I love London Society! It is entirely composed now of beautiful idiots and brilliant lunatics. Just what Society should be.” Oscar Wilde – First Act, An Ideal Husband.
George Bernard Shaw
WRONG “Oh, I love London Society! It is entirely composed now of beautiful idiots and brilliant lunatics. Just what Society should be.” Oscar Wilde – First Act, An Ideal Husband.
John Galsworthy
WRONG “Oh, I love London Society! It is entirely composed now of beautiful idiots and brilliant lunatics. Just what Society should be.” Oscar Wilde – First Act, An Ideal Husband.
5. “…the gondolas of London”.
Benjamin Disraeli
CORRECT Cabs were once described in Parliament by Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli as “Hansom cabs are the gondolas of London”.
William Gladstone
WRONG Cabs were once described in Parliament by Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli as “Hansom cabs are the gondolas of London”.
Lord Palmerston
WRONG Cabs were once described in Parliament by Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli as “Hansom cabs are the gondolas of London”.
6. “I landed in London on a wintry autumn evening. It was dark and raining, and I saw more fog and mud in a minute than I had seen in a year.”
Thomas Carlyle
WRONG “I landed in London on a wintry autumn evening. It was dark and raining, and I saw more fog and mud in a minute than I had seen in a year. I walked from the Custom House to the Monument before I found a coach; and although the very house-fronts, looking on the swollen gutters, were like old friends to me, I could not but admit that they were very dingy friends.” Charles Dickens – David Copperfield, Chapter 59, Return.
Charles Dickens
CORRECT “I landed in London on a wintry autumn evening. It was dark and raining, and I saw more fog and mud in a minute than I had seen in a year. I walked from the Custom House to the Monument before I found a coach; and although the very house-fronts, looking on the swollen gutters, were like old friends to me, I could not but admit that they were very dingy friends.” Charles Dickens – David Copperfield, Chapter 59, Return.
Wilkie Collins
WRONG “I landed in London on a wintry autumn evening. It was dark and raining, and I saw more fog and mud in a minute than I had seen in a year. I walked from the Custom House to the Monument before I found a coach; and although the very house-fronts, looking on the swollen gutters, were like old friends to me, I could not but admit that they were very dingy friends.” Charles Dickens – David Copperfield, Chapter 59, Return.
7. “In this city 300 languages are spoken and the people that speak them live side by side in harmony.”
Boris Johnson
WRONG “In this city, 300 languages are spoken and the people that speak them live side by side in harmony. This city typifies what I believe is the future of the human race and a future where we grow together and we share and we learn from each other.” – Ken Livingstone, London Mayor.
Sadiq Khan
WRONG “In this city, 300 languages are spoken and the people that speak them live side by side in harmony. This city typifies what I believe is the future of the human race and a future where we grow together and we share and we learn from each other.” – Ken Livingstone, London Mayor.
Ken Livingstone
CORRECT “In this city, 300 languages are spoken and the people that speak them live side by side in harmony. This city typifies what I believe is the future of the human race and a future where we grow together and we share and we learn from each other.” – Ken Livingstone, London Mayor.
8. “The streets of London have their map, but our passions are uncharted”
Doris Lessing
WRONG “The streets of London have their map, but our passions are uncharted. What are you going to meet if you turn this corner.” Virginia Woolf – Jacob’s Room.
Beatrix Potter
WRONG “The streets of London have their map, but our passions are uncharted. What are you going to meet if you turn this corner.” Virginia Woolf – Jacob’s Room.
Virginia Woolf
CORRECT “The streets of London have their map, but our passions are uncharted. What are you going to meet if you turn this corner.” Virginia Woolf – Jacob’s Room.
9. “I’m leaving because the weather is too good.”
Groucho Marks
CORRECT “I’m leaving because the weather is too good. I hate London when it’s not raining.” Groucho Marks.
Robin Williams
WRONG “I’m leaving because the weather is too good. I hate London when it’s not raining.” Groucho Marks.
Richard Pryor
WRONG “I’m leaving because the weather is too good. I hate London when it’s not raining.” Groucho Marks.
10. “My Dad says that being a Londoner has nothing to do with where you’re born.”
Julian Fellowes
WRONG “My Dad says that being a Londoner has nothing to do with where you’re born. He says that there are people who get off a jumbo jet at Heathrow, go through immigration waving any kind of passport, hop on the tube and by the time the train’s pulled into Piccadilly Circus they’ve become a Londoner.” Ben Aaronovitch – Moon Over Soho.
Ben Aaronovitch
CORRECT “My Dad says that being a Londoner has nothing to do with where you’re born. He says that there are people who get off a jumbo jet at Heathrow, go through immigration waving any kind of passport, hop on the tube and by the time the train’s pulled into Piccadilly Circus they’ve become a Londoner.” Ben Aaronovitch – Moon Over Soho.
Christopher Fowler
WRONG “My Dad says that being a Londoner has nothing to do with where you’re born. He says that there are people who get off a jumbo jet at Heathrow, go through immigration waving any kind of passport, hop on the tube and by the time the train’s pulled into Piccadilly Circus they’ve become a Londoner.” Ben Aaronovitch – Moon Over Soho.
Who lives here? This month’s quiz is about which famous people live or once lived at the following London addresses. 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. 48 Doughty Street?
Virginia Woolfe
WRONG This typical Georgian terraced house near King’s Cross was Charles Dickens’s home from 25 March 1837 (a year after his marriage) to December 1839.
Charles Dickens
CORRECT This typical Georgian terraced house near King’s Cross was Charles Dickens’s home from 25 March 1837 (a year after his marriage) to December 1839.
Mary Shelley
WRONG This typical Georgian terraced house near King’s Cross was Charles Dickens’s home from 25 March 1837 (a year after his marriage) to December 1839.
2. 87 Hackford Road?
William Hogarth
WRONG Van Gogh lodged briefly at the home of Ursula Loyer and her daughter Eugenie at 87 Hackford Road, Stockwell from August 1873 while working at the art dealership Goupil & Co. He sketched the 1824-built, three-storey Georgian terrace opposite Durand School, using pencil with chalk highlights.
Vincent van Gogh
CORRECT Van Gogh lodged briefly at the home of Ursula Loyer and her daughter Eugenie at 87 Hackford Road, Stockwell from August 1873 while working at the art dealership Goupil & Co. He sketched the 1824-built, three-storey Georgian terrace opposite Durand School, using pencil with chalk highlights.
J.M.W. Turner
WRONG Van Gogh lodged briefly at the home of Ursula Loyer and her daughter Eugenie at 87 Hackford Road, Stockwell from August 1873 while working at the art dealership Goupil & Co. He sketched the 1824-built, three-storey Georgian terrace opposite Durand School, using pencil with chalk highlights.
3. 36 Craven Street?
Benjamin Franklin
CORRECT This terraced Georgian house close to Trafalgar Square is the last-standing former residence of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. The house dates from 1730, and Franklin lived and worked there for sixteen years.
Tim Berners-Lee
WRONG This terraced Georgian house close to Trafalgar Square is the last-standing former residence of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. The house dates from 1730, and Franklin lived and worked there for sixteen years.
David Attenborough
WRONG This terraced Georgian house close to Trafalgar Square is the last-standing former residence of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. The house dates from 1730, and Franklin lived and worked there for sixteen years.
4. 32 Windsor Gardens?
Paddington Bear
CORRECT The Brown’s fictional house in Windsor Gardens is actually Chalcot Crescent in Primrose Hill.
Uncle Bulgaria
WRONG The Brown’s fictional house in Windsor Gardens is actually Chalcot Crescent in Primrose Hill.
Bungle
WRONG The Brown’s fictional house in Windsor Gardens is actually Chalcot Crescent in Primrose Hill.
5. 31 Melbury Road?
Robbie Williams
CORRECT Built-in 1875, it was designed by architect Richard Norman Shaw. Once the home of director Michael Winner, it was purchased in 2013 by Robbie Williams. The house currently has 47 rooms and over 2,000 light bulbs – the house was originally intended for artists’ studios, needing to use ample light and skylights for the entrance of natural light.
Gary Oldman
WRONG Built-in 1875, it was designed by architect Richard Norman Shaw. Once the home of director Michael Winner, it was purchased in 2013 by Robbie Williams. The house currently has 47 rooms and over 2,000 light bulbs – the house was originally intended for artists’ studios, needing to use ample light and skylights for the entrance of natural light.
Marc Bolan
WRONG Built-in 1875, it was designed by architect Richard Norman Shaw. Once the home of director Michael Winner, it was purchased in 2013 by Robbie Williams. The house currently has 47 rooms and over 2,000 light bulbs – the house was originally intended for artists’ studios, needing to use ample light and skylights for the entrance of natural light.
6. 30 Camden Square?
Adele
WRONG The late, extremely talented singer resided at 30 Camden Square, the spot where she died of alcohol poisoning. The house has since become a shrine for fans, who want to pay respects.
Amy Winehouse
CORRECT The late, extremely talented singer resided at 30 Camden Square, the spot where she died of alcohol poisoning. The house has since become a shrine for fans, who want to pay respects.
Dua Lipa
WRONG The late, extremely talented singer resided at 30 Camden Square, the spot where she died of alcohol poisoning. The house has since become a shrine for fans, who want to pay respects.
7. 7 Cavendish Avenue?
David Bowie
WRONG Hidden behind high wooden doors, this house in St John Wood is nestled among mainly large mansions, and massive old trees and the streets are very quiet. A few other celebs that call St John Wood home are actor Ewan McGregor and pop star Lily Allen.
Gary Barlow
WRONG Hidden behind high wooden doors, this house in St John Wood is nestled among mainly large mansions, and massive old trees and the streets are very quiet. A few other celebs that call St John Wood home are actor Ewan McGregor and pop star Lily Allen.
Sir Paul McCartney
CORRECT Hidden behind high wooden doors, this house in St John Wood is nestled among mainly large mansions, and massive old trees and the streets are very quiet. A few other celebs that call St John Wood home are actor Ewan McGregor and pop star Lily Allen.
8. 23 Holland Park?
Bobby Moore
WRONG Did the Beckhams have to pay more to get David Beckham’s jersey number 23 as their home address rest assured they could afford it.
Lennox Lewis
WRONG Did the Beckhams have to pay more to get David Beckham’s jersey number 23 as their home address rest assured they could afford it.
David Beckham
CORRECT Did the Beckhams have to pay more to get David Beckham’s jersey number 23 as their home address rest assured they could afford it.
9. 4 Queensdale Place?
Elton John
CORRECT Elton has owned this modest house since 1992. He also has a much grander home in Windsor.
Keith Moon
WRONG Elton has owned this modest house since 1992. He also has a much grander home in Windsor.
Elvis Costello
WRONG Elton has owned this modest house since 1992. He also has a much grander home in Windsor.
10. 28 Logan Place?
John Lydon
WRONG Over 20 years after Mercury died of AIDS fans still come to his house Garden Lodge to pay tribute by leaving flowers and personal letters on the perimeter wall.
Freddie Mercury
CORRECT Over 20 years after Mercury died of AIDS fans still come to his house Garden Lodge to pay tribute by leaving flowers and personal letters on the perimeter wall.
Ian Dury
WRONG Over 20 years after Mercury died of AIDS fans still come to his house Garden Lodge to pay tribute by leaving flowers and personal letters on the perimeter wall.
Last month Piccadilly: The Circus at the Heart of London by Midge Gillies was published in paperback, this is one of London’s most famous junctions, but how much do you know of this iconic meeting spot? 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. For what company was the first illuminated advertisement?
Bovril
WRONG In 1904, the first electric sign spelt out Mellin’s Food in 6ft-high letters above Mellin’s Pharmacy at 43 Regent Street. Mellin’s Food was a popular infant food supplement. The advert read: ‘Mellin’s Food for Infants and Invalids: The only perfect substitute for Mother’s Milk’. By 1908 saw the installation of the first electric illuminated advertising billboards on the frontage of the Monico tea rooms. Illuminated advertisements for Perrier water and Bovril were quick to follow.
Mellin’s baby food
CORRECT In 1904, the first electric sign spelt out Mellin’s Food in 6ft-high letters above Mellin’s Pharmacy at 43 Regent Street. Mellin’s Food was a popular infant food supplement. The advert read: ‘Mellin’s Food for Infants and Invalids: The only perfect substitute for Mother’s Milk’. By 1908 saw the installation of the first electric illuminated advertising billboards on the frontage of the Monico tea rooms. Illuminated advertisements for Perrier water and Bovril were quick to follow.
Monico tea rooms
WRONG In 1904, the first electric sign spelt out Mellin’s Food in 6ft-high letters above Mellin’s Pharmacy at 43 Regent Street. Mellin’s Food was a popular infant food supplement. The advert read: ‘Mellin’s Food for Infants and Invalids: The only perfect substitute for Mother’s Milk’. By 1908 saw the installation of the first electric illuminated advertising billboards on the frontage of the Monico tea rooms. Illuminated advertisements for Perrier water and Bovril were quick to follow.
2. What art installation did Amelia Kosminsky create upon Eros in June for Art After Dark’s summer programme?
LGBTQ+ Rainbow
WRONG Amelia Kosminsky launched Sparks of Nature for Art After Dark’s summer programme, with the physical floral installation brought to life by the florist Phillip Corps Flowers.
Flower Power
CORRECT Amelia Kosminsky launched Sparks of Nature for Art After Dark’s summer programme, with the physical floral installation brought to life by the florist Phillip Corps Flowers.
National Portrait Gallery reopening
WRONG Amelia Kosminsky launched Sparks of Nature for Art After Dark’s summer programme, with the physical floral installation brought to life by the florist Phillip Corps Flowers.
3. What is the official name of the centrepiece of Piccadilly Circus?
The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain
CORRECT The official name of the centrepiece is the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, named after the great Victorian philanthropist Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury. It was financed by public subscription, which is a testament to his charitable work.
Love’s true arrow
WRONG The official name of the centrepiece is the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, named after the great Victorian philanthropist Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury. It was financed by public subscription, which is a testament to his charitable work.
Eros takes flight
WRONG The official name of the centrepiece is the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, named after the great Victorian philanthropist Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury. It was financed by public subscription, which is a testament to his charitable work.
4. Who is depicted on the top of the statue?
Anteros
CORRECT The statue depicts Anteros the rather boring brother of Eros whose concern was unselfish and reflective charity and had nothing to do with love. Anteros’s bow is directed not at his lover’s heart but towards the public’s social conscience. Some say it was originally pointed towards Shaftesbury in Dorset, and as a play on words the arrow or ‘shaft’ pointed down and would be ‘buried’ in the ground.
Eros
WRONG The statue depicts Anteros the rather boring brother of Eros whose concern was unselfish and reflective charity and had nothing to do with love. Anteros’s bow is directed not at his lover’s heart but towards the public’s social conscience. Some say it was originally pointed towards Shaftesbury in Dorset, and as a play on words the arrow or ‘shaft’ pointed down and would be ‘buried’ in the ground.
Artemis
WRONG The statue depicts Anteros the rather boring brother of Eros whose concern was unselfish and reflective charity and had nothing to do with love. Anteros’s bow is directed not at his lover’s heart but towards the public’s social conscience. Some say it was originally pointed towards Shaftesbury in Dorset, and as a play on words the arrow or ‘shaft’ pointed down and would be ‘buried’ in the ground.
5. What is said you can experience if you stand long enough at Piccadilly Circus?
See every person in the world
CORRECT It has been said that if you stand in Piccadilly Circus long enough, everyone in the world will pass by, as it is a popular gathering place for tourists and locals alike and was rather romantically considered the heart of the British Empire.
The Circus Ghost
WRONG It has been said that if you stand in Piccadilly Circus long enough, everyone in the world will pass by, as it is a popular gathering place for tourists and locals alike and was rather romantically considered the heart of the British Empire.
Colour blindness from the sign lights
WRONG It has been said that if you stand in Piccadilly Circus long enough, everyone in the world will pass by, as it is a popular gathering place for tourists and locals alike and was rather romantically considered the heart of the British Empire.
6. What connection has Piccadilly Circus with D-Day?
Eisenhower’s code name
WRONG The phrase Piccadilly Circus is commonly used to refer to a place or situation which is extremely busy with people, because of this connection, during World War II, ‘Piccadilly Circus’ was the code name given to the Allies’ D-Day invasion fleet’s assembly location in the English Channel.
An assembly location
CORRECT The phrase Piccadilly Circus is commonly used to refer to a place or situation which is extremely busy with people, because of this connection, during World War II, ‘Piccadilly Circus’ was the code name given to the Allies’ D-Day invasion fleet’s assembly location in the English Channel.
Soldiers promised to meet there after hostilities were over
WRONG The phrase Piccadilly Circus is commonly used to refer to a place or situation which is extremely busy with people, because of this connection, during World War II, ‘Piccadilly Circus’ was the code name given to the Allies’ D-Day invasion fleet’s assembly location in the English Channel.
7. How many screens are used to display the advertisements?
6
WRONG Claimed to be the most technically advanced screen in the world in January 2017 all six visual displays were ripped down and replaced with a single ‘state of the art’ 783 square metre 4K screen.
12
WRONG Claimed to be the most technically advanced screen in the world in January 2017 all six visual displays were ripped down and replaced with a single ‘state of the art’ 783 square metre 4K screen.
1
CORRECT Claimed to be the most technically advanced screen in the world in January 2017 all six visual displays were ripped down and replaced with a single ‘state of the art’ 783 square metre 4K screen.
8. What metal was used for the statue?
Tin
WRONG It was created in aluminium, a material that was very uncommon for use in this kind of thing back in 1892 when the statue was built. It’s only the representation of Anteros that is made of aluminium. The base is made of bronze which would have been a very traditional material for sculpture of its time.
Zinc
WRONG It was created in aluminium, a material that was very uncommon for use in this kind of thing back in 1892 when the statue was built. It’s only the representation of Anteros that is made of aluminium. The base is made of bronze which would have been a very traditional material for sculpture of its time.
Aluminium
CORRECT It was created in aluminium, a material that was very uncommon for use in this kind of thing back in 1892 when the statue was built. It’s only the representation of Anteros that is made of aluminium. The base is made of bronze which would have been a very traditional material for sculpture of its time.
9. During Christmas 2013 what transformation happened to the statue?
A giant snow globe
CORRECT A giant plastic bubble was put over the top of the statue and the space inside was filled with fans and fake snow turning it into a giant snow globe.
The fountain’s water was changed to white
WRONG A giant plastic bubble was put over the top of the statue and the space inside was filled with fans and fake snow turning it into a giant snow globe.
It became a Christmas tree
WRONG A giant plastic bubble was put over the top of the statue and the space inside was filled with fans and fake snow turning it into a giant snow globe.
10. Why does the statue not have an arrow?
As a pun, the missing shaft has been said to be buried in Shaftesbury Avenue
WRONG In 1893, the Shaftesbury Memorial Committee said firmly that ‘The fountain itself is purely symbolical, and is illustrative of Christian charity’, making no mention of the winged figure, whose downward pointing bow British History points out, ‘has been, and still is, widely regarded as forming a rebus upon the name of Shaftesbury’.
The statue is a symbol of Christian kindness, not an instrument of attack
CORRECT In 1893, the Shaftesbury Memorial Committee said firmly that ‘The fountain itself is purely symbolical, and is illustrative of Christian charity’, making no mention of the winged figure, whose downward pointing bow British History points out, ‘has been, and still is, widely regarded as forming a rebus upon the name of Shaftesbury’.
The arrow is flying to the Earl of Shaftesbury’s family home in Wimborne St Giles
WRONG In 1893, the Shaftesbury Memorial Committee said firmly that ‘The fountain itself is purely symbolical, and is illustrative of Christian charity’, making no mention of the winged figure, whose downward pointing bow British History points out, ‘has been, and still is, widely regarded as forming a rebus upon the name of Shaftesbury’.
This year marks the 900th Anniversary of Barts Hospital, how well do you know this world-class medical institution? 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. Founded in 1123 by a monk called Rahere, what other job did Rahere perform?
Master of the Stools to Henry I
WRONG Depicted in a stained-glass window in St Bartholomew the Less Church shows Rahere in monk’s robes but with the multicoloured leggings of a jester.
Jester and Courtier to Henry I
CORRECT Depicted in a stained-glass window in St Bartholomew the Less Church shows Rahere in monk’s robes but with the multicoloured leggings of a jester.
Keeper of the Keys
WRONG Depicted in a stained-glass window in St Bartholomew the Less Church shows Rahere in monk’s robes but with the multicoloured leggings of a jester.
2. In A Study in Scarlet Sherlock Holmes first meets Dr John Watson at Bart’s Hospital, as recorded on a plaque in the hospital’s museum, what are Holmes’s first words to his future housemate?
Dr Watson, I presume
WRONG Upon their first fictional encounter on 1st January 1881, Holmes is using the hospital laboratory for experiments with blood stains when Watson, who had served in the Afghan theatre of war and was wounded at the Battle of Maiwand, is shown in by a mutual acquaintance called Stamford. Both looking for accommodation, the famous duo agree to take rooms in Baker Street.
You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive
CORRECT Upon their first fictional encounter on 1st January 1881, Holmes is using the hospital laboratory for experiments with blood stains when Watson, who had served in the Afghan theatre of war and was wounded at the Battle of Maiwand, is shown in by a mutual acquaintance called Stamford. Both looking for accommodation, the famous duo agree to take rooms in Baker Street.
Do you know the way to Amarillo?
WRONG Upon their first fictional encounter on 1st January 1881, Holmes is using the hospital laboratory for experiments with blood stains when Watson, who had served in the Afghan theatre of war and was wounded at the Battle of Maiwand, is shown in by a mutual acquaintance called Stamford. Both looking for accommodation, the famous duo agree to take rooms in Baker Street.
3. Which artist painted the vast canvases that decorate the stairs of the hospital’s great hall?
William Hogarth
CORRECT William Hogarth who was born just yards away from Barts in Bartholomew Close is said to have taken the commission for no pay, rather than let it go to Italian artists.
William Kent
WRONG William Hogarth who was born just yards away from Barts in Bartholomew Close is said to have taken the commission for no pay, rather than let it go to Italian artists.
William Blake
WRONG William Hogarth who was born just yards away from Barts in Bartholomew Close is said to have taken the commission for no pay, rather than let it go to Italian artists.
4. Named after St Bartholomew, one of the Twelve Apostles, how was it said that Bartholomew was martyred?
Flayed
CORRECT The apostle is said to have been martyred by flaying and beheading at the command of the Armenian king Astyages. His relics were supposedly taken to the Church of St. Bartholomew-in-the-Tiber.
Crucified
WRONG The apostle is said to have been martyred by flaying and beheading at the command of the Armenian king Astyages. His relics were supposedly taken to the Church of St. Bartholomew-in-the-Tiber.
Garotted
WRONG The apostle is said to have been martyred by flaying and beheading at the command of the Armenian king Astyages. His relics were supposedly taken to the Church of St. Bartholomew-in-the-Tiber.
5. Whose statue stands above the gatehouse of Bart’s, said to be the only one in London to depict this person?
Henry VIII
CORRECT A favourite with Knowledge examiners, this rather tiny statue commemorates Henry VIII saving the hospital. Another steel structure of Henry stands in Central Park, Havering. We locals insist that the London Borough of Havering is in Essex, unfortunately, Sadiq disagrees.
Henry Mayhew
WRONG A favourite with Knowledge examiners, this rather tiny statue commemorates Henry VIII saving the hospital. Another steel structure of Henry stands in Central Park, Havering. We locals insist that the London Borough of Havering is in Essex, unfortunately, Sadiq disagrees.
Henry Cooper
WRONG A favourite with Knowledge examiners, this rather tiny statue commemorates Henry VIII saving the hospital. Another steel structure of Henry stands in Central Park, Havering. We locals insist that the London Borough of Havering is in Essex, unfortunately, Sadiq disagrees.
6. In 1954 Barts became the first hospital in the country to offer which ground-breaking treatment for cancer?
Chemotherapy
WRONG Megavoltage radiotherapy (MRT) is now commonly used to deliver doses of radiation to patients with cancer.
Radiotherapy
CORRECT Megavoltage radiotherapy (MRT) is now commonly used to deliver doses of radiation to patients with cancer.
Hyperthermia
WRONG Megavoltage radiotherapy (MRT) is now commonly used to deliver doses of radiation to patients with cancer.
7. The grand staircase leading up to the Great Hall is home to two murals The Pool of Bethesda (1736) and The Good Samaritan (1737). Why is one a lesser quality?
The artist ran out of paint
WRONG Due to William Hogarth’s fear of heights, the more intricate of the two murals, The Pool of Bethesda, was painted in a different location, whilst The Good Samaritan was painted in situ but with far less detail.
The artist was ill
WRONG Due to William Hogarth’s fear of heights, the more intricate of the two murals, The Pool of Bethesda, was painted in a different location, whilst The Good Samaritan was painted in situ but with far less detail.
The artist suffered from vertigo
CORRECT Due to William Hogarth’s fear of heights, the more intricate of the two murals, The Pool of Bethesda, was painted in a different location, whilst The Good Samaritan was painted in situ but with far less detail.
8. Which Scottish freedom fighter has their memorial on the north-western wall of Barts Hospital?
Robert the Bruce
WRONG On 5th August 1305, Wallace was captured near Glasgow, possibly by treachery and taken to London, where he was hung, drawn and quartered outside Barts Hospital on 23rd August 1305.
James Douglas
WRONG On 5th August 1305, Wallace was captured near Glasgow, possibly by treachery and taken to London, where he was hung, drawn and quartered outside Barts Hospital on 23rd August 1305.
William Wallace
CORRECT On 5th August 1305, Wallace was captured near Glasgow, possibly by treachery and taken to London, where he was hung, drawn and quartered outside Barts Hospital on 23rd August 1305.
9. A memorial was installed in 2015 on Barts’s north-western wall, commemorating the murder of which famous Kentish rebel?
Wat Tyler
CORRECT William Walworth, London’s mayor stabbed Tyler who was negotiating terms with King John who had introduced a poll tax which was a fixed rate regardless of an individual’s earnings.
Jack Cade
WRONG William Walworth, London’s mayor stabbed Tyler who was negotiating terms with King John who had introduced a poll tax which was a fixed rate regardless of an individual’s earnings.
John Lincoln
WRONG William Walworth, London’s mayor stabbed Tyler who was negotiating terms with King John who had introduced a poll tax which was a fixed rate regardless of an individual’s earnings.
10. Sairey Gamp’s friend, Betsy Prig, is a nurse at St. Barts in which Dickensian novel?
Bleak House
WRONG Betsy Prig, features as a Barts nurse in Martin Chuzzlewit, also in Dickens’ Little Dorrit, John Baptist Cavalletto is taken to the hospital after being hit by the mail coach.
Martin Chuzzlewit
CORRECT Betsy Prig, features as a Barts nurse in Martin Chuzzlewit, also in Dickens’ Little Dorrit, John Baptist Cavalletto is taken to the hospital after being hit by the mail coach.
Oliver Twist
WRONG Betsy Prig, features as a Barts nurse in Martin Chuzzlewit, also in Dickens’ Little Dorrit, John Baptist Cavalletto is taken to the hospital after being hit by the mail coach.
In two weeks, King Charles III will attend Trooping the Colour for the first time as Monarch. How much do you know about this annual ceremony? 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. Upon what anniversary does the ceremony take place?
The Battle of Waterloo
WRONG Trooping the Colour is believed to have been performed first during the reign of Charles II. Then, in 1748, it was decided this parade would be used to mark the official birthday of the Sovereign (as opposed to their actual birthday) and it became an annual event after George III became King in 1760, except during the World Wars and a national strike in 1955.
The Monarch’s official birthday
CORRECT Trooping the Colour is believed to have been performed first during the reign of Charles II. Then, in 1748, it was decided this parade would be used to mark the official birthday of the Sovereign (as opposed to their actual birthday) and it became an annual event after George III became King in 1760, except during the World Wars and a national strike in 1955.
The formation of the Household Cavalry
WRONG Trooping the Colour is believed to have been performed first during the reign of Charles II. Then, in 1748, it was decided this parade would be used to mark the official birthday of the Sovereign (as opposed to their actual birthday) and it became an annual event after George III became King in 1760, except during the World Wars and a national strike in 1955.
2. What is the Colour?
The guards’ bright red tunics
WRONG Trooping the Colour dates back to the time of Charles II in the 17th century when the flag or Colours of a regiment were used as a rallying point in battle and were therefore trooped in front of the soldiers every day to make sure that every man could recognise those of his regiment.
The regiment flag
CORRECT Trooping the Colour dates back to the time of Charles II in the 17th century when the flag or Colours of a regiment were used as a rallying point in battle and were therefore trooped in front of the soldiers every day to make sure that every man could recognise those of his regiment.
The Sovereign’s black horse
WRONG Trooping the Colour dates back to the time of Charles II in the 17th century when the flag or Colours of a regiment were used as a rallying point in battle and were therefore trooped in front of the soldiers every day to make sure that every man could recognise those of his regiment.
3. In modern times, where else has Trooping the Colour taken place?
Windsor Castle
CORRECT Three times the ceremony, known as ‘Mini’ Trooping the Colour has taken place at Windsor Castle twice due to Covid-19.
Edinburgh Castle
WRONG Three times the ceremony, known as ‘Mini’ Trooping the Colour has taken place at Windsor Castle twice due to Covid-19.
Caernarfon Castle
WRONG Three times the ceremony, known as ‘Mini’ Trooping the Colour has taken place at Windsor Castle twice due to Covid-19.
4. How many words of command are spoken?
113
CORRECT With over 1,400 officers and men on parade, together with 200 horses; over 400 musicians from 6 bands and corps of drums marching and playing as one, only 113 words of command are given by the Officer in Command of the Parade.
213
WRONG With over 1,400 officers and men on parade, together with 200 horses; over 400 musicians from 6 bands and corps of drums marching and playing as one, only 113 words of command are given by the Officer in Command of the Parade.
13
WRONG With over 1,400 officers and men on parade, together with 200 horses; over 400 musicians from 6 bands and corps of drums marching and playing as one, only 113 words of command are given by the Officer in Command of the Parade.
5. What mustn’t be worn by members of the public?
Denim
CORRECT Because the Monarch is in attendance, everyone must be dressed in their best, and no one can wear denim, shorts or sandals. The no-jeans rule is stated, like, three times. Technically, hats are optional but are recommended for paying the necessary compliments to His Majesty and worn due to the hot nature of the summer’s day. Failure to comply with the dress code results in a person being turned away.
Hats
WRONG Because the Monarch is in attendance, everyone must be dressed in their best, and no one can wear denim, shorts or sandals. The no-jeans rule is stated, like, three times. Technically, hats are optional but are recommended for paying the necessary compliments to His Majesty and worn due to the hot nature of the summer’s day. Failure to comply with the dress code results in a person being turned away.
Red
WRONG Because the Monarch is in attendance, everyone must be dressed in their best, and no one can wear denim, shorts or sandals. The no-jeans rule is stated, like, three times. Technically, hats are optional but are recommended for paying the necessary compliments to His Majesty and worn due to the hot nature of the summer’s day. Failure to comply with the dress code results in a person being turned away.
6. What event happened in 1981?
An IRA protest
WRONG In 1981, the appropriately named Marcus Simon Serjeant tried to kill the Queen when she rode past. He was inspired by John Lennon’s killer to assassinate someone for fame. Luckily, he didn’t realize that his gun was only firing blanks, and the Queen survived the terrifying scenario.
An attempted assassination
CORRECT In 1981, the appropriately named Marcus Simon Serjeant tried to kill the Queen when she rode past. He was inspired by John Lennon’s killer to assassinate someone for fame. Luckily, he didn’t realize that his gun was only firing blanks, and the Queen survived the terrifying scenario.
Many of the horses were sick
WRONG In 1981, the appropriately named Marcus Simon Serjeant tried to kill the Queen when she rode past. He was inspired by John Lennon’s killer to assassinate someone for fame. Luckily, he didn’t realize that his gun was only firing blanks, and the Queen survived the terrifying scenario.
7. For what are heat guns used?
To ward off protestors
WRONG The boots are the trickiest of all to clean. It’s a long process that can take up to 11 hours. First, each boot has to be burnt down with a heat gun while a mixture of beeswax and black polish is worked into it. Once set more black polish is applied in layers and then ‘bulled’ with a thoroughly washed duster that is dabbed in water and polish. If done correctly the first time the future bulling process becomes much quicker. 1,200 pots of polish have to be bought and provided to the men of the Household Division to pass muster on the day.
To flatten the procession route
WRONG The boots are the trickiest of all to clean. It’s a long process that can take up to 11 hours. First, each boot has to be burnt down with a heat gun while a mixture of beeswax and black polish is worked into it. Once set more black polish is applied in layers and then ‘bulled’ with a thoroughly washed duster that is dabbed in water and polish. If done correctly the first time the future bulling process becomes much quicker. 1,200 pots of polish have to be bought and provided to the men of the Household Division to pass muster on the day.
To polish boots
CORRECT The boots are the trickiest of all to clean. It’s a long process that can take up to 11 hours. First, each boot has to be burnt down with a heat gun while a mixture of beeswax and black polish is worked into it. Once set more black polish is applied in layers and then ‘bulled’ with a thoroughly washed duster that is dabbed in water and polish. If done correctly the first time the future bulling process becomes much quicker. 1,200 pots of polish have to be bought and provided to the men of the Household Division to pass muster on the day.
8. How much horse manure is left behind?
2 tons
WRONG The average horse produces 50 lbs of manure a day. On the day of Trooping the Colour, there could be 4.5 tons of it on the streets. That would be 63 tons of horse manure in the two weeks leading up to the event. No wonder they need a team of five road sweepers on the day organised by the management of the Royal Parks.
1 ton
WRONG The average horse produces 50 lbs of manure a day. On the day of Trooping the Colour, there could be 4.5 tons of it on the streets. That would be 63 tons of horse manure in the two weeks leading up to the event. No wonder they need a team of five road sweepers on the day organised by the management of the Royal Parks.
4.5 tons
CORRECT The average horse produces 50 lbs of manure a day. On the day of Trooping the Colour, there could be 4.5 tons of it on the streets. That would be 63 tons of horse manure in the two weeks leading up to the event. No wonder they need a team of five road sweepers on the day organised by the management of the Royal Parks.
9. Why are the guards’ uniforms red?
Red naturally blends making it difficult to estimate numbers
CORRECT Contrary to some rumours it’s not so that blood doesn’t appear to the enemy when shot. In 1645 when the New Model Army was formed a cheap form of dye was used to ensure all uniforms were of a similar colour. Naturally, over time the uniforms faded and weren’t as bright on the battlefield. Warfare was of a different order then, with more orchestrated battles where the enemy could easily be identified. Red was interestingly useful as units naturally blended wearing this colour, making it difficult to estimate numbers.
So their blood doesn’t show when shot
WRONG Contrary to some rumours it’s not so that blood doesn’t appear to the enemy when shot. In 1645 when the New Model Army was formed a cheap form of dye was used to ensure all uniforms were of a similar colour. Naturally, over time the uniforms faded and weren’t as bright on the battlefield. Warfare was of a different order then, with more orchestrated battles where the enemy could easily be identified. Red was interestingly useful as units naturally blended wearing this colour, making it difficult to estimate numbers.
The dye was readably available
WRONG Contrary to some rumours it’s not so that blood doesn’t appear to the enemy when shot. In 1645 when the New Model Army was formed a cheap form of dye was used to ensure all uniforms were of a similar colour. Naturally, over time the uniforms faded and weren’t as bright on the battlefield. Warfare was of a different order then, with more orchestrated battles where the enemy could easily be identified. Red was interestingly useful as units naturally blended wearing this colour, making it difficult to estimate numbers.
10. What timepiece determines the time that the Monarch arrives?
Big Ben
WRONG As the clock on Horse Guards chimes 11 o’clock His Majesty The King arrives to take the Royal Salute from the officers and men of the Household Division on parade. After the salute The King rides up and down the ranks, inspecting the troops on parade.
Horse Guards clock
CORRECT As the clock on Horse Guards chimes 11 o’clock His Majesty The King arrives to take the Royal Salute from the officers and men of the Household Division on parade. After the salute The King rides up and down the ranks, inspecting the troops on parade.
The Monarch’s watch
WRONG As the clock on Horse Guards chimes 11 o’clock His Majesty The King arrives to take the Royal Salute from the officers and men of the Household Division on parade. After the salute The King rides up and down the ranks, inspecting the troops on parade.
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