Tag Archives: Test Your Knowledge

Puppydog tails

Test Your Knowledge: May 2023

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Looking to brush up on your royal knowledge ahead of King Charles’ coronation tomorrow? 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. How many Coronations have been held at Westminster Abbey?
29
WRONG There have been 39 coronations in Westminster Abbey since that of William the Conqueror on 25th December 1066.
39
CORRECT There have been 39 coronations in Westminster Abbey since that of William the Conqueror on 25th December 1066.
19
WRONG There have been 39 coronations in Westminster Abbey since that of William the Conqueror on 25th December 1066.
2. How many parts does a coronation service fall into?
5
WRONG The coronation falls into six parts: the recognition, the oath, the anointing, the investiture (which includes the crowning), the enthronement and the homage.
6
CORRECT The coronation falls into six parts: the recognition, the oath, the anointing, the investiture (which includes the crowning), the enthronement and the homage.
4
WRONG The coronation falls into six parts: the recognition, the oath, the anointing, the investiture (which includes the crowning), the enthronement and the homage.
3. Which two kings were not crowned, both having the same Christian name?
Edward
CORRECT The two monarchs who did not have a coronation were Edward V (the boy king), who was presumed murdered in the Tower of London before he could be crowned, and Edward VIII who abdicated 11 months after succeeding his father.
Henry
WRONG The two monarchs who did not have a coronation were Edward V (the boy king), who was presumed murdered in the Tower of London before he could be crowned, and Edward VIII who abdicated 11 months after succeeding his father.
Richard
WRONG The two monarchs who did not have a coronation were Edward V (the boy king), who was presumed murdered in the Tower of London before he could be crowned, and Edward VIII who abdicated 11 months after succeeding his father.
4. The anointing oil has been reformulated in which respect?
Animal free
CORRECT Previous versions have included civet oil, from the glands of small mammals, and ambergris from the intestines of whales, but reflecting modern animal-friendly sensitivities, the “chrism oil” will not include any ingredients from animals.
Avoiding Charles’ allergies
WRONG Previous versions have included civet oil, from the glands of small mammals, and ambergris from the intestines of whales, but reflecting modern animal-friendly sensitivities, the “chrism oil” will not include any ingredients from animals.
Complying with health and safety
WRONG Previous versions have included civet oil, from the glands of small mammals, and ambergris from the intestines of whales, but reflecting modern animal-friendly sensitivities, the “chrism oil” will not include any ingredients from animals.
5. What important artefact will be reunited with the Coronation chair?
A stone
CORRECT Monarchs used to sit on the Stone of Scone itself until a wooden platform was added in the 17th century. In 1996, the stone was returned to Scotland, where it is kept at Edinburgh Castle on the proviso that it be returned to England for use at coronations. Allegedly the stone is the one Jacob rested his head atop in Genesis 28:18.
A cushion
WRONG Monarchs used to sit on the Stone of Scone itself until a wooden platform was added in the 17th century. In 1996, the stone was returned to Scotland, where it is kept at Edinburgh Castle on the proviso that it be returned to England for use at coronations. Allegedly the stone is the one Jacob rested his head atop in Genesis 28:18.
A crown
WRONG Monarchs used to sit on the Stone of Scone itself until a wooden platform was added in the 17th century. In 1996, the stone was returned to Scotland, where it is kept at Edinburgh Castle on the proviso that it be returned to England for use at coronations. Allegedly the stone is the one Jacob rested his head atop in Genesis 28:18.
6. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will place St Edward’s crown upon King Charles’ head. For whom was the crown created?
King Edward VI
WRONG Made for Charles II in 1661, after Cromwell melted down the previous crown during the Interregnum. The solid gold crown, decorated with 444 precious and semi-precious stones, weighs 5lb.
King Charles II
CORRECT Made for Charles II in 1661, after Cromwell melted down the previous crown during the Interregnum. The solid gold crown, decorated with 444 precious and semi-precious stones, weighs 5lb.
King Henry VIII
WRONG Made for Charles II in 1661, after Cromwell melted down the previous crown during the Interregnum. The solid gold crown, decorated with 444 precious and semi-precious stones, weighs 5lb.
7. What anthem is sung at the point when a monarch is crowned?
God Save The King
WRONG One of Handel’s best-known works, Zadok the Priest has been sung at the anointing of the sovereign during the coronation of every British monarch since its composition by Handel in 1727 for King George II.
Jerusalem
WRONG One of Handel’s best-known works, Zadok the Priest has been sung at the anointing of the sovereign during the coronation of every British monarch since its composition by Handel in 1727 for King George II.
Zadok the Priest
CORRECT One of Handel’s best-known works, Zadok the Priest has been sung at the anointing of the sovereign during the coronation of every British monarch since its composition by Handel in 1727 for King George II.
8. What date were the instructions written for the crowning of a monarch?
1582
WRONG An illuminated medieval book, the Liber Regalis or ‘Royal Book’, serves as an instruction manual that details the order of a coronation ceremony. Written in Latin in 1382, it was translated into English in 1603 for the coronation of James I. The ceremony today is based on that 1603 translation of a document that goes back to the 14th century.
1782
WRONG An illuminated medieval book, the Liber Regalis or ‘Royal Book’, serves as an instruction manual that details the order of a coronation ceremony. Written in Latin in 1382, it was translated into English in 1603 for the coronation of James I. The ceremony today is based on that 1603 translation of a document that goes back to the 14th century.
1382
CORRECT An illuminated medieval book, the Liber Regalis or ‘Royal Book’, serves as an instruction manual that details the order of a coronation ceremony. Written in Latin in 1382, it was translated into English in 1603 for the coronation of James I. The ceremony today is based on that 1603 translation of a document that goes back to the 14th century.
9. The Sovereign’s Orb is decorated with 100s precious stones, but which group of imitations have been replaced?
Pearls
CORRECT Made for Charles II’s coronation in 1661 the Orb has 9 emeralds, 18 rubies, 9 sapphires, 365 diamonds, 1 amethyst and 375 pearls which, in 1930, replaced imitations.
Rubies
WRONG Made for Charles II’s coronation in 1661 the Orb has 9 emeralds, 18 rubies, 9 sapphires, 365 diamonds, 1 amethyst and 375 pearls which, in 1930, replaced imitations.
Sapphires
WRONG Made for Charles II’s coronation in 1661 the Orb has 9 emeralds, 18 rubies, 9 sapphires, 365 diamonds, 1 amethyst and 375 pearls which, in 1930, replaced imitations.
10. Who apart from the Monarch and the Archbishop of Canterbury may touch the crown?
The Queen Consort
WRONG According to tradition, only three people are permitted to touch the crown, The Monarch, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Crown Jeweller.
The Crown Jeweller
CORRECT According to tradition, only three people are permitted to touch the crown, The Monarch, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Crown Jeweller.
Black Rod
WRONG According to tradition, only three people are permitted to touch the crown, The Monarch, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Crown Jeweller.
Puppydog tails

Test Your Knowledge: April 2023

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Today is Good Friday, and as we enter the penultimate day of Holy Week, today’s quiz concerns Easter in London. As before the correct answer will turn green when it is clicked upon and expanded to give more information. The incorrect answers will turn red giving the correct explanation.

1. Since 2010 Trafalgar Square has been the venue for what open-air event?
Easter bunny play
WRONG A moving 90-minute portrayal of the final days of Jesus is performed twice during Good Friday afternoon which includes more than a hundred players in costume, as well as real-life horses, doves and a donkey.
The Passion of Jesus
CORRECT A moving 90-minute portrayal of the final days of Jesus is performed twice during Good Friday afternoon which includes more than a hundred players in costume, as well as real-life horses, doves and a donkey.
An Easter egg hunt
WRONG A moving 90-minute portrayal of the final days of Jesus is performed twice during Good Friday afternoon which includes more than a hundred players in costume, as well as real-life horses, doves and a donkey.
2. What Easter treat does a sailor climb up and hang from a pub’s ceiling every Good Friday?
Easter eggs
WRONG An old widow, on receiving news that her son would return from fighting in the Napoleonic Wars that Easter, traditionally baked him a hot cross bun to welcome him home. He did not return, and every year after that, on Good Friday, she would bake a fresh hot cross bun and hang it in her home. The Widow’s Son pub was erected on the site and they carried on the tradition.
A hot cross bun
CORRECT An old widow, on receiving news that her son would return from fighting in the Napoleonic Wars that Easter, traditionally baked him a hot cross bun to welcome him home. He did not return, and every year after that, on Good Friday, she would bake a fresh hot cross bun and hang it in her home. The Widow’s Son pub was erected on the site and they carried on the tradition.
Simnel cake
WRONG An old widow, on receiving news that her son would return from fighting in the Napoleonic Wars that Easter, traditionally baked him a hot cross bun to welcome him home. He did not return, and every year after that, on Good Friday, she would bake a fresh hot cross bun and hang it in her home. The Widow’s Son pub was erected on the site and they carried on the tradition.
3. The rector of St. Bartholomew the Great in Smithfield asks what question on Good Friday whilst standing over a grave?
Are any poor widows present who are in need of 20 shillings?
CORRECT A 1902 account details 21 widows raising their hands and each approaching the grave in turn and collecting from it a single silver sixpence. It then describes them being given a hot cross bun and offered a steadying arm as they completed a ritualistic walk across the tombstone.
Who believes in Christ’s Ascension to Heaven?
WRONG A 1902 account details 21 widows raising their hands and each approaching the grave in turn and collecting from it a single silver sixpence. It then describes them being given a hot cross bun and offered a steadying arm as they completed a ritualistic walk across the tombstone.
Are there any evil spirits within?
WRONG A 1902 account details 21 widows raising their hands and each approaching the grave in turn and collecting from it a single silver sixpence. It then describes them being given a hot cross bun and offered a steadying arm as they completed a ritualistic walk across the tombstone.
4. On Ascension Day, 40 days after Easter, what do children hit at the Tower of London?
Iron markers
CORRECT Beefeaters and children march the perimeter of the Tower grounds and whip its iron markers with sticks. Known as Beating of the Bounds its origins are in a 17thC riot. In 1698, an angry group of Londoners gathered outside the Tower in protest after the King had granted the expansion of the Tower’s boundaries, depriving locals of land that had formerly been theirs.
The White Tower
WRONG Beefeaters and children march the perimeter of the Tower grounds and whip its iron markers with sticks. Known as Beating of the Bounds its origins are in a 17thC riot. In 1698, an angry group of Londoners gathered outside the Tower in protest after the King had granted the expansion of the Tower’s boundaries, depriving locals of land that had formerly been theirs.
The execution site
WRONG Beefeaters and children march the perimeter of the Tower grounds and whip its iron markers with sticks. Known as Beating of the Bounds its origins are in a 17thC riot. In 1698, an angry group of Londoners gathered outside the Tower in protest after the King had granted the expansion of the Tower’s boundaries, depriving locals of land that had formerly been theirs.
5. The Cart Horse Parade and the Van Horse Parade traditionally held in London on Easter Monday amalgamated in 1966. The renamed Harness Horse Parade now takes place at which venue?
South of England Centre, Ardingly
CORRECT There were several initiatives in the 19th Century to try to improve the conditions of the city’s horses, one of which was the Cart Horse Parade, established in 1885 to encourage the owners of horses to take pride in their animals and to show to their peers and the public in a formal annual parade.
Essex County Showground, Brentwood
WRONG There were several initiatives in the 19th Century to try to improve the conditions of the city’s horses, one of which was the Cart Horse Parade, established in 1885 to encourage the owners of horses to take pride in their animals and to show to their peers and the public in a formal annual parade.
Kent Showground, Detling
WRONG There were several initiatives in the 19th Century to try to improve the conditions of the city’s horses, one of which was the Cart Horse Parade, established in 1885 to encourage the owners of horses to take pride in their animals and to show to their peers and the public in a formal annual parade.
6. Easter House is an apartment block in which London area?
Docklands
WRONG Situated in Drummond Road, Bermondsey, curiously the ground floor apartments are designed on two levels to negate the flood risk to bedrooms and the site straddles the Metropolitan Line underground.
Bermondsey
CORRECT Situated in Drummond Road, Bermondsey, curiously the ground floor apartments are designed on two levels to negate the flood risk to bedrooms and the site straddles the Metropolitan Line underground.
Greenwich
WRONG Situated in Drummond Road, Bermondsey, curiously the ground floor apartments are designed on two levels to negate the flood risk to bedrooms and the site straddles the Metropolitan Line underground.
7. Crucifix Lane can be found under the viaduct of which London station’s approach?
King’s Cross
WRONG An old inn existing here some years ago, having for its sign St. Christopher, associated it with the bearer of the cross, hence the Crucifix-Lane. The Victorian London Bridge railway lines were constructed at a later date. The houses now Nos. 37 and 38 are called ‘God’s Providence’ and are the gift of Robert Banyard in 1659 to the relief of the poor of the parish forever.
Paddington
WRONG An old inn existing here some years ago, having for its sign St. Christopher, associated it with the bearer of the cross, hence the Crucifix-Lane. The Victorian London Bridge railway lines were constructed at a later date. The houses now Nos. 37 and 38 are called ‘God’s Providence’ and are the gift of Robert Banyard in 1659 to the relief of the poor of the parish forever.
London Bridge
CORRECT An old inn existing here some years ago, having for its sign St. Christopher, associated it with the bearer of the cross, hence the Crucifix-Lane. The Victorian London Bridge railway lines were constructed at a later date. The houses now Nos. 37 and 38 are called ‘God’s Providence’ and are the gift of Robert Banyard in 1659 to the relief of the poor of the parish forever.
8. Who played the eponymous role in Jesus Christ Superstar when it opened in London?
Michael Crawford
WRONG Superstar opened at the Palace Theatre in 1972, starring Paul Nicholas as Jesus, this production was much more successful than the original production on Broadway, running for eight years and becoming the United Kingdom’s longest-running musical at the time.
Tommy Steele
WRONG Superstar opened at the Palace Theatre in 1972, starring Paul Nicholas as Jesus, this production was much more successful than the original production on Broadway, running for eight years and becoming the United Kingdom’s longest-running musical at the time.
Paul Nicholas
CORRECT Superstar opened at the Palace Theatre in 1972, starring Paul Nicholas as Jesus, this production was much more successful than the original production on Broadway, running for eight years and becoming the United Kingdom’s longest-running musical at the time.
9. In what year was April’s highest recorded temperature for the 20th century?
1949
CORRECT On Easter Saturday, the 16th of April 1949, an amazing 85°F was recorded at Camden Square, this is the highest recorded temperature in April for the 20th century in the British Isles, and not just for the Easter period.
1979
WRONG On Easter Saturday, the 16th of April 1949, an amazing 85°F was recorded at Camden Square, this is the highest recorded temperature in April for the 20th century in the British Isles, and not just for the Easter period.
1999
WRONG On Easter Saturday, the 16th of April 1949, an amazing 85°F was recorded at Camden Square, this is the highest recorded temperature in April for the 20th century in the British Isles, and not just for the Easter period.
10. The London-based drama Long Good Friday saw the film debut of which future James Bond?
Timothy Dalton
WRONG Pierce Brosnan was 25 when he played an IRA man alongside BAFTA-nominated Bob Hoskins and Helen Mirren.
Pierce Brosnan
CORRECT Pierce Brosnan was 25 when he played an IRA man alongside BAFTA-nominated Bob Hoskins and Helen Mirren.
Daniel Craig
WRONG Pierce Brosnan was 25 when he played an IRA man alongside BAFTA-nominated Bob Hoskins and Helen Mirren.
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Test Your Knowledge: March 2023

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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
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.
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
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.
3. How many counties does the M25 pass through?
6
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.
5
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Puppydog tails

Test Your Knowledge: February 2023

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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
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.”
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
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.’
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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

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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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.