Christmas Quiz
’Tis the season to test your knowledge of all things historical with our fiendish festive quiz
2020 Anniversaries
1. 850th What links William de Tracy, Reginald Fitzurse, Hugh de Morville and Richard le Breton?
2. 700th It was issued in April 1320 and asserted Scottish independence from England. What was it called?
3. 600th Who did King Charles VI of France acknowledge as his heir in May 1420? 4. 500th Who met who at Balinghem near Calais in June 1520?
5. 400th Which ship originally set off with the Mayflower on its voyage to the New World but was forced to turn back after being found to be unseaworthy?
6. 300th What burst in the autumn of 1720? 7. 250th Which pottery company, which is celebrating the 250th anniversary of its foundation next year, produced this iconic ‘Blue Italian’ design (below)?
8. 200th In February 1820 a plot to assassinate the members of the British cabinet was foiled by the authorities. What was it known as?
9. 150th How did Alfred Baker spare English blushes on 5 March 1870?
10. 100th Which scourge of the English was formally canonised in May 1920?
Mary and Joseph
11. Peter Pounce, Mrs Slipslop and Sir Thomas Booby are all characters in which 1742 novel? 12. Who were Mary Beaton, Mary Seton, Mary Fleming and Mary Livingston?
13. Who painted this (above)?
14. Which religious movement was founded in 1879 by Mary Baker Eddy (right)?
15. Who designed the Crystal Palace?
16. What was published by Mary Prince in 1831?
17. Which English botanist accompanied James Cook on his first round-the-world voyage, 1768–71?
18. Mary Anning (1799–1847) of Lyme Regis was a famous collector of what? 19. Who founded the model village of New Earswick near York? 20. Who was Mary of
Modena’s bonny grandson?
Eat, drink and be merry
21. In which modern-day country would you find the ancient city of Troy?
22. Which European capital was severely damaged by a French bombardment in 1695?
23. The Duke of Wellington’s favourite horse was called Copenhagen. What colour was it?
24. Which London lane saw the start of the Great Fire of 1666?
25. Which satirical magazine was first published in July 1841?
Three wise men
26. “He never said a foolish thing, nor ever did a wise one.” Who wrote this about whom?
27. Who is said to have been described as “the wisest fool in Christendom”?
28. “The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt.” Who said this?
History in the news
29. What was announced in May as having been discovered during building work near the A2 in Kent?
30. Which iconic castle was joined to the mainland by a 70-metre footbridge this summer?
31. Which war correspondent and writer was commemorated in September by an English Heritage Blue Plaque on her Knightsbridge flat?
32. Known as God’s House Tower, this 700-year-old waterfront fortification (left) reopened to the public this autumn after a £3m refurbishment. Where is it? 33. What royal piece of fabric went on display at Hampton Court Palace this October?