Next 8 Flashcards
Which ninth abbot of Iona and distant cousin of St Columba wrote “Life of St Columba” in 697AD, he instituted his namesake Law at the synod of Birr protecting women and child during war?
Adomnan of Iona
Italian Dominican order figure who was Archbishop of Genoa in 1292, wrote compilation of popular saints’ lives called The Golden Legend?
Jacobus de Voragine
Dominican friar from eastern Germany 1260-1328, mystic who wrote The Talks of Instruction, the Book of Divine Consolation, On the Noble Man, and german and latin sermons.
Meister Eckhart
Julian of Norwich female author who wrote which seminal work between 1375-95
Revelations of Divine Love
1373-1440 merchant’s wife who experienced post-natal depression, experienced visions of violent demon and then went on pilgramage and wrote extensive books of travels and visions.
Margery Kempe
Born in the Rhineland, son of a blacksmith and schoolmistress, copied bible four times and wrote The Imitation of Christ, born 1380 died 1471
Thomas a Kempis
Founder of the Jesuits, fought at the Battle of Pamplona in 1521, wrote “Personal Writings” of his spiritual journeys.
St Ignatius of Loyola
538-594, Gallo-Roman who became Bishop of Tours in 573, wrote The History of the Franks
Gregory of Tours
Peter Abelard’s lover
Heloise d’Argenteuil
1146-1223, member of namesake dynasty which holds hereditary titles in Ireland, wrote The History and Topography of Ireland and The Journey through Wales and The Description of Wales
Gerald of Wales
Who wrote The History of the Kings of Britain from 1136?
Geoffrey of Monmouth
A warrior hero and demigod in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology, as well as in Scottish and Manx folklore. Believed to be incarnation of the Irish god Lugh who is also father. Gained known name from killing a hound.
Cu Chulainn
Queen of Connaught in the Ulster Cycle, enemy of King of Ulster Conchobar mac Nessa and started the Cattle Raid of Cooley to steal stud bull of Cooley
Medb
Famous middle welsh 12th-13th century book with four branches following all kinds of tales.
The Mabinogion
1180-1210, German oral tradition into one single epic poem with Siegfried, winning hand of Kriemhild of Burgundy and also Brunhild of Iceland.
The Nibelungenlied
Bavarian author and minnesinger (1160-1220), wrote Parzival (reworking of Perceval by Chretien de Troyes) and Willehalm.
Wolfram von Eschenbach
What are the three volumes of Dante’s Divine Comedy
1) Inferno
2) Purgatory
3) Paradise
Who wrote Piers the Plowman? Includes characters Will the Narrator, Do-Well, Do-Better and Do-Best.
William Langland
Female french author 1365-1430, wrote The Treasure of the City of Ladies?
Christine de Pizan
One of few authors of Icelandic sagas whose name we know, wrote The Prose Edda (word derives maybe from Old Norse for great-grandmouth. Some say wrote Egil’s Saga (Egil Skallagrimsson fights Erik Bloodaxe and assists Ethelstan of England).
Snorri Sturluson
Fictional Sassanid king who is married to scheherazade and is recited the 1001 Nights tales.
Shahriyar
Known as “the lord of the word”, commissioned to write The Shahnameh by the Samanid prince of Khorasan.
Abolqasem Ferdowsi
Born Jalaluddin Balkhi in Afghanistan and grew up in Turkey, founder of Whirling Dervishes and mystical Sufi poet? Wrote “the works of Shams of Tabriz” and other selected poems like On Flirting, wrote the Masnavi.
Rumi
Persian lyric poet said to be found in every Iranian home and learnt off by heart, best known for The Divan of _____.
Hafez
Which of Chinese four classics was written by Luo Guanzhong and set during Han dynasty 169-280 and about feudal lords battling for supremacy?
The Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Which of Chinese four classics was written by Wu Ch’eng-en? Describes a dangerous pilgramage by a young Buddhist monk called Prince Tripitaka with three companions.
Journey to the West (or Monkey)
Which of Chinese four classics was written by Shi Nai-an? It is set in the Northern Song dynasty (around 1120), tells of how a group of 108 outlaws gathers at Mount Liang (or Liangshan Marsh) to rebel against the government giving alternative name The Outlaws of the Marsh.
Water Margin
Which of the Chinese four Classics was written by Cao Xueqin? Alternatively known as The Story of the Stone, narrated by a speaking stone, characters include Bao-yu and is actually four volumes.
The Dream of the Red Chamber
Japanese Lit: what is the book by Sei Shonagon, gentlewoman at court of Empress Consort Teishi best known as? Private anecdotes and name comes from where manuscript kept.
The Pillow Book
Who wrote The Tale of Genji as well as her own namesake Diary?
Murasaki Shikibu (Lady Murasaki)
Considered the greatest master of haiku, wrote The Narrow Road to the Deep North and other travel poems?
Matsuo BASHO
Characterised by a deep fossa in the area between the eye and the nostril on either side of the head, what is the common name for the snakes of the subfamily Crotalinae? These fossa are openings to to a pair of extremely sensitive infrared-detecting organs
Pit Vipers
15 The tallest building in France outside of the Greater Paris is the Tour Incity, found in what place? This city was the capital of the Gauls during the Roman Empire
Lyon
18 Home to a renowned library, the Abbey of St Gall is a UNESCO World Heritage site in which country?
Switzerland
19 Entertainment legend Eric Morley got his big break when which organisation hired him as a publicity manager? In those days the company had a major interest in dance halls across the UK but through various mergers and acquisitions over the years it is now part of Rank and concentrates on Bingo.
Mecca
21 The stilt houses in the area of Lake Maracaibo reminded what explorer of the city of Venice, so he named the region in its honour? This Italian participated in Age of Discovery voyages forst for Spain and then for Portugal
Amerigo Vespucci
24 In the United Kingdom, ketchup was historically prepared with what as a primary ingredient, rather than tomatoes? Richard Briggs’s “The English Art of Cookery”, first published in 1788, has recipes for both this and walnut ketchup
Mushroom ketchup
26 Which South Korean automaker, who specialises in SUVs and Pick Up trucks, currently has models including the Torres and the Tivoli? This company’s current logo is a stylized image of two wings, forming an open ring, symbolizing the dragon?
Ssangyong
27 Which Italian visual artist’s better-known works include America, consisting of a solid gold toilet; La Nona Ora, a sculpture depicting a fallen Pope who has been hit by a meteorite; and Comedian, a fresh banana duct-taped to a
wall?
Maurizio Cattelan
28 In 1940s and 1950s USA what foodstuff was used as a nickname for pin up girls including Marilyn Monroe? The modern American version of this food was invented by William Lawrence of Chester, New York
Cheesecake
29 Fort Jesus was the only fort maintained by the Portuguese on the Swahili coast of Africa, and is recognised as a testament to the first successful attempt by a Western power to establish influence over the Indian Ocean trade. In which country will you find Fort Jesus today?
Kenya
33 In which Danish city, 19 miles west of Copenhagen, will you find the Cathedral used as the burial church of Danish monarch? If you had visited this city in the Summer of 2022 you may well have bumped into Kacey Musgraves or Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
Roskilde
35 Camelon (pronounced Came-Lon) situated near what was once the frontier betwee the Britons and the Romans, has long held connections with King Arthur’s “Camelot”. The Antonine Wall ran near here and a strange monument called Arthur’s O’on was here until the 17th century. Camelon is now part of which large Scottish town?
Falkirk
40 In 1838 Friedrich Bessel made the first successful measurement of the distance to a star other than the Sun. What constellation was that star located in? This constellation is one of the most recognisable, and it features a prominent asterism known as the Northern Cross
Cygnus
47 Which car-sized rover is currently sending images back from the Jezero crater on Mars?
Perseverance
48 “One”, sometimes referred to as “One Singular Sensation” is a song from which 1975 musical with music by Marvin Hamlisch?
A chorus line
49 Elisabeth Domitien was the first woman to serve as prime minister of a country in Sub-Saharan Africa. What country did she lead between 1975 and 1976?
Central AFRICAN REPUBLIC
50 Barbara Gordon is the alter ego of which DC Comics character? In August 2022 it was announced that a movie with Leslie Grace playing this character was going to be postponed
Batgirl
Which 1965 film featured Sean Connery in a harsh prison camp set in North Africa?
The Hill
Whose backing band were the Paramount Jazz Band?
Acker Bilk (1962 Stranger on the Shore was 1962 biggest selling single in uk and was only second #1 single in us by British artist)
Who was the US activist and whistleblower born in 1987 who released thousands of documents relating to US Defence to Wikileaks. He was jailed but then pardoned by Obama during his administration.
Chelsea Manning
Which Australian tennis player was recently viciously attacked in a tattoo parlour on the Gold last? (surname will suffice)
Bernard Tomic
- LOJ
This is one of the titles accorded by Christians to Jesus and is also the title accorded to Ethiopian emperor, Haile Selassie by his devoted followers, the Rastafarians.
Lion of Judah
The last 3 surviving dragons in the fantasy series Game Of Thrones were called by these names. D R and V
Drogon, Rhaegal and Viserion
TEOTN
The title of a 1954 historical children’s novel by Rosemary Sutcliffe based on the real-life disappearance of a Roman legion sent north to fight the Caledonian tribes.
The Eagle of the Ninth
BA: This is the only creature in the Bible who speaks other than the serpent in the Garden of Eden. It addresses its master, much to his surprise, to warn him of the dangers of his mission to curse the Israelites on behalf of an enemy king. Give the name of the creature and its master.
Balaam’s Ass
WR
This is the largest living creature of this species and the most social. It has the Latin name
Ceratotherium Simum.
White Rhinoceros
..
Who played Q in the Bond film, You Only Live Twice?
Desmond Llewellyn
“Goodnight my darlings, see you in the morning” were last words of which playwright?
Noel Coward
Whose authors last words were nothing but death when asked if there was anything they required?
Jane Austen
- In which modern day country was Simon Bolivar born?
Venezuela
Which actor played Miss Moneypenny in the Bond film, You Only Live Twice?
Lois Maxwell
Who starred opposite Richard Gere in the 1982 film An Officer and a Gentleman?
Debra Winger
Who topped the charts in 1975 with Whispering Grass and starred as St Major Williams in the 1970’s sitcom It Ain’t Half Hot Mum?
Windsor Davies
Which chocolate bar consists of layers of crisp, crunchy cereal filling with soft, chewy nougat, smothered in Cadbury’s milk chocolate?
Double Decker
Also known as Racecourse Hill, what at 828 metres is the most elevated point in the eastern part of the Lake District National Park?
High Street
Which song by Bob Dylan and Rick Danko, covered by Julie Driscoll and Siouxsie Sioux among others, starts with the lines: “If your mem’ry serves you well
We were goin’ to meet again and wait.”?
This Wheel’s on Fire
Which Kenyan marathon runner shattered compatriot Eliud Kipchoge’s world marathon record in October 2023 at the Chicago Marathon?
Kelvin Kiptum
Which British gymnast won the gold in vault at the world gymnastics championships 2023?
Jake Jarman
Which British gymnast won the 2022 floor exercise gold at the world gymnastics championships?
Giarnni Regini-Moran
German gymnast who won gold at 2023 world gymnastic championships on parallel bars and got silver on same apparatus at 2020 Olympics
Lukas Dauser
Brazilian American mixed martial artist who competes in Bellator MMA and current Bellator Women’s Featherweight champion holding since 2020. Born Cristiane Venancio.
Cris Cyborg
Who was the first English king, since the Norman conquest, to speak English at his coronation oath?
Henry IV in 1399
Which former member of the popular TV series Dragons’ Den founded the internet based company Moonpig which deals with, amongst other things, personalised greetings cards.
Apparently it had been the founder’s nick-name at school.
Nick Jenkins
After losing several times to Born Borg at Wimbledon, which former tennis player famously said:
“‘II follow that son-of-a-bitch to the ends of the Earth. He won’t be able to look over his shoulder without seeing my shadow”?
Jimmy Connors
Polish tennis player who has reached #9 in world making him highest ranked polish man in history played for team europe in 2023 Laver cup.
Hubert Hurkacz
Which former member of the popular TV series Dragons’ Den founded a palletised freight network called Pall-Ex, the third palletised goods distribution network to be launched in the UK and appeared on many reality based TV programmes? This former Dragon died in 2022.
Hilary Devey
- Who was the last English king not to have English as his native language?
George II
Based on a 1987 book by Fanny Flagg, which 1991 Oscar-nominated film is set in Irondale, Alabama and describes the growing friendship between an older and a younger woman? It starred former Oscar winners Jessica Tandy and Kathy Bates.
Fried Green Tomatoes (at the Whistle Stop Cafe)
In the TV series Wire in the Blood (2002-2008), based on Val McDermid’s novels, who was the chief inspector working alongside profiler Dr. Tony Hill?
Carol Jordan
Who created the detective Jackson Brodie in a series of books starting with Case Histories in 2004?
Kate Atkinson
Now the site of a supermarket after the closure of the International Harvester factory, where wa the Jowett Car Company based?
Bradford
Started in Coventry in 1919 as TG John & Co Ltd which quality car manufacturer pioneered the use of aluminium engine parts before branching into military vehicles?
Alvis
American podcaster and social media personality known for her viral interviews with Drake, Lil Yachty, Mark Cuban and other celebrities
Bobbi Althoff
Which playwright and anti-communist dissident became the last President of Czechoslovakia, and after its breakup in 1993 the first President of the Czech Republic?
Vaclav Havel
The Terrans, the Protoss and the Zerg are the three species competing for dominance in a distant part of the Milky Way in which 1998 military science fiction real-time strategy video game that began a franchise?
Starcraft
An important standard in international law, by which a commanding officer may be held culpable for war crimes committed by their troops, is named after which Japanese general who led the conquest of Malaya and Singapore in 1941?
Tomoyuki Yamashita
On which line of the London Underground is Roding Valley station, said to be the least used on the network?
Central
[In Formula 1, the world driver’s champion usually comes from the team that win the constructor’s championship. An exception was 2008, when Ferrari won the constructor’s title, but which British driver won the driver’s title in a McLaren?
Lewis Hamilton
Which Scottish stunt cyclist and filmmaker is known for his viral videos involving mountain bike street trial tricks often performed in scenic locations, such as The Ridge, filmed on the Cuillin mountain in his native Skye?
Danny MacAskill
The repetitive title of which 1975 song by Abba contained 10 words but only a total of 15 letters?
I Do I Do I Do I Do I Do
Which Scottish artist’s model and wife of John Everett Millais had previously been married to the critic John Ruskin, though this was annulled on grounds of non-consummation?
Effie Gray
und 3
Which American cinematographer is best known for his collaborations with Christopher Nolan between 2000’s Memento and 2012’s The Dark Knight Rises?
He won an Oscar for his work on Inception.
Wally Pfister
In materials science, which process heats a material above its recrystallisation temperature, holding for a certain time and then cooling to room temperature, to improve ductility and reduce brittleness and/or internal stress?
Annealing
Ruled by the first four successors of Muhammad, which 7th century empire was the first of the Islamic caliphates, and saw rapid expansion and conquest of much of the Middle East before being succeeded by the Umayyad caliphate in 661?
Rashidun Caliphate
What was the third major caliphate between 750-1258? It followed Umayyad Caliphate which ran 661-750 and was before Ottoman.
Abbasid Caliphate
What dynasty or sultanate was founded by Saladin in 1171 following his abolition of the Fatimid Caliphate of Egypt?
Ayyubid
Second major caliphate that replaced Rashidun Caliphate in 661 and ran until 750 when replaced by Abbasid Caliphate?
Umayyad Caliphate
Islamic state ruled Egypt, Levant and the Hejaz from 13th to 16th century run by military caste of manumitted slave soldiers headed by a sultan?
Mamluk Sultanate
Vhich river, with a name of native American origin, is the largest tributary of the Potomac, which it joins at Harper’s Ferry after draining the Western Virginia valley between the Blue Ridge mountains and the main bulk of the Appalachians?
Shenandoah
At the 2022 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, held in Liverpool, which British gymnast won his first world gold in the men’s floor exercise?
Giarnni Regini-Moran
A carbonyl functional group consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an atom of which other element?
Oxygen
Which Canadian comedian, panel show regular and former Taskmaster winner created and starred in the 2020. Netflix. comedy-drama The Duchess?
Katherine Ryan
The repetitive title of which 1980 song by the Police contained 8 words but a total of only 16 letters?
De Do Do Do De Da Da Da
Which artist, Pre-Raphaelite muse and wife of Dante Gabriel Rossetti modelled for Ophelia in John Everett Millais’ 1852 painting of the character?
Elizabeth Siddall
In which Pacific island nation do Hindus make up around 28% of the population, the highest percentage of any country other than Nepal, India and Mauritius?
| Many are descendants of Indian indentured servants brought there by the British to work on sugar plantations.
Fiji
.
Ferrari also won the constructor’s championship in Formula 1 in 1999, but were beaten to the driver’s title by which Finnish driver in a McLaren?
Mika Hakkinen
Which Scottish endurance cyclist, broadcaster and author first broke the world record for cycling around the world in 2008, doing so in 194 days, and set the current record of just 78 days in 2017?
Mark Beaumont
The Yamashita standard is alternatively known by the name of which US Army captain in the Vietnam War, the commanding officer of the soldiers who committed the My La massacre? Unlike Yamashita, he was acquitted.
Ernest Medina
Former US army officer who was convicted by court martial for murder of 22 unarmed south Vietnamese civilians in the My Lai massacre on March 16 1968 during Vietnam war. Went to house arrest by Nixon order.
William Calley
On which line of the London Underground is Chorleywood station, the least used on the network that is not on the Central line’s Hainault loop?
Metropolitan
Named after one of her songs, r.e.m. beauty is a cosmetics company owned by which American singer?
Ariana Grande
The Global Defence Initiative and the Brotherhood of Nod are two rival factions competing for control of the substance Tiberium in the alternate history Earth of which 1995 military real time strategy video game that began a franchise?
Command and Conquer
What German made pistol is given to James Bond in 1958 novel Dr No and in film 1962 and used until 1997 Tomorrow Never Dies?
Walther PPK
What Italian gun was Bond using at start of Dr No before given a Walther PPK?
Beretta 418
Who plays Dr Julius No in Dr No 1962?
Joseph Wiseman
Who played Sylvia Trench in Dr No 1962 and From Russia with Love 1963? Unique in playing Bond girl in two films until Lea Seydoux starred twice as Madeline Swann.
Eunice Gayson
Who played Felix Leiter in Dr No?
Jack Lord
Ursula Andress character name in 1962 Dr No?
Honey Ryder
Who played Q in the first bond film Dr No 1962?
Peter Burton
Who directed the first two Bond films Dr No 1962, From Russia with Love 1963 and also then Thunderball 1965?
Terence Young
At the 2022 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, held in Liverpool, who
became Ireland’s first ever gold medal winner by winning the men’s pommel
horse?
Rhys McClenaghan
Which New Zealand comedian and former Taskmaster contestant created and
starred in the BBC comedy series Starstruck?
Rose Matafeo
Which river, with a name of native American origin, is the largest river flowing into
Chesapeake Bay, which it reaches after draining most of central Pennsylvania
and parts of upstate New York?
Susquehanna
In 2023, which major UK supermarket chain combined their value ranges under
the new name Stamford Street Co.?
Sainsbury’s
Another popular Simpsons meme, used to mock expressions of anger at trivial
things, shows Homer’s father Abe looking up and shaking his fist, and is
captioned “Old Man Yells at…” what?
Cloud
The French-derived name of what type of lightweight horse-drawn carriage,
developed in the 18th century, is an alternative word for a convertible car and, in
shortened form, a different type of widely-used vehicle?
Cabriolet
Since 2014’s Interstellar, which Dutch-Swedish cinematographer has served as
Director of Photography on the films of Christopher Nolan, up to and including
2023’s Oppenheimer, and was Oscar nominated for his cinematography on
Dunkirk?
Hoyte van Hoytema
Sometimes also known as frittage, which process in materials science applies
heat or pressure to small particles of a material, but keeps them below the
melting point, to compact and fuse them together into a solid mass without
liquefying?
Sintering
Which Scottish rock band, fronted by brothers Jim and William Reid, had their
biggest hit single with April Skies in 1987?
Jesus and Mary Chain
Which person tried killing American pop artist Andy Warhol at his New York studio, known as the Factory, in 1968?
Valerie Solanas
Which common English word, which contains all five vowels once in order, can be used to
describe someone taking a serious subject too lightly?
Facetious
What word follows ‘genetic’ in a phrase describing the change in frequency of a gene in a
population that can be ascribed to random chance as opposed to selective pressure?
This word can be used more generally to refer to a gradual movement from one place to
another, for example when carried by water.
Drift
What word can come after ‘Velvet’ and ‘Common’ to give the names of two species of sea
duck that can be seen around the coast of the UK in winter?
Scoter
Which US company, at one time the second largest long-distance communications
company in the country, filed for bankruptcy amid scandal in 2002, with its CEO Bernard
Ebbers and others convicted for a scheme that fraudulently inflated the company’s
assets?
WorldCom
Which saint is popularly known as a patron saint of librarians and archivists? Her
symbol in art is a studded wheel, a reference to the grisly manner in which she
was said to have been executed.
Catherine of Alexandria
Derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, which orange-red food colouring is
notably used to colour cheeses such as Gloucester and Red Leicester?
Annatto
Which German kayaker won eight gold medals over six Olympic games between
1980 and 2004? She is both the youngest and oldest ever Olympic canoeing
champion.
Birgit Fischer
Which Yorkshire woman (1876-1956) became the only British woman to serve as
a soldier in World War I? Initially a volunteer from the St John Ambulance Corps,
she ended the war as a sergeant-major in the Serbian Army having been
wounded in action, and remains a popular hero in that country.
Flora Sandes
What word can come after ‘Little’ and ‘Temminck’s’ to give the names of two small
species of wading bird that can be seen in the UK as a passage migrant in spring and
autumn?
Stint
What German payment processor and financial services provider was declared
insolvent amid a financial scandal in 2020 that saw billions of dollars go missing, with CEO Markus Braun arrested and currently awaiting trial for fraud and accounting
manipulation?
Wirecard
Which common English word, which contains all five vowels once in order, could
refer to someone who is careful about their intake of alcohol or anything indulgent?
Abstemious
Which Canadian-born Spaniard joined the Royal Ballet with the rank of Principal Dancer in 2000? She was subsequently artistic director of English National Ballet company from 2012 to ‘22 and was awarded a CBE for services to ballet in 2016.
Tamara Rojo
In a phrase coined by Julian Huxley in a 1942 book, what word follows ‘modern’ to
refer to the early 20th century union of the ideas of Darwinian evolution and Mendelian inheritance? This word can be used more generally to refer to a combination of things that form a connected whole.
Synthesis
Composer of the Week, Choral Evensong and Afternoon Concert are shows
broadcast on which BBC radio station which focuses on classical music?
Radio 3
Which German equestrian won seven gold medals over six Olympic games
between 1992 and 2020, making her along with Birgit Fischer the only female
champion at six different Olympiads? Her twelve medals in total is more than any
other Olympic equestrian.
Isabell Werth
Which Scottish woman (1864-1917) was a leading suffragist and one of the
earliest women in Scotland to qualify as a physician and a surgeon? She
organised and led many Scottish Women’s Hospital teams in Europe during
World War I, and remains a popular hero in Serbia for her service there.
Elsie Inglis
If James Galway was playing the instrument on which he was a virtuoso as part
of an orchestra performing Peter and the Wolf, what sort of animal would be
represented by his music?
Bird
Having the E-number E102, which synthetic lemon dye has been used as a food
colouring in brands such as Doritos, Jell-O, and Mountain Dew?
Tartrazine
Which fabric was developed by Thomas Burberry as a waterproof fabric for hard
wearing overcoats? He patented it under this name in 1888.
Gabardine
Striding Edge is the name of the east ridge of which mountain in the Lake District,
the third highest in England?
Helvellyn
Chemistry Nobel recipient John Goodenough died in June. He received the award for the invention of what item, now in everyday use in many objects,
including phones and electric cars?
Lithium Ion Battery
In February 2023, who became was elected President of Nigeria?
Bola Tinubu
Each of the Grand Slam events in 2023 was won by a different woman. Who won
the 2023 Australian Open?
Aryna Sabalenka
In 2023, the Royal Academy is hosting its first solo exhibition of a female artist.
Which woman, known for her performance art requiring feats of endurance?
Marina Abramovic
The 2023 IgNobel prize for Mechanical Engineering went to a team which
reanimated what type of dead animal to grip objects securely? It’s got a lot of legs
for gripping!
Spiders
Which Hong Kong actor, known for roles in films such as In The Mood for Love,
Lust… Caution, and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings won the Golden
Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival?
Tony Leung
Among the sites nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Status in 2022-
2023 was the Tr’ondëk-Klondike site, home to the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation
people of which country?
Canada
Which London station, at which one can transfer to the Jubilee, Northern, and Bakerloo lines, was the busiest rail station in the UK for 2022?
Waterloo
The BRICS Summit was held in South Africa in August. While Vladimir Putin did
not attend, Russia was represented by which man, its Foreign Minister since
2004?
Sergei Lavrov
Who was the surprise winner of the 2023 Grammy for Song of the Year for Just
Like That? It was her 13th Grammy win; in 1990, this redhead won the Album of
the Year Grammy for Nick of Time.
Bonnie Raitt
Among the obscure sports featured on ESPN Ocho in August 2023 was the
World Championships for what haircut, which is suitable for both business and
parties?
Mullet
If you’re tired after work, and come home and eat an assemblage of small items
(like crackers, grapes, pepperoni slices, and a pot of yogurt) rather than
preparing and cooking a full meal, you have had, according to TikTok, what type
of gendered dinner?
Girl Dinner
In the inaugural TikTok Book Awards, the category for BookTok Author of the
Year was won by Holly Jackson, who has written the series A Good Girl’s Guide
To what?
Murder
Among those who died in 2023 was architect Michael Hopkins, who was known
for designing what building, used as offices by members of Parliament?
Portcullis House
In 2023, Netflix cancelled what mysterious show named after a year? It took place on a steamship named Kerberos, taking a group of immigrants from Southampton to New York.
1899
The 2023 IgNobel prize for Medicine went to a team which examined dead
bodies to see whether there were equal number of hairs in what body part above
the neck?
Nostrils
At the King’s Coronation Concert in May, which American singer, known for her
work on ITV, performed the Mulan song Reflection with pianist Lang Lang?
Nicole Scherzinger
In February, Xanana Gusmao was elected Prime Minister of what Asian country?
Timor Leste
Each of the Grand Slam events in 2023 was won by a different woman. Who won
the 2023 French Open?
Iga Swiatek
In April, a statue was unveiled to what walrus? She was killed by officials in Oslo
in summer 2022 over fears that she would hurt the tourists flocking to see her.
Freya
The Traitors was also a hit in the United States. Although it was filmed in the
same castle using similar challenges, it was hosted by what betartanned Scottish
actor, known for his stage, screen, and musical career?
Alan Cumming
In September 2023, you could open TikTok and find women asking men how
many times a day they thought about what European empire?
The Roman Empire
In the inaugural TikTok Book Awards, the category “Book of the Year” was won
by Bolu Babalola for her romantic comedy titled Honey and WHAT? This word is
a type of food item.
Spice
Among those who died in 2023 was architect Michael Hopkins, known for designing what venue in Sussex used for an annual classical music festival?
Glyndebourne Opera House
In 2023, Paramount Plus greenlit a second series of what show named after a
year? It was a spinoff of Yellowstone, and starred Helen Mirren and Harrison
Ford.
1923
Which singer with a distinctive hairstyle won the 2023 Grammy for Best Country
Solo Performance? It was his 12th Grammy win; his first was in 1975 for the song
Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.
Willie Nelson
In July 2023, who won the PDC Women’s World Matchplay Tournament to
become World Champion?
Beau Graves
Which Canadian singer-songwriter performed his album Want One as part of the
2023 Proms? Both of his parents are also singer-songwriters.
Rufus Wainwright
Among the sites nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Status in 2022-
2023 was the Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests in Pu’er from what country?
China
An asteroid was recently named for what astronomer who also worked as a
physicist and electrical engineer, and filed joint patents with John Logie Baird
around television optics?
Alice Everett
In February 2023, the Green Party selected what person to be their candidate in
the 2024 London Mayoral Elections?
Zoe Garbett
There are two books on the Booker Prize shortlist with two-word titles. One is
Western Lane by which Kenyan–Indian author?
Chetna Maroo
What American company has been the official baseball cap supplier for Major League Baseball for the past 30 years? The 9FORTY and 59FIFTY are among their best-known and most popular styles of cap.
New Era
Following the main cast as they run a mansion house together, what was the title of the short lived spin-off to Are You
Being Served that ran for two series from 1992 to 1993?
Grace & Favour
A former fly-half for Waikato and the Chiefs, who is the current head coach of the New Zealand national men’s rugby union team, having succeeded Steve Hansen in the role in 2019?
Ian Foster
Juliette Binoche starred as Julie in which Polish director’s Three Colours trilogy? Three Colours: Blue also featured Emmanuelle
Riva as her mother, Madame Vignon.
Krzysztof
KIEŚLOWSKI
Inspired by translated Chinese poetry, Das Lied von der Erde is an early twentieth-century orchestral song cycle by which
composer?
Gustav Mahler
Plagioclase, containing sodium and calcium, is one of the two most common varieties of which abundant silicate
minerals found in the Earth’s crust?
Feldspars
In psychology, what name is given to the delay in the reaction time between congruent and incongruent stimuli? Named
after an American psychologist, this is most commonly demonstrated by asking subjects to read the name of a colour when
the word is written in a different colour to the written word.
Stroop Effect
What two-word Latin phrase links the words said by Pontius Pilate as he presented Jesus to the crowd before the
crucifixion, paintings by Caravaggio and Mantegna [man-TAYN-ya], and Friedrich Nietzsche’s autobiography?
Ecce Homo
What is the name of the Indian ruler with the epithet “the Great” who expanded the Mughal territory across the subcontinent during the 16th and 17th centuries CE, unifying the state established by his grandfather Babur? He is known for his religious tolerance, ending the jizya tax on non-Muslims.
Akbar the Great
Which American group achieved their highest UK chart position in 1963 with ‘Then He Kissed Me’, though are perhaps better known for their single ‘Da Doo Ron Ron’?
The Crystals
A former three-time winner of the New York City marathon in the early 1980s, which American former track coach was banned in 2019 for doping offences involving athletes he coached, resulting in the shutdown of the Nike Oregon Project?
Alberto Salazar
Which woman, a former screenwriter and actor whose credits include Tricia Armstrong on Coronation Street, has been the first and so far only Mayor of West Yorkshire, serving since 2021? Prior to taking up this post, she succeeded Jo Cox as the MP for Batley and
Spen.
Tracy Brabin
Which qualified physiotherapist is the current head coach of the South Africa national men’s rugby union team, having
succeeded Rassie Erasmus in the role in 2020?
Jacques Nienaber
The current Australian Open women’s singles champion, which Belarusian tennis player was beaten by Coco Gauff in the 2023 US Open final, but became the world number one ranked player? Footage of her smashing her racquet in the locker room was
controversially released after the match.
Aryna Sabalenka
What American company became famous in the 1990s for producing puffy bomber jackets and parkas branded with logos of Big
Four American sports teams?
Starter
Which sitcom, that ran for six series between 1977 and 1981, starred Richard O’Sullivan in the lead role as a bistro owner? It was a spin-off of Man About the House.
Robin’s Nest
Which English physician and editor published The Family Shakespeare in 1807 with his sister Henrietta? That collection of 20 plays made this man notorious for his heavy-handed expurgation of material that he deemed too racy for women and children
Thomas Bowdler
Which American group achieved their highest UK chart position with their 1962 single ‘He’s So Fine’, later the subject of a dispute that claimed it had been plagiarised by George Harrison’s song ‘My Sweet Lord’?
The Chiffons
Following a 2003 tip-off with a syringe containing anabolic steroids, which doping scandal, that takes its five-letter name from a Californian sports performance company, resulted in the exposure of high-profile athletes, including Marion Jones and Dwain
Chambers, as users of illicit performance-enhancing drugs?
Balco (Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative)
Which Polish-American psychologist gives his name to a conformity experiment in which a genuine participant is placed among a group of stooges who purposely give incorrect answers to simple questions to see if the participant joins in giving intentionally wrong
answers in order to fit in with the group?
Solomon Asch
What vegetable soup gets its name from the Italian word “to serve”? According to tradition, borlotti beans should be used as the base for this soup.
Minestrone
Using the poetry of Wilhelm Müller, Winterreise [vinter-riser] is an 1827 song cycle composed by which Austrian composer?
Franz Schubert
In Chemistry, what name is given to a cation consisting of one nitrogen atom and four hydrogen atoms? Its salts can be used as explosives and solid fuel rocket propellants, because they decompose into gases when reacting.
Ammonium
Which songwriter of the 1930s and 40s wrote the music for the songs “Georgia On My Mind”, “Stardust”, and won the
Academy Award for the song “In the Cool Cool Cool of the Evening”?
Hoagy Carmichael
While he is perhaps more famous in England for his struggles with LBW dismissals, which Australian was the first
cricketer to be the IPL Player of the Tournament twice, winning in 2008 and 2013?
Shane Watson
What sparkling perry’s mascot is a Chinese Water Deer? Marketed as a drink for women, its name derives from its
resemblance to a French sparkling wine, which led to lawsuits over passing off.
Babycham
Although it lost out to An American in Paris at the Academy Awards for Best Picture in 1951, which film, that starred Marlon Brando, was the first to have three performers win Oscars for acting in it?
A Streetcar Named Desire
Which Native American Nation are subjects of the book Killers of the Flower Moon? It details the real events over the
1920s regarding the murder of several people of this Nation who owned the rights to oil rich land.
Osage
The Derby is run over a distance of 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 10 yards, but how many furlongs are there in one mile?
Eight
In 2022, who spent six weeks as Deputy Prime Minister? They were both preceded and succeeded in the position by
Dominic Raab
Therese Coffey
The Alfred Hitchcock film Psycho was based on a book by which author?
Robert Bloch
First published in the 1980s, which tabletop RPG is set in a dystopian city controlled by “Friend Computer”? Unlike most RPGs, players are actively encouraged to plot against and betray each other.
Paranoia
Although now more famous for his statistical work, which scientist born in 1822 is credited with inventing the dog
whistle?
Francis Galton
In hip-hop, samples of other music are often used. One of the most popular samples is Clyde Stubblefield’s drum break
on the track “Funky Drummer”. Who was the singer on that track, whose other hits include “The Payback” and “Get on
the Good Foot”?
James Brown
In the vintage Penguin book colour scheme, what genre is depicted by the colour green?
Crime
Another popular hip-hop sample is from “Apache” by the Sugarhill Gang. Which band did the Sugarhill Gang themselves
originally sample “Apache” from? Their other hits include “Foot Tapper” and “Man of Mystery”.
The Shadows
Named after a group of islands in Galway Bay, what is the term for knitwear that was traditionally made with untreated wool and used cabling to create a pattern upon the garment?
Aran Jumper
Created in the 1990s by three members of Seattle’s Pagan Publishing, which Tabletop RPG based on the Cthulhu mythos
is set in an eponymous US government agency tasked with confronting paranormal horrors?
Delta Green
In Chemistry, what name is given to an anion consisting of three nitrogen atoms? Its salts are primarily used as the gas
forming component of car airbags, as they decompose on heating
Azide
What sparkling perry is currently advertised by Denise van Outen? Marketed as a drink for women, its name refers to its resemblance to Italian sparkling wines, which led to lawsuits over passing off.
Lambrini
In 2022, who spent six days as Home Secretary? They were both preceded and succeeded in the position by Suella
Bravermann.
Grant Shapps
Which stone circle makes up the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with Maes Howe, Skara Brae and the standing stones of Stenness?
Ring of Brodgar
Which Native American protest group staged a standoff at Wounded Knee in 1973 in protest against US policy over
reservations and the corruption surrounding the appointment of Pine Ridge Reservation Chairman Richard Wilson?
American Indian Movement (AIM)
Based on the book by Daphne Du Maurier, which Alfred Hitchcock film stars Charles Laughton and Maureen O’Hara?
Jamaica Inn
In which city is the Rubenshuis, a museum dedicated to housing the works of Peter Paul Rubens?
Antwerp
An NFL football must weigh between 14 and 15 ounces, but how many such ounces are there in one pound?
16
Which protege and biographer of Francis Galton founded the world’s first university statistics department at University
College London in 1911?
Karl Pearson
In the vintage Penguin book colour scheme, what genre is depicted by the colour red?
Drama
In the vintage Penguin book colour scheme, what genre is depicted by the colour cerise/pink?
Travel
In the vintage Penguin book colour scheme, what genre is depicted by the colour dark blue?
Biographies
In the vintage Penguin book colour scheme, what genre is depicted by the colour grey?
World Affairs
Which songwriter of the 1930s and 40s wrote the music for the songs “That Old Black Magic”, “Stormy Weather”, and
won an Academy Award for “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”?
Harold Arlen
Although he has played only one Test match, which Jamaican all-rounder, famous for his six-hitting, became the third
player to be the IPL Player of the Tournament twice, winning in 2015 and 2019?
Andre Russell
Hakim Adi has been nominated for what prestigious book prize for his work ‘African and Caribbean People in Britain’?
This nomination came one month after the University of Chichester terminated his employment as Professor of African and African Diaspora History.
Wolfson Prize
Sir Nils Olav was recently promoted to the rank of Major General in the Norwegian Army at a ceremony in Edinburgh
Zoo. What species of animal is he?
Penguin
2023 Nobel for Economics winner, only sole woman to win the award and only 3rd ever, on the Gender Pay Gap.
Claudia Goldin
Which comedian, TV presenter and former doctor has written the books Flight
from Deathrow, The Further Adventures of the Queen Mum and Tim the Tiny
Horse?
Harry Hill
First named by the psychologist Endel Tulving, what type of declarative longterm memory refers to the capacity for recollecting autobiographical memory that occurred in a particular context of space and time?
Episodic Memory
Shaquille O’Neal and Nikola Jokic are famous players of which position on a
basketball team, often the tallest player on the team and responsible for trying to
dominate around the basket on both offence and defence?
Centre
The equation that relates the reduction potential of an electrochemical reaction to
its reaction quotient is named after which German chemist, who developed it in
1887?
Walther Nernst
Instead of being called ‘wrestlers’ or ‘superstars’ like their male counterparts,
female wrestlers in the WWE between 2008 and 2016 were referred to by what
word, perhaps more associated with leading female opera performers?
Divas
Made with firmly beaten egg whites and vegetable oil rather than butter, what
light sponge cake shares its name with a type of sheer fabric traditionally made
from silk?
Chiffon Cake
What was the name of the Tudor pretender who claimed to be one of the princes
in the tower, Richard of Shrewsbury, to challenge the reign of Henry VII? He was
executed in 1499.
Perkin Warbeck
Which Stephen is the Ugandan athlete who won the men’s marathon at the 2012
London Olympics, and remains the last non-Kenyan champion?
Stephen Kiprotich
Which Mercury Prize winning band also received unsuccessful nominations in
2001 for Asleep in the Back and 2011 for Build a Rocket Boys!, before and after
their winning album in 2008?
Elbow
DeFazio and Feeney were the surnames of the title characters in which US
sitcom starring Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams?
Laverne and Shirley
Najla Bouden served from 2021-23 as Prime Minister of which country, making her not only that country’s first female Prime Minister but the first in the Arabic speaking world?
Tunisia
Part of Handel’s Messiah oratorio, what word, an archaic third-person singular,
completes the aria titled I Know That My Reedemer…?
Liveth
Designed by Pierre Cardin in 1954, what noun, evoking its shape, precedes
‘dress’ in the name of a knee-length dress in which the hem of the skirt is folded
back on itself to create a voluminous flaring effect?
Bubble
What was the name of the Tudor pretender who claimed to be Edward
Plantagenet, becoming a figurehead of John de la Pole’s Yorkist rebellion? He
was pardoned by Henry VII due to his young age.
Lambert Simnel
Which Stefano is the Italian athlete who won the men’s marathon at the 2004
Athens Olympics, and remains the last non-African champion?
Stefano Baldini
Instead of being called ‘wrestlers’ or ‘superstars’ like their male counterparts, the
female wrestlers in Impact Wrestling are referred to by what word, more usually
associated with a way to end a boxing match?
Knockouts
Made with almond sponge cake soaked in coffee syrup, and layered with
ganache and coffee buttercream, what type of cake is named for a type of
musical theatre?
Opera Cake
Magic Johnson and Steph Curry are famous players of which position on a
basketball team, traditionally responsible for running the team’s offense by
controlling the ball and getting it to the right player at the right time?
Point Guard
Which actor and writer, probably best known as the co-creator of a hit sitcom she
also starred in, has written the novels Never Greener, Us Three and Love
Untold?
Ruth Jones
First named by the psychologist Endel Tulving, what type of declarative long-term
memory refers to the capacity for recollecting general knowledge of meanings,
concepts and facts about the world?
Semantic Memory
Designed by Cristobal Balenciaga in 1957 and contrasting sharply with the tight waists of Christian Dior’s New Look, what noun, evoking its shape, precedes ‘dress’ in the name of a loose, unbelted dress which hangs straight down from
the shoulders?
Sack
Taking office in December 2022, Dina Boluarte is the first female President of
which Latin American country?
Peru
In Henry Purcell’s opera Dido and Aeneas, the aria known as Dido’s Lament is sung by Dido following her betrayal by Aeneas and before her tragic suicide. What word completes the common alternative name of this aria: When I am laid
in…?
Earth
Which Mercury Prize winning band also received unsuccessful nominations in
2015 for My Love is Cool and 2021 for Blue Weekend, before and after their
winning album in 2018?
Wolf Alice
Finkelstein and Montgomery were the surnames of the title couple in which US
sitcom starring Jenna Elfman and Thomas Gibson, and first shown in 1997?
Dharma and Greg
Severny Island and Yuzhny Island are the two main islands that make up which
Russian Arctic archipelago, whose name means ‘New Land’ and which contains
Europe’s easternmost point?
Novaya Zemlya
Which archaeological hoax was a 10-foot tall figure, carved from gypsum, but
claimed to be a ‘petrified man’, and is named for the hamlet in New York state
where it was buried in 1868, rather than the Welsh city of the same name?
Cardiff Giant
A silver medallist at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, who is the British record holder in
the women’s 800 metres?
Keely Hodgkinson
What is the name of the layer of tissue behind the retina in the eyes of many vertebrates,
notably including cats, that reflects light back through the retina and helps them see
better in dark conditions?
Tapetum lucidum
Name of flying ram that was origin of the golden fleece from Jason legend
Chrysomallus
What name links the publisher of the 2023 video game Starfield, a biblical pool where
Jesus was said to have healed a paralysed man, and the location in Maryland of the
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where Donald Trump was admitted on
catching Covid-19?
Bethesda
Adapted from a comic strip in the Dandy, the children’s TV series Bananaman featured
which man as the voice of Eric Twinge? His colleagues from The Goodies, Graeme
Garden and Bill Oddie, played Bananaman and Crow
Tim Brooke-Taylor
Who is the District Attorney for New York County, New York, who is leading the
prosecution of Donald Trump in that state over allegations involving paying hush money
to the pornographic actress Stormy Daniels?
Alvin Bragg
“I never thought I’d miss you half as much as I do” are the opening lyrics to which song
written by Labi Siffre? A 1981 cover version by Madness reached number 4 in the UK
Singles Chart.
It Must Be Love
In 2012, a regional offshoot of the Louvre was opened in which city 200 kilometres north
of Paris, with the intention of broadening access to France’s cultural institutions?
Lens
What quotation from John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi is used as the title of
PD James’s first novel, a detective story featuring Adam Dalgleish?
Cover Her Face
Helen Mirren won the 1995 Cannes award for Best Actress for her role in which
film, directed by Nicholas Hytner?
The Madness of King George
The fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a common example of what type of
microorganism, important for making beer and bread?
Yeast
Which retired golfer captained the European team at the 2023 Solheim Cup? She
won two major championships during her career and holed the winning putt at the
2019 Solheim Cup.
Suzanne Pettersen
What is the four-letter name of the AI chatbot, based on the PaLM large language
model, that was developed by Google in response to the rise of ChatGPT?
Bard
Dying in 2023, which Japanese composer and pianist was best known as a member of the pioneering electronic band Yellow Magic Orchestra? He
composed the score for the 1987 movie The Last Emperor, in which he also
played a role.
Ryuichi Sakamoto
Which red-orange pigment beginning with V was originally created from a ground
powder of mercury oxide?
Vermillion
Which English philosopher of ordinary language, with the forenames John
Langshaw, wrote the 1955 work How To Do Things With Words? During the Second World War he served in the intelligence corps, for which he was awarded an OBE, the French Croix de Guerre and the American Legion of Merit.
JL Austin
In 2010, a regional offshoot of the Centre Georges Pompidou was opened in which city 250 kilometres east of Paris, with the intention of broadening access to France’s contemporary art?
Metz
In which 1987 war film, set primarily in China, does the interned Jim Graham sing
the Welsh lullaby Suo Gân [see-oh gan] as Japanese kamikaze pilots prepare to
depart their base?
Empire of the Sun
The current British record for a single transfer is currently the £106.7 million paid by Chelsea to Benfica for which midfield player in January 2023?
Enzo Fernandez
What name links the publisher of the 2023 video game Diablo IV, a quarterly football magazine edited by Jonathan Wilson, and a popular dessert offered by the US fast food chain Dairy Queen, similar to McDonald’s McFlurry?
Blizzard
Adapted from a comic strip in the Dandy, the children’s TV series Grandpa In My
Pocket featured which man as the titular Grandpa? His most famous role was in
The Likely Lads, alongside Rodney Bewes.
James Bolam
Who is the District Attorney for Fulton County, Georgia, who is leading the prosecution of Donald Trump in that state over allegations of attempting to
interfere with the results of the 2020 presidential election?
Fani Willis
Which song by Labi Siffre reached number 4 in the UK Singles Chart in 1987 and
won the Ivor Novello award for Best Song the following year? Shaun Williamson notably performed this song live at the 2014 World Indoor Bowls Championship.
(Something Inside)
So Strong
A silver medallist at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, who is the British record
holder in the women’s 1500 metres?
Laura Muir
What is the name of the translucent third eyelid found in the eyes of many amphibians and some other animals, including cats, that can be drawn laterally across the eye to protect and moisten it while retaining some vision?
Nictitating Membrane
Which blue-green pigment beginning with V was originally created from a ground
powder of hydrated chromium oxide?
Viridian
What is the five-letter name of Meta’s large language model upon which its AI bot is based? It is Meta’s equivalent of Google’s PaLM and Open AI’s GPT models.
LLaMa
Dying in 2023, which Finnish composer’s opera L’Amour de Loin became, in 2016, the first by a woman to be staged at the New York Metropolitan Opera in more than one hundred years?
Kaija Saariaho
Which golfer captained the US team at the 2023 Solheim Cup? She has won two major championships during her career and, like Suzann Pettersen, will retain the
captaincy in 2024.
Stacey Lewis
The line “Cover her face. Mine eyes dazzle. She died young” triggers repressed memories for the protagonist in which Agatha Christie novel, published posthumously and the last to feature Miss Marple?
Sleeping Murder
Cocktail of gin, vermouth, Campari and orange peel is called a Negroni, when gin is replaced by a champagne it has word added to its name?
Sbagliato (Sba-yi-AH-to)
Transverse, barchan, star and parabolic are all types of which wind-formed geographic feature?
Dunes
What name is given to the Japanese Civil War that took place between 1868 and
1869, and resulted in a victory for Imperial forces over the ruling Tokugawa
shogunate?
Boishin War
In May 2023, Bud Light lost its status as the best-selling beer in the United States after conservatives boycotted the brand following its use of which trans actress and TikTok personality in an advert?
Dylan Mulvaney
Taking place in modern-day Iraq in 331 BCE, which battle, the second in two years between Alexander the Great and Darius III [the third], led to the fall of the Achaemenid [a-KEY-men-id] Empire?
Battle of GAUGAMELA
The world record holder in the men’s long course 400 metre individual medley, which French swimmer won the gold
medal in the 200 m medley and 400 m medley at the 2023 World Aquatic Championships in Fukuoka to add to the gold
medals he won in the same events the previous year in Budapest?
Leon Marchand
Which Japanese gymnast won gold at 2023 world championships on Horizontal Bar to go with his individual all-around the same year?
Daiki Hashimoto
At the 2023 World Gymnastics Championship, who became the first African gymnast to win a medal at a world championships? Representing Algeria.
Kaylia Nemour
At the World Aquatic Championships 2023, which Australian diver won the men’s 10m platform?
Cassiel Rousseau
Fred Sirieux daughter who has won gold at 10m platform and synchro at commonwealth games and european championships, silver at worlds
Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix
Which Tunisian swimmer won the 400m freestyle at 2020 Olympics and then at the World Aquatic Championships 2023 won 800m and 1500m freestyle gold?
Ahmed Hafnaoui
At the World Aquatic Championships 2023, which British swimmer won men’s 200m freestyle Gold?
Matt Richards
At the World Aquatic Championships 2023, which British swimmer won Silver in men’s 200m freestyle behind compatriot Matt Richards? He himself won gold in 200m freestyle at 2020 Olympics and gold in 4x200m in Tokyo.
Tom Dean
At the World Aquatic Championships 2023, who won 100m freestyle Gold, Australian who has also won 2016 100m freestyle gold and 2020 100m freestyle silver?
Kyle Chalmers
Which British swimmer won 50m freestyle Bronze At the World Aquatic Championships 2023? He won Gold in 2017 and 2022 50m butterfly and freestyle respectively.
Ben Proud
At the World Aquatic Championships 2023, which Chinese swimmer won 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke as well as 4x100m mixed medley gold?
Qin Haiyang
At the World Aquatic Championships 2023, Scottish swimmer came silver in 200m medley, won 2020 tokyo gold in 4x200m freestyle and 200m freestyle and medley silvers in TOkyo also.
Duncan Scott
Which Swedish swimmer has won 13 world championship golds including 2 at 2023 in 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly? Has won 1 gold in 2016 rio 100m butterfly, three other medals including silver 50m freestyle Tokyo?
Sarah Sjostrom
Australian swimmer nicknamed Terminator has won 2 golds at olympics Tokyo 200m and 400m freestyle, silver in 800m, has won four golds at world championships in 400m freestyle?
Ariarne Titmus
Which Australian swimmer won 5 golds at 2023 World Championships including 100m freestyle and 200m freestyle, has two golds at Tokyo 4x100m freestyle and medley?
Mollie O’Callaghan
Female Hong Kong swimmer won Silver in 100m and 200m freestyle at Tokyo, won 100m 200m golds at 2021 Abu Dhabi WCs but only silver in 100m freestyle 2023 WC
Siobhan Haughey
American swimmer won 800m and 1500m freestyle gold at 2023 Fukuoka to go with 21 Golds at WC and 7 Golds at Olympics?
Katie Ledecky
Australian swimmer won three Tokyo olympics Gold (100m/200m backstroke/4x100m med) and three 2023 WCs 50/100/200m backstroke?
Kaylee McKeown
Which Lithuanian Swimmer won 2012 100m breaststroke at London Gold? Then 2 golds at 2023 World Championships in 100m and 50m breaststroke?
Ruta Meilutyte
South African swimmer world record holder at 200m womens breaststroke, has won Tokyo gold and Fukuoka WC Gold in same event.
Tatjana Schoenmaker
Which Canadian swimmer is only 17 but has four WC golds, 200m butterfly and 400m medley won at both 2022 Budapest and 2023 Fukuoka?
Summer McIntosh
England rugby union team head coach?
Steve Borthwick
France rugby union team head coach since 2019?
Fabien Galthie
Japan rugby union team head coach since 2016?
Jamie Joseph
Ireland rugby union team head coach since 2019?
Andy Farrell
Scotland rugby union team head coach since 2017
Gregor Townsend
Australian professional dual-code rugby coach and former player who has been coaching the Argentina national team since 2022. He is the only coach to have won the major rugby club competition in each hemisphere, winning the Heineken Cup with Leinster in 2009 and Super Rugby with the New South Wales Waratahs in 2014
Michael Cheika
Who has the most caps for England rugby union with 122 as of October 2023?
Ben Youngs
Top try scorer for england rugby union with 49 as of October 2023?
Rory Underwood
English professional rugby union player who plays as a wing for Premiership Rugby club Gloucester and the England national team, currently second all-time most tries for England with 36 behind Rory Underwood at 49 as of Oct 2023?
Jonny May
English professional rugby union player who plays as a fullback for Top 14 club Racing 92 and the England national team, in September 2023 scored five tries against Chile in the RWC equalising record for most alongside Douglas Lambert, Rory Underwood and Josh Lewsey?
Henry Arundell
According to documents filed in a July 2023 lawsuit, Sam Bankman-Fried [freed], the founder of bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX, had planned to make an offer to buy which sovereign island nation and build a bunker there in case of a future apocalypse?
Nauru
Reacting an alkyl halide [AL-kyle HAY-lide] with magnesium forms a re·agent named after which French Nobel Prizewinning chemist? These strongly nucleophilic re·agents are used to create carbon-carbon bonds.
Victor Grignard
Released by country music singer Jason Aldean in May 2023, what song has become widely adopted by the American right
wing despite being criticised for promoting gun violence and including racist themes? The controversy grew in July when
the song’s music video featured scenes set at a Tennessee courthouse that had been the site of a famous lynching.
TRY THAT IN A SMALL
TOWN
The seventh highest-grossing film of 2023, which historical mystery film, performed in Mandarin, chronicles a mystery
case set in the Southern Song dynasty? Directed by Zhang Yimou, it stars Shen Teng and Jackson Yee as a soldier and his
commander.
FULL RIVER RED
Which of the four main components of blood are small, colourless fragments that coagulate to prevent bleeding from a cut or wound?
PLATELETS
Between 1855 and 1858, who was the last Whig to serve as UK Prime Minister? He returned to Downing Street for a
second period the following year as the first Prime Minister of the newly-formed Liberal Party, serving until his death in
1865.
Henry John TEMPLE, Viscount PALMERSTON
At Aintree, the fence that follows Becher’s [beechers] Brook , and is thus both the 7th and 23rd fence jumped at the Grand National, has what name, after a horse who avoided a melee there in 1967?
Foinavon
Black Wednesday was a UK financial crisis that took place in the September of what year of the 1990s? It took place five
months after John Major’s election victory
1992
Which American bridge, that crosses a body of water near New Orleans in Louisiana, is the world’s longest continuous bridge over water?
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
Known for colourful sculptures embodying femininity called Nanas, which French sculptor and performance artist
produced the Tirs series, where she encouraged viewers to fire guns at bags of paint, catching the splatter from the shots on a white wall?
Niki de SAINT PHALLE
Which actor played the role of “Yellowcoat” Gladys Pugh for the entirety of the run of Hi-de-Hi in the 1980s? Her character fell in love with both of the entertainment managers during the series run.
Ruth Madoc
Long considered a classic of Eurodance, the song ‘Better Off Alone’ was by what trance project from the Netherlands?
Despite the name, the group has never been a solo operation.
ALICE DEEJAY
A positive test for the presence of aldehydes or alpha-hydroxy ketones produces a characteristic silver mirror when a chemical re·agent
is added. After which German chemist was this re·agent named?
Bernhard TOLLENS
The fourth highest national highpoint in Europe, Mount Dufourspitze is located in which European country?
Switzerland
Which American retired sportsman, a named defendant in a class-action lawsuit against celebrities who endorsed FTX and its cryptocurrency services before the company’s collapse, successfully evaded being served documents relating to the case for many months by constantly travelling? Process servers finally caught up with him in May 2023 at the former FTX Arena in Miami.
Shaquille O’Neal
Taking place in 326 BCE, what costly but decisive battle of Alexander’s Indian campaign saw the Macedonian army defeat the Pauravas and the capture of their leader, Porus? It takes its name from the Greek name of one of the five rivers of the Punjab.
Battle of the HYDASPES
The world record holder in the women’s 400 metre individual medley, which Canadian swimmer won the gold medal in the 200m butterfly and 400 m medley at the 2023 World Aquatic Championships in Fukuoka to add to the gold medals she won in the same
events the previous year in Budapest?
Summer MCINTOSH
The high strength lager Super is a beer made by which Glaswegian brewer?
TENNENT
Known for her works exploring gender politics, which American conceptual artist made the 1964 kinetic art piece Meat Joy, in which she and seven others covered themselves with paint, paper and brushes and writhed amongst raw sausages, poultry and fish?
Carolee SCHNEEMAN
Which actor played the role of Yvette Carte-Blanche for the entirety of the run of ‘Allo ‘Allo! in the 1980s? Her character was one of many who was in love with René Artois, but the only one for whom René reciprocated that love.
Vicki Michelle
Which bridge in New York, that spans a tidal strait, is the longest suspension bridge in the United States? When it was completed in 1964 it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, and the first bridge connecting Staten Island to the rest of the city.
Verrazzano Narrows Bridge
Another song lauded by the American right wing, what country song was released by singer Oliver Anthony in August 2023, and also reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100? Although addressing different themes of inequality and wealth, the song was also
criticised for stereotypes about people on welfare.
Rich Men North of Richmond
The eighth highest-grossing film of 2023 is what Mandarin science fiction prequel that revolves around the sun expanding and threatening to engulf planets in our solar system? It stars Andy Lau and Wu Jing as a scientist and astronaut who work on the Moving Mountains project.
The Wandering Earth 2
In office 1850–53, who was the last member of the Whig party to serve as US president? He assumed the role following the death of his predecessor, and ran unsuccessfully for the Know-Nothings in 1856.
Millard Fillmore
Considered either dumplings or noodles and typically served as an accompaniment to a meat dish, what foodstuff from
southern Germany and Austria has a name derived from the German for “little sparrow”?
Spatzle
Which star of the Hollywood Golden Age played the title characters in Meet John Doe, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Sergeant York and The Virginian?
Gary Cooper
In cookery, what term is used to describe the technique of cutting food, often vegetables such as carrots, celery and
leeks, in which the food item is first julienned and then turned a quarter turn and diced, producing cubes of about 3
millimetres or less on each side?
Brunoise
The Welsh musician John Cale notably played which instrument, rarely used in rock music, as a founding member of The Velvet Underground? He notably played it on The Velvet Underground & Nico track Venus In Furs.
Viola
Developed by Larian Studios and released in August 2023, the latest instalment of which roleplaying video game saw a
spike in sales after it was revealed during a livestream that the player could have sex with a bear? Named after a key city in the game, it has sold 5.2 million copies and is a current frontrunner for Game of the Year
Baldur’s Gate III
Which Sheffield-based musician won the 2023 Olivier Award for ‘Best New Musical’ for writing the music and lyrics for
Standing at the Sky’s Edge? He was the guitarist for the Britpop group Longpigs in the 1990s and has twice been
nominated for the Mercury Prize as a solo artist.
Richard Hawley
In animal anatomy, what is the name for the fold of skin which forms an open pouch on the lower posterior part of the
outer ear? It can be found in a number of mammalian species, including weasels and bats, but is particularly noticeable
on domestic cats.
Henry’s Pocket
Which Roman historian and biographer wrote ‘De vita Caesarum’, commonly known as ‘The Twelve Caesars’? Robert
Graves, writer of ‘I, Claudius’, famously published a translation in 1957
Suetonius
Which country has been first in the UN’s Human Development Index - which measures life expectancy, education and
per capita income - since 2021? Norway had previously been number 1 in every report published since 2007.
Switzerland
Aeneas, one of the heroes of Troy who founded Lavinium, a forerunner of Rome, is the son of Anchises and which
Roman goddess?
Venus
Which chart-topping podcast, hosted by Joanne McNally and Vogue Williams, encourages listeners to send in their
questions, which the pair of agony aunts then discuss candidly? It was named best podcast at the Global Awards in 2022.
My Therapist Ghosted Me
Ari Balouskian plays the viola with which British/American group, Brit nominees in 2023? Their singer Jacob Lusk also
appeared on stage with Elton John at Glastonbury earlier this year.
Gabriels
The sixteenth main instalment of which action role playing video game was released this year, in which players take
control of protagonist Clive Rosfield and a rotating party of AI-controlled companions through segmented open areas
across the continents of Valisthea?
Final Fantasy XVI
In cooking, what term is used for the technique of stacking, rolling, and slicing leafy vegetables or herbs to produce long, thin strips?
Chiffonade
Who succeeded Aneurin Bevan as Labour MP for Ebbw Vale upon his death in 1960? A biographer of Bevan, he would go on to lead the Labour Party from 1980 until 1983.
Michael Foot
Who is the current highest-ranked British women’s tennis player? She won her first WTA title in June of this year, defeating fellow Brit Jodie Burrage in the final, and is currently ranked 50th in the world
Katie Boulter
What was the last country from outside Europe to top the UN’s Human Development Index, doing so in the 1998 report?
Canada
Which award-winning comedy podcast features a pair of agony aunts, played by Vicki Pepperdine and Julia Davis, who offer listeners dubious and often repeatedly filthy advice?
Dear Joan and Jericha
Who in April 2023 was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of the UK? He is also Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and
is the MP for Hertsmere.
Oliver Dowden
The Henry’s pocket is situated in the approximate equivalent location of which part of the human ear? It is a small,
anterior-facing tubercle located just above the earlobe, and contains the origin of one of the six intrinsic muscles of the
ear
Antitragus
What is the surname of the American football players who are, to date, the only brothers both to win Defensive Player of
the Year? JJ, the older brother, retired in 2023 after 12 seasons in the NFL with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals, while TJ, the younger brother, is in his seventh season playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Watt
Romulus, one of the mythological founders of Rome, is the son of Rhea Silvia and which Roman god?
Mars
Venta Icenorum, a major regional capital in Roman Britain, was not succeeded by a modern town but by a village, Caistor St Edmund, in which current English county?
Norfolk
Which Roman historian, who was born around 150CE, wrote the 80 volume work ‘Historia Romana’, or ‘Roman History’?
Although a Roman citizen, he was born in what is now Türkiye and wrote exclusively in Ancient Greek
Cassius Dio
Who was the first President of India, holding the post from 1950 to 1962?
Rajendra Prasad
2023 Podcast Awards Podcast of the Year was awarded to A Positive Life: HIV from Terrence Higgins to Today by who? Also won Best Factual Podcast.
Sam Smith
2023 Podcast Awards chart-topping true crime podcast hosted by Hannah Maguire and Suruthi Bala, was selected by the public as the winner of the Listeners’ Choice Award for a third year.
RedHanded
Hosted by Poppy Jay & Rubina Pabani, which podcast won Best Podcast in 2020?
Brown Girls Do It Too
Podcast hosted by Jordan North and William Hanson
Help I Sexted My Boss
Jamie Laing & Sophie Habboo podcast
NewlyWeds
Who are the three hosts of The News Agents podcast?
Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel, Lewis Goodall
2020 Louis Theroux podcast name
Grounded
Which Scottish DJ presents podcast Soundtracking?
Edith Bowman
Podcast by Ed Miliband and Geoff Lloyd
Reasons to be Cheerful
Old Observer journalist who is namesake presenter of Podcast “How to Fail with….”?
Elizabeth Day
The Guilty Feminist is a podcast by which comedian and author?
Deborah Frances-White
British podcast hosted by Chris and Rosie Ramsey
Shagged Married Annoyed
Host of You, Me and the Big C, died 2022
Deborah James
Audible podcast by Idris and Sabrina Elba
Coupledom
UK model was the first transgender model in the UK for L’Oréal, but was dropped within weeks after a racial row.
Munroe Bergdorf
US Sec of State since 2021
Anthony Blinken
Who plays Sabrina in the tv show chilling adventures of Sabrina recent?
Kiernan Shipka
Donald Trump first Sec of State 2017-18
Rex Tillerson
Donald Trump second Sec of State 2018-21
Mike Pompeo
US Sec of Defence since 2021
Lloyd Austin
US Attorney General since 2021, in 2016 had been nominated by Obama to be Supreme Court Justice but blocked by Senate.
Merrick Garland
Secretary of the Interior US since 2021
Deb Haaland
US Sec of Housing and Urban Development since 2021
Marcia Fudge
US Sec of Transportation since 2021
Pete Buttigieg
47th Governor of Michigan 2003-2011 and US Sec of Energy from 2021, female politician
Jennifer Granholm
In which branch of science is the annual Andrew Gemant Award given?
Physics
The Devil’s Cataract is part of which natural feature?
Victoria Falls
Which member of The Osmonds had a solo hit with Paper Roses in 1973?
Marie Osmond
In which century was the Uffizi art gallery opened to the public as a museum?
18th Century
Which of the gospels in the Bible tells the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead?
John
Margaret Atwood, Henry Kissinger, and Benazir Bhutto all graduated from which Ivy League university?
Harvard
A passionate musician reluctantly accepts a “day job” as a high school music teacher to support his family, which leaves him little time for his own compositions and dreams in Mr Holland’s Opus, who plays title character Glenn Holland?
Richard Dreyfuss
The 1,000 islands that make up the Buccaneer archipelago off the coast of Australia are located in which ocean?
Indian Ocean
A schav soup is traditionally prepared using the leaves of which perennial herbaceous plant?
Sorrel
In 1980, Abolhassan Banisadr was elected the first president of which country?
Iran
The company Capezio is best known for making shoes for which activity?
Dancing
The Sejm is the lower house of parliament of which country?
Poland
Which children’s book by Margery Williams is subtitled or, How Toys Become Real?
The Velveteen Rabbit
Who was the British prime minister when the RMS Titanic sank?
Herbert Asquith
Which British actor and MOBO award-winner owns the Porte Noire restaurant and wine bar in London?
Idris Elba
Which Baldwin brother starred in Last Exit to Brooklyn and The Usual Suspects?
Stephen Baldwin
1964 novel by Hubert Selby Jr looking at New York City made into a 1989 film starring Stephen Lang and Stephen Baldwin
Last Exit to Brooklyn
Which English artist, and founding member of the Royal Academy, painted the portrait of Mrs. Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1786)?
Thomas Gainsborough
The annual Rhine Marathon is a rowing event on the river Rhine between Leverkusen and which other German city?
Dusseldorf
Named after the “Old Man of the Sea” in Greek mythology, what is Neptune’s second-largest moon?
Proteus
In 1936, which Danish seismologist discovered that the Earth had a solid core?
Inge Lehmann
Which Disney film features the characters Abby Mallard and Buck Cluck?
Chicken Little
How many time zones are there in Mexico?
Four
In Norse mythology, what was the profession of Andhrímnir?
Cook
Kieserite is a naturally occurring mineral containing which Group 2 element?
Magnesium
Which American chef wrote the 2000 memoir Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly?
Anthony Bourdain
Which glacier in New Zealand is named after an Austrian emperor?
Franz Josef Glacier
Also known as The Well-served or The Victorious, which French king was crowned in 1429 after victory at the Siege of Orleans?
Charles VII
Which city’s marathon event has its finish line on Boylston Street?
Boston Marathon
Which US automaker designed the American main battle tank M1 Abrams?
Chrysler
In a collaboration between the Louvre and the beauty brand Lancome, Zendaya posed in a photograph completing what fragmented Hellenistic statue?
Winged Victory of Samothrace
Known for uniting his country following years of internal fighting, which Afghan leader negotiated the Durand Line with British India?
Abdur Rahman Khan
Also found in Thai desserts, what name is given to the traditional Portuguese food made of egg yolks drawn into thin strands and boiled in sugar syrup? Its name literally means “egg threads”.
Fios de Ovos
The fictional New South Wales town of Summer Bay is the main setting of what Australian TV soap opera?
Home and Away
Coastal, inland and Central Ranges are the three known species of what snake that is endemic to Australia and New Guinea?
Taipan
From the Latin for “little cavity”, what do you call the hollow, distensible cup-shaped cavities in the lungs where oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide?
Alveoli
(255, 0, 255) is the standard RGB code for what color, named after an 1859 battle fought in modern-day Italy between France and Austria?
Magenta
Once the capital of the Kingdom of Burundi, what city has been the capital of the Republic of Burundi since 2019?
Gitega
Doja Cat’s new song “Balut” recorded a sample of which WWE wrestler?
Ric Flair
Mitsouko and Shalimar are some of the perfumes created by which French cosmetics company?
Guerlain
Also known as nuclear disintegration, what two-word term generally refers to the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation?
Radioactive Decay
In Egyptian mythology, which god murdered the fertility deity Osiris?
Set
Real estate developer Srettha Thavisin was elected as prime minister of which Asian country in August 2023?
Thailand
Which soap brand named after a flotation device was introduced by Lever Brothers in the UK in 1895 and has recently been sponsor to Maclaren Formula 1 and the Bangladesh cricket team?
Lifebuoy
What is the name of the British charity founded in 1965 which rescues important buildings, restores them and makes them available for self-catering holidays? Its properties include Luttrell’s Tower near Southampton.
The Landmark Trust
Which type of pizza, which sounds as though it may be named after an Italian island but in fact means whimsical, is prepared with mozzarella cheese, Italian baked ham, mushroom, artichoke and tomato?
Capriciossa
Which annual event in London dating back to the thirteenth century is held on the second Saturday in November and involves a procession from Guildhall, via Mansion House and St Paul’s Cathedral, to the Royal Courts of Justice?
Lord Mayor’s Show
An anagram of Thrush Blamed Eaglet, what was the name of the pub on the Yorkshire Moors in American Werewolf in London where the boys are warned not to stray off the road?
The Slaughtered Lamb
Which term for a unit of power first adopted in the late 18th century by Scottish engineer James Watt is also the name of the museum of the King’s Royal Hussars in Winchester?
Horsepower
The geometric shapes in the video game Tetris are of different shapes and colour, but which characteristic do they have in common?
Four Squares
Which controversial Welsh ITV Rugby World Cup 2023 pundit captained the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005 in the second and third tests following Brian O’Driscoll’s injury?
Gareth Thomas
Which Disney animated film, which is scheduled for a live action version in 2025, features a dim-witted rooster called HeiHei?
Moana
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, English clubs won the European Cup six seasons in a row – Liverpool 3 times, Nottingham Forest twice, and which other in 1982?
Aston Villa
Which country is the world’s largest grower of figs, hazelnuts, apricots and oregano?
Turkey
What connects Gino Esposito from Neighbours, the villain of the nineteenth century penny dreadful serial The String of Pearls, Rossini’s Figaro and Theodoric of York played by Steve Martin on Saturday Night Live?
Barbers
Which south London town was home to the UK’s only international airport during the interwar period, including the world’s first air traffic control and the first airport terminal, until it closed in 1959, and is the hub for the only tram system in Greater London?
Croydon
In Alexandre Dumas’ novel, the main character Edmond Dantes, after escaping from the Chateau d’If, assumes three alter egos: the Italian abbe called Giacomo Busoni, the Englishman Lord Wilmore and which third?
The Count of Monte Cristo
David Bowie famously adopted numerous alter egos including Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane, but which controversial Aryan fascist persona was based on the humanoid alien played by Bowie in the film The Man Who Fell to Earth?
The Thin White Duke
Which singer and guitarist is credited on Elton John’s US number 1 cover of Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds under the moniker of “Dr. Winston O’Boogie”?
John Lennon
Which is the largest perfect cube in the Fibonacci sequence, which corresponds to the lowest gale force in the Beaufort Scale, the number of teeth in a quadrant and the number of bits in a byte?
8
Which of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas, the only one to feature a character based overtly on a historical figure, Sir Richard Cholmondeley who was an early 16th Century Lieutenant of the Tower of London, is subtitled The Merryman and His Maid
The Yeomen of the Guard
Giving its name to the oldest established distillery on Islay dating from 1779, what is the name of the island’s administrative capital?
Bowmore
Who were Fred (later renamed Freda), Maggie, Jim, George and Shelley?
Blue Peter Tortoises
Since 2022, which is the only name common to two British cities, including the oldest of the seven cities in Wales?
Bangor
Which beach near Santiago de Cuba was the site of a landing of 16,000 US soldiers during the Spanish American War of 1898 and shortly afterwards gave its name to a white rum-based cocktail?
Daiquiri
Which food spread was marketed under the name Parwill from 1928 to 1935 before reverting to its original name, and finally came back under Australian ownership in 2017?
Vegemite
Hard A: If I were going on holiday to northern Iceland, to the country’s largest town outside of the Reykjavik region, where am I going?
Akureyri
What English word derives from the Italian “banca rotta”, which means ‘broken bench’?
Bankrupt
Hard C: Liverpool FC’s anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, comes from which Rogers and Hammerstein musical?
Carousel
Hard D: What name is given to a Chinese single-edged sword? Michelle Yeoh uses one in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”.
Dao
Hard E: What town in Spain is near Alicante airport and is best known for its enormous palm grove, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Elche
Hard F: What was the surname of the first female referee to officiate (as head referee) at a Men’s World Cup game. This happened last December in the match between Costa Rica and Germany.
Frappart
Easy G: Other than “The Eagles, by what nickname is Crystal Palace FC also known?
Glaziers
Hard G: If I had just 5K’d during a NMPZ game, and Rainbolt was my hero, what computer game am I probably playing?
Geoguessr
Easy J: In spite of having 128 million speakers, what language has no official status in any country, apart from on an island in Palau?
Japanese
Hard K: What is the name of the Hindu God of Wealth?
Kubera
Easy M: What links one of the British Isles, the IATA area code of an airport and an album by Neneh Cherry?
Man
Hard M: Who played the role of Karen in the première of David Mamet’s award-winning play “Speed-the-Plow”, though she herself got very mixed reviews?
Madonna
The WHAT Helmet is a Roman cavalry sports helmet from the first or second century AD. It was found around 1915 in a gravel bed on the left bank of the Waal river, near the namesake Dutch city?
Nijmegen Helmet
Hard O: What links a former dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, a defunct music competition similar to the Eurovision Song Contest but for Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries, and a former England international rugby player?
Oti
Hard P: In English-speaking countries, we know the druid as Getafix. But what was his name in the original French?
Panoramix
Hard Q: What is the name of this town in western France? It is the prefecture (capital) of the Finistère department.
Quimper
Hard Z: This former Spanish political leader actually took his surname from his mother, rather than from his father, which was the norm in Spain.
PM of Spain 2004-11
Zapatero
Who was the sculptor of the Colossus of Rhodes
Chares of Lindos
The fearsome breed of dog pictured here is named for which town of 25,000 people located in the German state of Baden-Wurtemburg?
Rottweil
In England and Wales, the heir to the British throne is called the Prince of Wales. In Scotland, that same heir is instead referred to as the Duke of which small town of a few thousand people located on the Isle of Bute?
Rothesay
In 1947, a US Army weather balloon crashed near which small city in the US state of New Mexico? Almost immediately, rumors spread that the crash was an alien spaceship and that the government recovered bodies of aliens from the crash site.
Roswell
From 2014 - 2017, this city in Syria was the capital of the Islamic State, the self-proclaimed caliphate ruled by the terrorist group ISIS. Between ISIS’s capture of this city, ISIS’s destruction of Shia and Christian sites, and the battle to capture this city back from ISIS, it is estimated that about 90% of this city was destroyed during the Syrian Civil War.
Raqqa
This industrial city - the 11th largest city in Russia by population - is located in southern Russia close to where the Don River flows into the Sea of Azov.
Rostov
This picture from the year 2009 depicts the author of this quiz meeting Joulupukki - the Finnish equivalent of Santa Claus. This magical encounter took place in which city in Finland, the capital and largest city of Lapland?
Rovaniemi
The General Headquarters (GHQ) of Pakistan’s army is located in which city in Punjab province? This is the fourth most populous city in Pakistan and is sometimes considiered the “twin city” of nearby Islamabad due to how close to each other the two cities are located.
Rawalpindi
This woman is dancing to a style of music called frevo, which originated in which fourth-largest city of Brazil? Frevo is now recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage and is common at Brazilian carnival celebrations and parades. This city is also the capital of the Brazilian state of Pernambuco.
Recife
This city on the Adriatic Sea in Emilia-Romagna is a major beach destination for tourists in Italy - especially for Italians from other parts of Italy. There are also significant Roman ruins in the center of this historic city, and most tourists who visit San Marino visit it by bus from this Italian city.
Rimini
This Hanseatic city on the Baltic Sea is the largest city of the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania). It was the most important seaport of East Germany (DDR) back when that existed.
Rostock
A man named Baron von Rammer (no, I did not make that name up) invented the torpedo in 1866 in which port city on the Adriatic Sea? Rammer tested his torpedo from the dock pictured here, which is now a tourist attraction. Today this city is part of Croatia and bears a suitably Slavic name, but before World War I it was known as Fiume and was the primary seaport of Hungary (yes, Hungary used to have a coastline). In fact, Hungarian dictator Janos Kadar was born in this city.
Rijeka
Dozens of Danish monarchs are buried in the UNESCO-listed gothic cathedral of which city in Denmark? This city was the capital of Denmark until the 1400’s and has a strong Viking heritage that you can learn more about at the local Viking Ship Museum.
Roskilde
During his victory speech following the 2019 general election, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a joke about changing the color of which post-industrial seaside town in North Yorkshire, which was one of several long-time Labour strongholds that elected Conservative MPs that year? Until 2015 this town near the River Tees was home to a steelworks.
Redcar
Located in Navarre, this small town on the Spanish side of the border between Spain and France is located near and named for one of the major passes through the Pyrenees Mountains. The two most famous things about this town are probably: (1) it is a major stopping point on the Way of St. James, the traditional Catholic pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, and (2) it was the location where Roland was ambushed and killed in the both real life and in the famous medieval French poem the Song of Roland.
Roncevalles
This city in southeastern Poland is part of the historic region of Galicia and currently serves as the capital of Poland’s Subcarpathian Voivodeship. The presence of several aerospace companies in this city has led to it being nicknamed the “Aviation Valley” on Poland (analogous to Sillicon Valley in the United States).
Rzeszow
This German town of 17,000 people is located just south of Bonn, on the western bank of the Rhine. A significant battle of World War II was fought for control of the major railway bridge that crossed the Rhine in this city - the Allies were able to capture the bridge intact but it collapsed 10 days later. Nonetheless, the Allied capture of this bridge gave them their first bridgehead into the heart of Germany. A best-selling book and a Hollywood movie were made about the battle here.
Remagen
This small town of 3,800 inhabitants on the island of New Britain - now part of Papua New Guinea - has been obscure for most of its history. The exception was between 1942 and 1945, when it was transformed into Imperial Japan’s primary military headquarters for World War II. There were 110,000 Japanese troops stationed here and it was a major base of operations for Japanese air and naval forces. The Allies never dared to attack this base, preferring to instead isolate it.
Rabaul
The moderate climate that can be enjoyed in this small Italian city on the Ligurian coast (near Genoa) has made it a popular place for wealthy Italians to build villas. That climate has also made it a popular place for diplomatic conferences: a 1920 treaty named for this city set the borders between Italy and Yugoslavia and a 1922 treaty named for this city normalized relations between Weimar Germany and the Soviet Union.
Rapallo
2023 Spiel des Jahres game of the year was a remake of a city-building puzzle video game developed and published by Toukana Interactive. In the game, players need to place hexagonal tiles of various biomes to create an idyllic landscape.
Dorfromantik
What is the title of the instant Sunday Times bestselling debut novel by journalist and author Yomi Adegoke which was released in 2023? The TV rights were won at auction by US entities A24 and HBO Max and the BBC.
The List
a social media startup by founders Paul Davison and Rohan Seth in Fall 2019.[6] Originally designed for podcasts under the name Talkshow, the app was rebranded as what name? Social Audio app where users communicate in audio chat rooms that accommodate thousands of people.
Clubhouse
Which actor performed at the African Grove Theatre in New York City before making his European debut in 1833 as Othello at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden? He is among the 33 stage actors honoured with a bronze plaque at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre at Stratford-upon-Avon.
Ira Aldridge
Released in 2003, what was the title of Beyoncé’s debut solo album? It
featured the singles Crazy in Love, Naughty Girl and Baby Boy.
Dangerously in Love
In 1987, brothers Andrew and Philip Oliver created the first in which
successful series of platform action adventure games? Published by
Codemasters, this series of games sees the player take control of an
anthropomorphic egg in boxing gloves.
Dizzy
An allegedly leftfield Twitter alternative is which site operated by the
hacktivist The Jester, which features no advertisements, no trolls, and claims
to offer enhanced privacy?
Counter Social
In 2015, Russell T. Davies created a trilogy of connected shows: All4’s Tofu,
E4’s Banana and which Channel 4 show, also set in Manchester? It follows an unmarried gay couple, played by Vincent Franklin and Cyril Nri, in a long-term relationship.
Cucumber
Which Chinese snooker player beat John Higgins to win the 2021 Masters,
becoming the tournament’s youngest champion since Ronnie O’Sullivan
more than 25 years earlier? In 2022, he was suspended from the sport for
five years for his part in a match-fixing scandal involving several other
Chinese players.
Yan Bingtao
The twins Melanie and Martina appeared alongside host Pat Sharp on what
chaotic children’s ITV game show, which aired from 1989 to 1999?
Fun House
Matthew McConaughey voices the koala Buster Moon and Reese Witherspoon voices the pig Rosita in which Illumination-produced animated
musical film franchise, whose two films to date were released in 2016 and
2021?
Sing
Which American athlete won the men’s shot put gold medal at the 2023
World Athletics Championships? In 2021, he broke Randy Barnes’ longstanding world record.
Ryan Crouser
In 2016, which English singer became the first woman inducted into Radio 2’s
Folk Awards Hall of Fame? She originally rose to fame with the band Fairport
Convention, before embarking on a solo career; in 1971, she became the only
guest vocalist to appear on a Led Zeppelin track when she sang on The Battle
of Evermore.
Sandy Denny
Which 2022 Apple TV+ series was based on a novel by Gregory David Roberts
about an Australian bank robber who breaks out of prison and flees to
Mumbai?
Shantaram
Which footballer scored in every match Brazil played at the 1970 FIFA World
Cup, a record that has yet to be equalled?
Jairzinho
What is the alliterative name of the chain of dining pubs operated by Greene
King which promote themselves as offering large, low-cost meals for families?
Hungry Horse
Until a 2009 rebuild, which Court at Wimbledon was nicknamed the
Graveyard of Champions? Ironically, in 1991 former winner Pat Cash lost to
Thierry Champion on this court.
Court Number 2
Which British video game developer often referenced 1989 Derby winner
Nashwan in games such as Xenon 2: Megablast and Speedball 2?
Bitmap Brothers
Forename or surname acceptable. Which EastEnders character, played by
Toby-Alexander Smith, murdered his wife Chantelle, Tina Carter and Kush
Kazemi? He was arrested and left Walford in 2022.
Gray Atkins
Throughout the history of the Cricket World Cup, the associate members
have provided numerous memorable moments. Which Zimbabwean, who
coached England to Ashes glory in 2005, scored 69 not out and took 4 for 42
to lead his nation to a victory over Australia in their opening game at the
1983 tournament?
Duncan Fletcher
Forename or surname acceptable. Which Coronation Street character, played
by Connor McIntyre, murdered Andy Carver and Luke Britton? His character
was in a relationship with Eileen Grimshaw before being stabbed to death by
Anna Windass in 2018.
Pat Phelan
Which outdoor clothing, survival and sports equipment company was
founded in Moss, Norway, in 1877 by the eponymous alliteratively-named
sailor and his wife Margrethe? This company is now a subsidiary of the
Canadian Tire retail chain.
Helly Hansen
The character Major Tom made his second appearance in which 1980
number one single by David Bowie? In this song, the title precedes the lyrics
“…funk to funky, we know Major Tom’s a junkie”.
Ashes to Ashes
Which singer-songwriter, who emigrated from the former USSR as a child,
topped the UK album charts in the 2000s with Call Off The Search and Piece
by Piece?
Katie Melua
What general name is given to an alcoholic drink consisting of one or more
spirits, mixed with other flavouring ingredients? Examples include a mojito or
a screwdriver.
Cocktail
Which American singer-songwriter produced the music, lyrics and book to
the Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown? In 2020 she was included in
Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Anais Mitchell
At the 2007 Cricket World Cup, which Bermudian player became a sensation
when he took a stunning diving catch to dismiss Robin Uthappa in a game against India? A police officer by profession, he is one of the heaviest men to
have played international cricket, weighing around 127 kilograms.
Dwayne Leverock
A cocktail garnished with the zest of a citrus fruit is said to be served “with a”
what?
Twist
In 1973, the American rock climber Yvon Chouinard founded which outdoor
clothing and equipment company? In 2022, Chouinard announced that he
had relinquished control of the company to a non-profit trust that would use
its profits to fight climate change.
Patagonia
One of the most embarrassing cricketing moments for England came at the
2011 World Cup, when they lost by three wickets to Ireland. Which player,
whose brother Niall also started the game, was man of the match after
hitting 113 from 63 balls?
Kevin O’Brien
You can answer with the UK or US name of this show. Steve Harvey is the
current host of which American game show that surveys 100 members of the
public on a wide array of questions? In the UK, Max Bygraves and Les Dennis
have hosted this show.
Family Fortunes (Feud in America)
The Legend of Zelda is set in which magical kingdom, inspired by the
countryside near the childhood home of its creator Shigeru Miyamoto?
Hyrule
Forename or surname acceptable. Which Hollyoaks character, played by
Sophie Austin, was revealed as the ‘Gloved Hand Killer’ who murdered seven
characters and teamed up with fellow serial killer Silas Blissett? Silas later
murdered her in 2016.
Lindsey Roscoe
Pamela Anderson’s sex tape with Tommy Lee wasn’t her only sex tape that
was leaked. Though it was made before the tape with Lee, in 1998 a second
sex tape was leaked to the internet featuring Anderson with which frontman
of the hair metal band Poison?
Bret Michaels
Known as the Traumatiser at its original home of Pleasureland in Southport,
what is the name of the steel rollercoaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach that
features five inversions and, upon moving to Blackpool, became the world’s
first coaster to be suspended completely above water?
Infusion
Which Czech-Icelandic musician produced the music and lyrics to the Tony
Award-winning musical Once, along with Glen Hansard? She also starred in
the film version of the musical.
Marketa Irglova
Which Italian film-maker began his career as a ‘spaghetti Western’
screenwriter, before becoming arguably the foremost name in the giallo
genre of gory horror films? His best-known works include The Bird with the
Crystal Plumage, Tenebrae and Suspiria.
Dario Argento
meaning ‘yellow’, what word is the Italian term for crime fiction, named after the bright yellow colours of early mystery paperbacks
Giallo
What character is played by Michael Cera in 2023’s Barbie? The real-life doll
this character is based on was introduced as ‘Ken’s buddy’ and became the
subject of many memes depicting them as a gay couple over the claim that
“all Ken’s clothes fit him”.
Allen
How many boxes are there on Deal or No Deal?
22
What outdoor clothing and equipment brand was founded in Newcastle by
mountaineers Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison in 1966? This company,
which has a German-derived name, is now headquartered in Sunderland.
Berghaus
Which British electropop act added a lyrical reference to Major Tom in their
remix of David Bowie’s Hallo Spaceboy, which became a UK top 20 hit in
1995? This duo had four UK number one singles of their own between 1985
and ‘88.
Pet Shop Boys
Possibly the biggest fairytale run in Cricket World Cup history came in 2003,
when Kenya made the semi-finals. Which player, widely considered the
greatest Kenya has ever produced, captained the side at the tournament?
Steve Tikolo
New Zealand were themselves victim of a shock in the 2023 Women’s World
Cup when they were beaten 1-0 by which Asian island nation in the group
stage? This was the only three points these debutants got in the tournament.
Philippines
Which massive pig-like antagonist must Link do battle with to save Princess
Zelda in several instalments of the Legend of Zelda series?
Ganon
Forename or surname acceptable. Which Emmerdale character, played by
Paige Sandhu, murdered Leanna Cavanagh, Andrea Tate and Ben Tucker? She
left the soap in 2022.
Meena Julta
AAlain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen and Lewis Hamilton have all won
one or more Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championships while racing for which
team?
McLaren
In 2017, which independent brewery issued guidance to employees at the roughly 200 pubs it owns to not serve customers who swore? Other notable features of this brewery’s pubs have included bans on mobile phone usage
and their lack of music and TVs.
Samuel Smith’s
With a name derived from a Greek word meaning ‘circle’ or ‘turn’, what
Greek street food consists of thin shavings of meat cooked on a vertical spit
and placed in a pita bread with, among other ingredients, vegetables and
tzatziki?
Gyros
Which fast bowler is the current captain of the Australia men’s cricket team?
Pat Cummins
Which platform duo (stars of more than ten games on various Playstation
consoles, including the PS5 title Rift Apart) are a ‘Lombax’ and a small robot
strapped to his back, who collect bolts to buy new and more powerful
weapons to defeat enemies?
Ratchet and Clank
Airing on ITV for five series between 1976 and ‘79, what British sitcom follows its titular bickering couple, with the surname Roper, after they move to the middle-class suburb of Hampton Wick?
George and Mildred
Which Welsh second row forward, the world’s most capped male rugby
player, captained the British and Irish Lions rugby union squad on their 2021
tour to South Africa?
Alun Wyn Jones
Which guitarist wrote the song Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay with Otis Redding? This man, who was nicknamed ‘The Colonel’, was the guitarist of
Booker T and The MG’s.
Steve Cropper
George and Mildred was a spin-off of which other comedy, broadcast on ITV for six series between 1973-‘76, that starred Richard O’Sullivan, Paula Wilcox
and Sally Thomsett as occupants of accommodation owned by the Ropers?
This show would later be adapted into the US sitcom Three’s Company.
Man About the House
Michael Phelps won how many gold medals at Beijing Olympics breaking Mark Spitz record?
8
The 2011 Carbuncle Cup was awarded to which complex of buildings at Salford Quays, the home of BBC Sport, BBC Breakfast, CBBC and BBC 5 live,
alongside the Dock10 studios? Its design and layout led judges to comment, “How uncreative can a ‘Creative Quarter’ be?”
MediaCity UK
Which Welsh fly-half, formerly of Northampton Saints and currently playing for Toulon in France, was the leading points scorer on the British and Irish
Lions tour to South Africa in 2021?
Dan Biggar
Owned by GlaxoSmithKline, which British brand of toothpaste is recognisable
from its trademark three-stripe configuration? It claims to be the first toothpaste to offer users a certain clean feeling in their mouth, apparently
created by the white stripe and key to the brand’s name.
Aquafresh
First airing on Channel 4 in 2006, in which makeover show did Gok Wan encourage individuals with poor body confidence to be photographed nude, with the aim of encouraging them to view themselves more positively?
How to Look Good Naked
Which duo, consisting of a boy and his best friend who has been transformed into an ‘ottsel’, must collect power cells and orbs to stop the world flooding with Dark Eco in a 2001 Playstation 2 adventure game, subtitled The Precursor Legacy? Later games in the series, named just for the first
character, took on a more Grand Theft Auto-inspired look and gameplay.
Jak and Daxter
The lyrics “We’ve got stars directing our fate/And we’re praying it’s not too
late” feature in which 1998 Robbie Williams hit? Taken from the album I’ve
Been Expecting You, this song samples the theme to the Bond film You Only
Live Twice.
Millenium
Which Welsh winger with a hyphenated surname was the youngest member
of the British and Irish Lions squad on their 2021 tour to South Africa? He
plays club rugby for Gloucester.
Louis Rees-Zammit
Otis Redding was often nicknamed the ‘Mad Man from’ which city in Georgia? This city is noted for its musical heritage, being the home of Randy
Crawford and Little Richard among others.
Macon
Which brand of toothpaste is the UK’s second-most popular? Its advertising
campaigns tend to utilise recommendations from real dentists and
emphasise how regular use will allow users to enjoy cold drinks and ice
cream again without suffering discomfort.
Sensodyne
In The Hunger Games, who was selected alongside Katniss Everdeen as the
District 12 participant in the games? Katniss and this character form a close
alliance while participating in the Games. Forename or surname is sufficient.
Peeta Mellark
Delphine Seyrig’s major breakthrough in acting came in 1961, when she
starred in which Alan Resnais-directed film, set in a luxury hotel, about a man
and woman who may have previously met in a Czech resort?
Last Year at Marienbad
In 1967 Otis Redding released the album King and Queen, which consisted of duets with which American singer, who was often referred to as ‘the Queen of Memphis Soul’ with songs Gee Whiz (Look at his Eyes), B-A-B-Y, and Tramp?
Carla Thomas
Mildred Roper was played by which actress who died of liver failure in August
1980, less than a month after the release of the George and Mildred film?
Yootha Joyce
Who played George Roper in George and Mildred?
Brian Murphy
A spiritual successor to Banjo-Kazooie, which platform duo (a chameleon and
a bat) must collect book pages to defeat evil CEO Capital B? Funded through
Kickstarter, this game’s protagonists’ names sound like a musical instrument.
Yooka-Laylee
The lyrics “Cause I got too much life/Running through my veins/Going to waste” feature in which 2002 Robbie Williams hit, taken from the album Escapology? Darryl Hannah appears as Williams’ love interest in its video.
Feel
In 1985, Peter Cox and Richard Drummie released a single entitled Call Me.
What was the name of this duo, whose other hits include We Close Our Eyes
and King of Wishful Thinking?
Go West
Which Welsh winger, who played for Worcester Warriors in the English
Premiership and currently plays club rugby for Cardiff, was the leading try
scorer for the British and Irish Lions on their 2021 tour to South Africa?
Josh Adams
Which man was the only survivor of the 1967 plane crash that killed Otis
Redding? He was the trumpeter in Redding’s backing band, the Bar-Kays.
Ben Cauley
Which man was the only survivor of the 1967 plane crash that killed Otis
Redding? He was the trumpeter in Redding’s backing band, the Bar-Kays.
Prim(rose)
Which Italian disco singer had a 1987 UK number 2 hit single with the title
Call Me? A prior single, Easy Lady, was a Europe-wide success in 1986 and
reached number one in her homeland.
Ivana SPAGNA
First airing in 2008 and originally presented by Jenny Frost, in which TV
makeover show were individuals stripped of their usual make up and styling,
with their resultant natural look rated in one of three ways by members of
the public?
Snog Marry Avoid
Delphine Seyrig played Simone Thevenot in which surreal 1972 Luis Bunuel film, in which the dinner plans of a group of middle-class friends are
repeatedly thwarted by unusual events and symbolic dreams?
The DISCREET CHARM OF THE
BOURGEOISIE
Which actor, who would later go on to play Alvin Smedley in Last of the
Summer Wine between 2003-‘10, played the role of George Roper in George
& Mildred?
Brian Murphy
Which actress appeared on the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album
cover and later worked with Ringo Starr on the 1978 film Sextette? Her film
roles included starring alongside Cary Grant in 1933’s She Done Him Wrong.
Mae West
Which Moroccan-born rapper founded Coke Boys Records? His biggest hit in
the US and UK was the 2017 single Unforgettable, featuring Swae Lee.
French Montana
IIn August 2023, which Nigerian footballer became the third African player to
score in seven consecutive Premier League games? He joined Nottingham
Forest from Union Berlin in 2022.
Taiwo AWONIYI
Which Ghanian-British fashion designer collaborated with British Airways on
their new uniforms in 2023? In 2004, he designed amenity kits for Virgin
Atlantic.
Ozwald Boateng
The song ‘Roam’ [please spell: R-O-A-M] is a 1989 single from the album Cosmic
Thing by which American new-wave group, whose members include Cindy
Wilson and Kate Pierson?
The B-52s
In which Shakespearean play could you find the characters Lavinia, Tamora,
Saturninus and Aaron the Moor? Notoriously bloody, the titular role has been
played on screen by Sir Antony Hopkins
Titus Andronicus
What praenomen, or first name, is shared by a daughter and granddaughter of
Augustus, and an aunt and daughter of Caligula?
Julia
Which battle of the Second Punic War between Rome and Carthage was fought
in the southeast of the Italian peninsula in 216BCE? Consuls Varro and Paullus
led the Roman forces to a crushing defeat against Hannibal, who had recently
traversed the Alps with his famous war elephants.
Cannae
Crassus died at which battle of 53BC
Battle of Carrhae
What was the name of Hadrian’s famous horse, a gift to the Emperor from the
Roxolani tribe? Named for a Scythian river god, the steed can be seen depicted
in the Arch of Constantine.
Borysthenes
Which of the seven hills of Rome was a hotbed of the plebeian civil rights
movements, and home to a large proportion of the city’s immigrant population?
Aventine
Who starred as the Emperor Claudius in the 1976 BBC series, I, Claudius? This
actor also played the senator Gracchus in the 2000 film, Gladiator.
Derek Jacobi
The wall stretching from the Firth of Forth to the Firth of Clyde, built to keep out
the Pictish and Scottish tribes to the north, is named for which Emperor?
Antoninus Pius
Which New Romantic band of the 1980s derives its name from a piece of Berlin
graffiti, spotted by writer Robert Elms?
Spandau Ballet
Which historian’s written works on Rome include Rubicon, Dynasty, and Pax:
War and Peace in Rome’s Golden Age?
Tom Holland
Which star of the ITV sitcom Plebs is also known for playing Jonny Goodman in
Channel 4’s Friday Night Dinner?
Tom Rosenthal
Which Roman-born fashion designer is best known for her 1937 ‘Lobster Dress’,
an evening gown with illustration by Salvador Dali? The dress was famously worn
by Wallis Simpson in photographs taken by Cecil Beaton for Vogue magazine.
Elsa Schiaparelli
Remus Lupin, werewolf and Defence Against The Dark Arts professor in the
Warner Brothers Harry Potter film franchise, is portrayed by which actor?
David Thewlis
In which Shakespearean play could you find the characters Volumnia, Virgilia,
Menenius Agrippa and Cominius? The story of a victorious general returning to
Rome, the titular role has been played on screen by Ralph [RAY-f] Fiennes.
Coriolanus
With 196 goals in all competitions, which Italian is SS Lazio’s all-time leading
goalscorer? This current Lazio captain joined the club in 2016 following spells at
Sevilla, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus.
Ciro Immobile
The song ‘Empire’ is a 2006 single from an album with the same title by which
English rock band, whose members include Chris Edwards and Tim Carter?
Kasabian
In Monty Python’s Life of Brian, what is the first answer offered (referencing
sanitary innovation) to John Cleese’s ‘What have the Romans ever done for us?’
rant?
Aquaducts
What praenomen, or first name, is shared by the wife and daughter of Germanicus? These women are also the grandmother and mother of Nero
Agrippina
Who appeared as the Emperor Marcus Aurelius in the 2000 film, Gladiator? This
actor also played Dictator Lucius Sulla in the 2003 miniseries, Julius Caesar.
Richard Harris
Which Roman writer and politician served as governor of Bithynia in Anatolia
from 110CE? His many letters to the emperor Trajan give modern historians a
great insight into the day-to-day administration of the Empire at this time.
Pliny the Younger
Which battle, the final engagement of the Second Punic War, was fought in what
is now northern Tunisia in 202BCE? Publius Cornelius Scipio, who had survived
Cannae, led the Roman forces in annihilating the Carthaginians, thereby ending
the war. Scipio was granted the cognomen of ‘Africanus’ to commemorate his
victory.
Zama
Which of the seven hills of Rome was a fashionable residential location for the
city’s elite, and was home to Nero’s Golden House, Maecenas’ gardens, and
Trajan’s bath house?
Esquiline
The Flavian Amphitheatre was given which iconic name due to a huge statue,
The Colossus of Nero, which stood at the entrance of the Domus Aurea? A
London theatre shares this name.
Colosseum
What was the name of Caligula’s famous horse, once believed to have been a
candidate for Consul? According to Roman historians, the Emperor loved the
steed so much he provided it with its own house, ivory manger and a diet of oats
mixed with flakes of gold.
Incitatus
Which Roman Emperor, ruling the western half of the Empire from 392-394CE, shares his name with a 2016 superhero musical, which enjoyed a revival earlier this year at London’s Turbine Theatre? Described as a “camp and colourful nostalgia-trip to the 1980s,” the original cast included Warwick Davies, Amy Lennox, Marcus Brigstocke and the voice of Brian Blessed.
Eugenius
The play Spartacus, later renamed Drums in the Night, was written by which
German theatre director and playwright, who founded the Berliner Ensemble with
his wife, actress Helena Weigel?
Bertolt Brecht
Nephew of Tiberius and adoptive father of Nero, who was the fourth Emperor of
Rome?
Claudius
Which star of the ITV sitcom Plebs is also known for playing Tommo in Sky One’s
Brassic?
Ryan Sampson
Which fashion house, specialising in accessories and jewellery, was founded in
Rome in 1884? It is known for its serpent designs and, in a nod to Ancient Rome,
the replacement of the U in its name with a V on their branding and signage?
Bulgari
Tiberius and Gaius, the brothers who served as tribunes of the plebs between
133BCE and 121BCE and were both murdered for their advocacy of progressive
reform, had which family name?
Gracchus
The most famous of Julius Caesar’s assassins, who died alongside Cassius at
the Battle of Pharsalus? According to legend, upon his death Caesar uttered ‘You
too, child?’ in reference to this man.
Brutus
Wallace Reyburn wrote a fictional biography of which man which has led to this man
being erroneously credited with an invention which should probably be credited to Sir
John Harrington?
Thomas Crapper
Valued at around $3m, William Shakespeare is the individual credited with the most
expensive what in history?
Autograph
Aptenodytes antarctica was the original scientific name of which species of animal now
known as Pygoscelis antarcticus? The common name of this animal stems from specific
markings on its head - your answer should be two words
Chinstrap Penguin
Troublegum and Infernal Love are albums by which Irish Rock band whose name ends
with a question mark?
Therapy?
More commonly used to refer to a collection of various items associated with one thing,
what word has its roots in legal language meaning “Things beyond the dowry?
Paraphernalia
The area outside the home arena of which Big four sports team is colloquially called
Jurassic Park by its fans?
Toronto Raptors
When Will You
Marry? painting by which artist
Paul Gauguin
Which Grade 1 listed castle, in Gloucestershire, was the burial place and final
home of Catherine Parr, the final wife of Henry VIII?
Sudeley Castle
Devon is considered a hotspot for sightings of the Jersey tiger variety of which creature,
that is rarely spotted in other parts of the UK?
Moth
Which location in Cornwall housed the Crown Jewels during WW1?
Bodmin Jail
Which Bath born comedian was a regular on Mock The Week from 2006 to 2010? His
live stand up shows include Dingledodies and Wonderbox.
Russell Howard
Best selling UK single of the 1960s
She Loves You
Best selling UK single of the 1970s
Mull of Kintyre
Best selling UK single of the 2010s
Shape of You
Best Selling UK single of the 2000
Evergreen
Three Kings of England married to a woman called Matilda
William the Conqueror
Henry I
Stephen
Who is the daughter of Judy Garland who is not Liza Minelli and starred in Grease 2?
Lorna Luft
In which city in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia is there a 4th-century, 24 metre obelisk, now a UNESCO World
Heritage Site?
Aksum/Axum
Which member of the Borgia family and illegitimate son of Pope Alexander VI, was a major inspiration for
Machiavelli’s The Prince? He was made a cardinal on his fathers ascendancy to the papacy, but resigned this
in 1498 after the mysterious death of his brother Giovanni, whom he was rumoured to have killed.
Cesare (CHE-ZA-RAY)
Cesare
In Jainism, what name is given to a spiritual teacher who has conquered the cycle of births and rebirths and
makes a path for others to follow?
Tirthankara
Which family of adhesives, with abbreviation CA, is marketed under trade names such as Superglue?
Cyanoacrylate
Unlike in the rest of the UK, where 12 people make up the panel, how many people serve on a jury for a
criminal trial in Scotland?
15
Which Scottish football team, located in Lanarkshire, is the only foreign team to have won the Copa del Rey?
They were invited to a special postseason edition of the competition in 1927 and won it after defeating Real
Madrid 3-1 in the final.
Motherwell
Although the US Dollar is also accepted, what is the local currency of Curacao? Until 2002, It was the currency
of the European country which rules Curacao.
Guilder
Its name originates from the German word for ‘construction’, what principle in quantum mechanics states
that in the ground state of an atom, electrons fill subshells of the lowest available energy, before filling
subshells of higher available energy?
Aufbau Principle
Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis is a 1910 work by which English composer?
Ralph Vaughan Williams
