Mastermind Club
Which Ray Bradbury novel opens “It was a pleasure to burn”? Fahrenheit 451
In which television programme was “I don’t believe it” a catchphrase?
One Foot in the Grave
The chef Rick Stein has a restaurant, bistro, café, fish and chip shop, cookery school, pub and three shops in and around which town in Cornwall? Padstow
In which country do 100 Stotinki make a Lev? Bulgaria
The Olympian Lord Burghley succeeded to which Marquessate in 1956?
Marquess of Exeter
Whilst living in Eastbourne in the 1950s, which notorious medical practitioner was Burghley’s Doctor? John Bodkin Adams
Which artistic movement was founded by Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso? Cubism
Who owned Devon Loch, which agonisingly failed to win the 1956 Grand National? Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother
Which former cabinet minister was nicknamed Tarzan? Michael Hesletine
According to W H Auden, what was “bringing the cheque and the postal order”?
The Night Mail
What was the forename of Mrs Beeton, of household management fame? Isabella
What term for a military chaplain comes from the Spanish, Italian and Portuguese for Father? Padre
Which grain is used to make Polenta? Maize
What was the name given to five boats owned by Edward Heath from 1969-79?
Morning Cloud
What instrument was played by the bandleader Ted Heath? Trombone
Of what is phobophobia an irrational fear? The fear of fear itself
Who famously told his audience in 1981 “go back to your constituencies and prepare for government”? Sir David Steele, at the Liberal Party Conference
What title is shared by novels by Arthur Conan Doyle and Michael Crichton, both featuring dinosaurs?
The Lost World
What number is the European standard number for calling emergency services? 112
The Widener is the library of which American university? Harvard
Which sweet sparkling wine takes its name from the town in Piedmont around which it is made? Asti Spumante
William III landed at which Devon port en route to deposing James VII and II in 1688?
Brixham
Who is the Patron Saint of dancers? St,Vitus
Which philosopher’s works include A Treatise of Human Nature and Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding ? David Hume
In the classification system of organisms, which level comes between Kingdom and Class? Phylum
Which athlete won a unique distance treble in the 1952 Olympic Games to add to a gold medal won at 10,000 metres 4 years earlier? Emil Zatopek
What did Sir Peter Viggers notoriously try to claim for using his Additional Costs Allowance, causing sales of them to subsequently collapse? A (Stockholm) Duck House
Who was the Bohemian religious reformer burned at the stake for heresy in 1415, leading to religious conflict in the country for several decades? Jan Hus
Which part of the human body is divided into the Duodenum, Jejunum and Ileum?
The small intestine
Which eponymous literary heroine had the surname Harlowe? Clarissa
Fed up with her name being mispronounced, who told Jean Harlow “the t is silent, as in Harlow”? Margot Asquith
"Trio Juncta in Uno" is the motto of which Order of Chivalry?
The (Most Honourable) Order of the Bath
What is the largest desert in South America? Patagonian Desert
Which publisher founded Penguin Books in 1935? Allan Lane
Who is the former Home Office pathologist whose Crowner John series of novels were based in 12th century Exeter? Bernard Knight
37) Edwin Jones was a driver on the Merioneth and Llantisilly Railway in which television series?
What distinguishes Sculls racing from other forms of rowing racing?
Sculling uses 2 oars per person, rowing only 1
Which man of letters once observed “no man but a blockhead ever wrote, except for money”? Samuel Johnson
John Tomlinson in 1840 is the first man credited to partake of which hobby?
Stamp Collecting
Which popular dance was denounced by the Daily Mail in 1922 as “reminiscent only of Negro orgies”? The Charleston
In 2009, what were banned by Captain Wayne Keble of HMS Bulwark on the grounds they were “the devil’s vegetable”? Brussels Sprouts
To what did Hilaire Belloc reputedly suggest should be appended “Candidates should not attempt more than six of these”? The Ten Commandments
In mathematics what does Σ stand for? A Summation
Mary de Bohun was the mother of which King of England? Henry V
Which Roman road ran from Exeter to Lincoln? The Fosse Way
The Swan of Tuonela is part of which Sibelius composition? Lemminkäinen Suite
If in music a piece is to be played very fast, what is the instruction? Presto
What sport is overseen by the Fédération Internationale des Quilleurs?
Ten & Nine Pin Bowling
Speedbird is the call sign used when contacting Air Traffic Control by aircraft from which airline? British Airways
The Anglo-Saxon poems The Wanderer, The Seafarer, The Husband’s Message, The Wife’s Lament and Resignation are to be found in which book? The Book of Exeter
On a map, what are joined by an isotach line? Places of equal wind speed
Rod Evans, Ian Gillan, David Coverdale and Joe Lynn Turner have all been vocalists for which rock band over the last 42 years? Deep Purple
Which Danish city is home to a Viking Ship Museum and a cathedral that has been the main burial site for their monarchs since the 15th century? Roskilde
The Dartmoor Brewery in Princetown brews two beers. One is Dartmoor IPA (Inmate’s Pale ale). What is the two word rhyming name of the other? Gaol Ale
Which 1956 John Wayne film had the tagline “He had to find her... he had to find her...”?
The Searchers
The “Game, Set and Match” trilogy, comprising Berlin Game, Mexico Set and London Match, is amongst the works of which writer? Len Deighton
What name was given to chapels established with an endowment for the saying or singing of masses for certain of the dead, usually the donor, his family or friends?
Chantries
Opening in June 2009, which Welsh racecourse is the first new National Hunt racecourse to open in Britain for over 80 years? Ffos Las
Which two cheeses are layered together to make a Huntsman cheese?
Double Gloucester and Blue Stilton
According to weather lore, what will happen if sheep turn their backs to the wind, rats are more restless than usual or moles throw up more earth than usual? It will rain
Which African mammal gets its name due to the fact Dutch settlers thought it looked like a deer? Hartebeest
Which famous rally was first held in January 1911 and won by Henri Rougier?
Monte Carlo Rally
Of which republic are English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese and Tamil the four official languages? Singapore
Which was the first Mr Man book to be published, the character being an orange person with a small blue hat whose extraordinarily long arms were good for things such as making breakfast without getting out of bed, but he preferred another use for them?
Mr.Tickle
Coming in various shades thereof, what colour is a Kumquat? Orange
What theatrical malpractice is referred to by the term “papering the house”?
Purchasing tickets for one’s own show to boost apparent box office receipts
What is the televisual connection between Annette Crosbie, Dorothy Tutin, Anne Stallybrass, Elvi Hale, Angela Pleasance and Rosalie Crutchley?
They played the Six Wives of Henry VIII in the BBC series of that name
The piano cycle Iberia, composed from 1906-9, was the work of whom?
Isaac Albéniz
Claire Clairmont, mother of Lord Byron’s daughter Allegra, was the half-sister of which writer? Mary Shelley
In which famous novel is Grimpen Mire to be found?
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
In which sport has the World Championships been held on eight occasions since 1978, the Netherlands beating Belgium in the final every time except 1991, when Belgium beat the Netherlands? Korfball
Which acclaimed Devon-based band is comprised of Steve Knightley and Phil Beer?
Show of Hands
Abu Bakr in 632AD was the first man to hold which title? Caliph
75ft is the standard stopping distance for a car travelling at what speed? 30 mph
What would you use VOIP for? Making telephone calls over the internet (it stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol)
To which city did Sir Francis Younghusband lead an expedition in 1904? Lhasa
In a building, what name is given to the holes in walls left behind when scaffolding is removed? Putlog Holes
Bluebeard, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Puss in Boots were tales first collated by which Frenchman? Charles Perrault
What part of the human body is officially registered as being 2.5 on the Mohs scale?
Fingernail
Of which island were the Hauteville dynasty kings from 1130 to 1194? Sicily
Hartley Hare, Topov the Monkey and Octavia the Ostrich were characters in which children’s television series of the 1970s? Pipkins
In a Borodin opera, of whom is Jaroslavna the wife? Prince Igor
Which are constructed using the science of gnomonics? Sundials
At approximately 20% of total Malt sales worldwide, what is the world’s best-selling Malt Whisky? Glenfiddich
Valkyrie II & III, Shamrock I-V and Endeavour I-II were nine successive losing British entries in which sporting competition? The America's Cup
What is the English name for the constellation Columba? The Dove
Tendai Shū was a 6th century academic school of which religion? Buddhism
Which 1970s drama series was based around a haulage business owned by the Hammond family? The Brothers
What was the outcome of the law case taken by Meletus Meletou of Putthus against Socrates Sophroniscou of Alopece?
Socrates was sentenced to death, killed by drinking hemlock
The largest painting in The Louvre, measuring 22’ by 32.5’, is The Wedding Feast at Cana, painted in 1562-3 by whom? Veronese
Nicholas Liverpool is the president and Roosevelt Skerrit the Prime Minister of which Caribbean island, the second largest town of which is Portsmouth? Dominica
Chemical compounds that have the same molecular formulae but different arrangements of atoms in their molecules are known as what? Isomers
Monsieur Clergé in 1740 is held to be the first world champion in any sport. In which sport did he hold this title? Real Tennis
What are Cruls, first seen in 1882, De Chéseaux, first seen in 1744 and Lexell, first seen in 1770, amongst others? Comets
What expanded from 10 digits to 13 digits in 2007?
International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs)
The Sanson family were a notable family in France for performing what role?
Executioners
White, Black, Lombardy and Balsam are types of which tree? Poplar
Which writer observed in a letter in 1940 “Old age is a tangle of Disappointment, Despair, Doubt, Dereliction, Drooping, Debt and Damnable Deficiency and anything else that begins with a D”? Hilare Beloc
Which verse drama opens “To begin at the beginning; It is spring, moonless night in the
small town, starless and bible black”? Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas
Which sport starts with a Face Off? Ice Hockey
Quito is the capital of which country? Equador
What is a tarn? A small mountain lake
Which capital city has a name that translates as Blackpool? Dublin
Who designed the famous K2 and K6 Telephone Boxes? Giles Gilbert Scott
What colour is the rock Azurite? Blue
What name is given to fear of the number 8? Octophobi
What instrument was played by the jazz musicians Count Basie, Thelonius Monk and
Jelly Roll Morton? Piano
The historian Hugh Trevor Roper fell foul of which historical hoax? The Hitler Diaries
Which Swedish botanist laid the foundations of the binomial system of classification of
fauna and fauna? Carl von Linnaeus
Speaking of which, which butterfly under this system has the name Pieris Brassicae?
Cabbage White
Which Coronation Street character was run over by a Blackpool tram? Alan Bradley
Who at the age of 14 won the Wimbledon Girls’ title in 2008, the first British winner for 24
years? Laura Robson
Who is the father of Viscount Severn? The Earl of Wessex
In the term ro-ro ferry, what is ro-ro short for? Roll on - Roll off
Which infamous artwork was signed “R. Mutt 1917”? Fountain by Marcel Duchamp
Which of the services is nicknamed “The Andrew”?
The Royal navy (after Andrew Miller, a particularly effective press-ganger)
What is the primary home ground of Lancashire County Cricket Club? Old Trafford
Which comedian has adopted the personal of The Pub Landlord? Al Murray
Launched in 2004 and played on a 21x21 square board, how many tiles are used in
the board game Super Scrabble? 200
Which hymn has been banned by Southwark Cathedral due to it being “not in the glory of
God”? Jerusalem
In Mathematics, if the average is the sum of a group of numbers divided by the quantity
of them, what is the term for the middle number of this group if lined up in numerical
order? Median
Which artist can be seen in the mirror in the painting best known as
The Arnolfini Wedding? Jan Van Eyck
According to Mohammed, which heavenly personage dictated the Koran to him?
The Archangel Gabrial
Which marine mammal has a distinctive single tusk that can reach lengths of up to 3 metres?
Narwhal
Which soup has a name derived from the Tamil for pepper-water? Mulligiawny
Which radioisotope is used by archaeologists for dating organic objects? Carbon-14
The first public library in Britain was constructed by the Guildhall in London by the
executors of which famous Lord Mayor? Richard (Dick) Whittington
In Greek mythology, where did the nymphs called oreads live? In Mountains
Which mammal has the Latin name Lepus europaeus? (Brown) Hare
Which musical instrument was invented by Bartolomeo Cristofori in 1709 by substituting
a hammer action for the plucking action of the harpsichord? The Piano
Which famous menthol lozenges are made by Lofthouse of Fleetwood?
Fishermans Friend
Ken Russell's acclaimed documentary A Song of Summer was about which composer?
Frederick Delius
David Tennant took time off from saving the universe to appear in two Shakespeare
plays in 2008. Which two? Hamlet & Loves Labours Lost
What is the stage name of the double act formed by Ian and Janette Tough?
The Krankies
What would you use SD or XD cards for?
Data Storage (in digital cameras, mobile phones, computers etc)
An informal price list against which MP’s Additional Costs Allowances can be claimed has
been nicknamed after which department store? John Lewis
What is the name of Gaudí’s unfinished cathedral in Barcelona? Sagrada Familia
What are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin?
The four houses at Hogwarts School in the Harry Potter series of books
Which word comes from the German for substitute; although common usage has this
substitute as somewhat second-rate? Ersatz
In which periodical did Cartoon No. 1by John Leech appear in 1843? Punch
According to Robert Burns, what “gang aft agley”? The best-laid plans of Mice and Men
Who played Mark Antony in the 1953 film version of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar?
Marlon Brando
What does Brontomancy use to tell the future? Thunder
In the world of medicine, what does CPR stand for? Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
The Oud is an Arab version of which musical instrument? The Lute
What would you do with feuilles de brick? Cook with it (its a type of pastry)
Who, on seeing a commemorative stone for one of his predecessors engraved "Laid by
the Poet Laureate", remarked "Every nice girl's ambition"? John Betjamin
What was Filippo Brunelleschi’s most famous work of architecture?
The Dome of Florence Cathedral
Triggered by the playing of the country’s song in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest, in
which country did the Carnation Revolution take place? Portugal
Where are the National Archives based? Kew
Which motorway links Ross-on-Wye and the M5? M50
What is the name of the famous castle in South Ayrshire built by Robert Adam in
1777-90 for the Earl of Cassilis? Culzien Castle
Which significant post in the Channel Islands is held by Michael Beaumont?
Seigneur of Sark Seigneur of Sark
The Ptarmigan is a member of which family of birds? Grouse (Lagopus)
Which football club won its first major trophy for 58 years in 2008?
Portsmouth, when they won the FA Cup (their last major trophy being the League
Championship in 1950)Portsmouth, when they won the FA Cup (their last major trophy
being the League Championship in 1950)
Which band had Top Ten hits in 1969-70 with Living in the past, Sweet Dream and
Teacher/The Witch’s Promise? Jethro Tull
Which is the smallest of the Great Lakes? Lake Ontario
Which company makes the Aquos series of televisions? Sharp
In which sport did E Morse play for Oxford from 2005-2008?
Cricket (he’s actually Ed J Morse)
Theodora, a former actress, was the wife of which Byzantine Emperor? Justinian
Who fought a duel with Ivan Skavinsky Skavar, leading to the death of both of them
Abdul Abulbul Amir
What colour are the flowers of the poisonous plant Lily-of-the-Valley? White
The appellation Entre-Deux-Mers is something of a misnomer as it actually lies between
two rivers. Which rivers? The Dordogne and Garonne
Which 2008 film, derived from a stage musical, became the biggest-grossing of all time in
the UK? Mama Mia
Which Marriott Edgar monologue, made famous by Stanley Holloway, is set in
Blackpool? The Lion and Albert
Christy Moore, Donal Lunny, Liam O’Flynn and Andy Irvine were the original members of
which legendary Irish folk group? Planxty
Which Italian Duchy was ruled by the Farnese from 1545-1731 and then the Bourbons
to 1799 and again from 1847-59 Parma
The loss of water vapour from the surface of a plant is known as what? Transpiration
With reference to the 2008 Olympics, what is the significance of 9.69 seconds and 19.30
seconds? They were the world record times run by Usain Bolt when he won the Men’s
100m and 200m titles
What is the name of the Roman soldier who is traditionally said to have smote Jesus with
his spear at the Crucifixion? Longinus
In what sort of films did the cartoon couple Joe and Petunia appear in the 1970s?
Public Information films
What was the name of Jane Seymour’s character when she became a “Bond Girl”, and in
which film in the series did she appear? Solitaire in Live and Let Die
When Henry VIII was looking for a new wife after the death of Jane Seymour, which
newly-widowed Princess of Denmark, famously painted by Holbein, was a candidate, but
declined to marry him on the grounds she would only do so if she had two heads, one of
which would be at his disposal? Christina
Which metal is used to denote a 10th wedding anniversary? Tin
Based in New York, what is the full name of the press agency AP? Associiated Press
As a rule, how many turrets were there between each milecastle on Hadrian’s Wall? Two
Which composer is best remembered for his “Roman Trilogy” of Fountains of Rome
(1916), Pines of Rome (1924) and Roman Festivals (1928) along with the ballet
la Boutique Fantastique? Ottorino Respighi
In the Old Testament Book of Judges, who is the only female Judge? Deborah
Which country is the primary home of Garifuna music? Belize
In which month do the Leonid meteor showers occur? November
Which football club fell foul of Victoria Beckham when it tried to trademark its nickname?
Peterborough United (their nickname being The Posh which Beckham claimed was hers by right
despite Peterborough having used it long before she unfortunately became famous)
John Part, who rejoices in the nickname Darth Maple, has been a world champion in
which sport? Darts
In photography, what term is given to the ratio of the diameter of the aperture to the
length of the lens? F-Number (or Focal ratio)
The whisky Old Pulteney is distilled in Scotland’s most Northerly mainland whisky
distillery. In which fishing town is this? Wick
The Cassowary is native to which continent? Oceania
The British Lawnmower Museum can be found in which Lancashire seaside town?
Southport
Kupi Luwak, harvested from the faeces of Indonesian jungle cats, is a type of what?
Coffee Bean
What is someone suffering from if they have galactorrhoea?
Excessive secretion of breast milk
What was founded by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1965?
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (more popularly called Hare
Krishna
In medieval times, what did Sumptuary Laws regulate?
What people could buy (particularly dress) based on their income and/or social status
Which Terry Nation drama series was “reimagined” for the worse by the BBC in 2008?
Survivors
The BBC is also pointlessly remaking The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin. Who is
stepping into Leonard Rossiter’s shoes as the title character? Martin Clunes
What connects Ecce Homo, Regardless of History, Monument, Alison Lapper Pregnant
and Model for a Hotel? They are the sculptures that have appeared on the fourth plinth
in Trafalgar Square rather than putting some proper statuary on there
From which Norfolk town do The Gavin Fuller Experience come from? Kings Lynn
What is the penultimate letter of the Greek alphabet? Ψ (Psi)
Which actor, when asked for a suggested epitaph for himself in 1925, replied "I would
rather be in Philadelphia"? W.C.Fields
In which television programme was “I don’t believe it” a catchphrase?
One Foot in the Grave
The chef Rick Stein has a restaurant, bistro, café, fish and chip shop, cookery school, pub and three shops in and around which town in Cornwall? Padstow
In which country do 100 Stotinki make a Lev? Bulgaria
The Olympian Lord Burghley succeeded to which Marquessate in 1956?
Marquess of Exeter
Whilst living in Eastbourne in the 1950s, which notorious medical practitioner was Burghley’s Doctor? John Bodkin Adams
Which artistic movement was founded by Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso? Cubism
Who owned Devon Loch, which agonisingly failed to win the 1956 Grand National? Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother
Which former cabinet minister was nicknamed Tarzan? Michael Hesletine
According to W H Auden, what was “bringing the cheque and the postal order”?
The Night Mail
What was the forename of Mrs Beeton, of household management fame? Isabella
What term for a military chaplain comes from the Spanish, Italian and Portuguese for Father? Padre
Which grain is used to make Polenta? Maize
What was the name given to five boats owned by Edward Heath from 1969-79?
Morning Cloud
What instrument was played by the bandleader Ted Heath? Trombone
Of what is phobophobia an irrational fear? The fear of fear itself
Who famously told his audience in 1981 “go back to your constituencies and prepare for government”? Sir David Steele, at the Liberal Party Conference
What title is shared by novels by Arthur Conan Doyle and Michael Crichton, both featuring dinosaurs?
The Lost World
What number is the European standard number for calling emergency services? 112
The Widener is the library of which American university? Harvard
Which sweet sparkling wine takes its name from the town in Piedmont around which it is made? Asti Spumante
William III landed at which Devon port en route to deposing James VII and II in 1688?
Brixham
Who is the Patron Saint of dancers? St,Vitus
Which philosopher’s works include A Treatise of Human Nature and Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding ? David Hume
In the classification system of organisms, which level comes between Kingdom and Class? Phylum
Which athlete won a unique distance treble in the 1952 Olympic Games to add to a gold medal won at 10,000 metres 4 years earlier? Emil Zatopek
What did Sir Peter Viggers notoriously try to claim for using his Additional Costs Allowance, causing sales of them to subsequently collapse? A (Stockholm) Duck House
Who was the Bohemian religious reformer burned at the stake for heresy in 1415, leading to religious conflict in the country for several decades? Jan Hus
Which part of the human body is divided into the Duodenum, Jejunum and Ileum?
The small intestine
Which eponymous literary heroine had the surname Harlowe? Clarissa
Fed up with her name being mispronounced, who told Jean Harlow “the t is silent, as in Harlow”? Margot Asquith
"Trio Juncta in Uno" is the motto of which Order of Chivalry?
The (Most Honourable) Order of the Bath
What is the largest desert in South America? Patagonian Desert
Which publisher founded Penguin Books in 1935? Allan Lane
Who is the former Home Office pathologist whose Crowner John series of novels were based in 12th century Exeter? Bernard Knight
37) Edwin Jones was a driver on the Merioneth and Llantisilly Railway in which television series?
What distinguishes Sculls racing from other forms of rowing racing?
Sculling uses 2 oars per person, rowing only 1
Which man of letters once observed “no man but a blockhead ever wrote, except for money”? Samuel Johnson
John Tomlinson in 1840 is the first man credited to partake of which hobby?
Stamp Collecting
Which popular dance was denounced by the Daily Mail in 1922 as “reminiscent only of Negro orgies”? The Charleston
In 2009, what were banned by Captain Wayne Keble of HMS Bulwark on the grounds they were “the devil’s vegetable”? Brussels Sprouts
To what did Hilaire Belloc reputedly suggest should be appended “Candidates should not attempt more than six of these”? The Ten Commandments
In mathematics what does Σ stand for? A Summation
Mary de Bohun was the mother of which King of England? Henry V
Which Roman road ran from Exeter to Lincoln? The Fosse Way
The Swan of Tuonela is part of which Sibelius composition? Lemminkäinen Suite
If in music a piece is to be played very fast, what is the instruction? Presto
What sport is overseen by the Fédération Internationale des Quilleurs?
Ten & Nine Pin Bowling
Speedbird is the call sign used when contacting Air Traffic Control by aircraft from which airline? British Airways
The Anglo-Saxon poems The Wanderer, The Seafarer, The Husband’s Message, The Wife’s Lament and Resignation are to be found in which book? The Book of Exeter
On a map, what are joined by an isotach line? Places of equal wind speed
Rod Evans, Ian Gillan, David Coverdale and Joe Lynn Turner have all been vocalists for which rock band over the last 42 years? Deep Purple
Which Danish city is home to a Viking Ship Museum and a cathedral that has been the main burial site for their monarchs since the 15th century? Roskilde
The Dartmoor Brewery in Princetown brews two beers. One is Dartmoor IPA (Inmate’s Pale ale). What is the two word rhyming name of the other? Gaol Ale
Which 1956 John Wayne film had the tagline “He had to find her... he had to find her...”?
The Searchers
The “Game, Set and Match” trilogy, comprising Berlin Game, Mexico Set and London Match, is amongst the works of which writer? Len Deighton
What name was given to chapels established with an endowment for the saying or singing of masses for certain of the dead, usually the donor, his family or friends?
Chantries
Opening in June 2009, which Welsh racecourse is the first new National Hunt racecourse to open in Britain for over 80 years? Ffos Las
Which two cheeses are layered together to make a Huntsman cheese?
Double Gloucester and Blue Stilton
According to weather lore, what will happen if sheep turn their backs to the wind, rats are more restless than usual or moles throw up more earth than usual? It will rain
Which African mammal gets its name due to the fact Dutch settlers thought it looked like a deer? Hartebeest
Which famous rally was first held in January 1911 and won by Henri Rougier?
Monte Carlo Rally
Of which republic are English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese and Tamil the four official languages? Singapore
Which was the first Mr Man book to be published, the character being an orange person with a small blue hat whose extraordinarily long arms were good for things such as making breakfast without getting out of bed, but he preferred another use for them?
Mr.Tickle
Coming in various shades thereof, what colour is a Kumquat? Orange
What theatrical malpractice is referred to by the term “papering the house”?
Purchasing tickets for one’s own show to boost apparent box office receipts
What is the televisual connection between Annette Crosbie, Dorothy Tutin, Anne Stallybrass, Elvi Hale, Angela Pleasance and Rosalie Crutchley?
They played the Six Wives of Henry VIII in the BBC series of that name
The piano cycle Iberia, composed from 1906-9, was the work of whom?
Isaac Albéniz
Claire Clairmont, mother of Lord Byron’s daughter Allegra, was the half-sister of which writer? Mary Shelley
In which famous novel is Grimpen Mire to be found?
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
In which sport has the World Championships been held on eight occasions since 1978, the Netherlands beating Belgium in the final every time except 1991, when Belgium beat the Netherlands? Korfball
Which acclaimed Devon-based band is comprised of Steve Knightley and Phil Beer?
Show of Hands
Abu Bakr in 632AD was the first man to hold which title? Caliph
75ft is the standard stopping distance for a car travelling at what speed? 30 mph
What would you use VOIP for? Making telephone calls over the internet (it stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol)
To which city did Sir Francis Younghusband lead an expedition in 1904? Lhasa
In a building, what name is given to the holes in walls left behind when scaffolding is removed? Putlog Holes
Bluebeard, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Puss in Boots were tales first collated by which Frenchman? Charles Perrault
What part of the human body is officially registered as being 2.5 on the Mohs scale?
Fingernail
Of which island were the Hauteville dynasty kings from 1130 to 1194? Sicily
Hartley Hare, Topov the Monkey and Octavia the Ostrich were characters in which children’s television series of the 1970s? Pipkins
In a Borodin opera, of whom is Jaroslavna the wife? Prince Igor
Which are constructed using the science of gnomonics? Sundials
At approximately 20% of total Malt sales worldwide, what is the world’s best-selling Malt Whisky? Glenfiddich
Valkyrie II & III, Shamrock I-V and Endeavour I-II were nine successive losing British entries in which sporting competition? The America's Cup
What is the English name for the constellation Columba? The Dove
Tendai Shū was a 6th century academic school of which religion? Buddhism
Which 1970s drama series was based around a haulage business owned by the Hammond family? The Brothers
What was the outcome of the law case taken by Meletus Meletou of Putthus against Socrates Sophroniscou of Alopece?
Socrates was sentenced to death, killed by drinking hemlock
The largest painting in The Louvre, measuring 22’ by 32.5’, is The Wedding Feast at Cana, painted in 1562-3 by whom? Veronese
Nicholas Liverpool is the president and Roosevelt Skerrit the Prime Minister of which Caribbean island, the second largest town of which is Portsmouth? Dominica
Chemical compounds that have the same molecular formulae but different arrangements of atoms in their molecules are known as what? Isomers
Monsieur Clergé in 1740 is held to be the first world champion in any sport. In which sport did he hold this title? Real Tennis
What are Cruls, first seen in 1882, De Chéseaux, first seen in 1744 and Lexell, first seen in 1770, amongst others? Comets
What expanded from 10 digits to 13 digits in 2007?
International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs)
The Sanson family were a notable family in France for performing what role?
Executioners
White, Black, Lombardy and Balsam are types of which tree? Poplar
Which writer observed in a letter in 1940 “Old age is a tangle of Disappointment, Despair, Doubt, Dereliction, Drooping, Debt and Damnable Deficiency and anything else that begins with a D”? Hilare Beloc
Which verse drama opens “To begin at the beginning; It is spring, moonless night in the
small town, starless and bible black”? Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas
Which sport starts with a Face Off? Ice Hockey
Quito is the capital of which country? Equador
What is a tarn? A small mountain lake
Which capital city has a name that translates as Blackpool? Dublin
Who designed the famous K2 and K6 Telephone Boxes? Giles Gilbert Scott
What colour is the rock Azurite? Blue
What name is given to fear of the number 8? Octophobi
What instrument was played by the jazz musicians Count Basie, Thelonius Monk and
Jelly Roll Morton? Piano
The historian Hugh Trevor Roper fell foul of which historical hoax? The Hitler Diaries
Which Swedish botanist laid the foundations of the binomial system of classification of
fauna and fauna? Carl von Linnaeus
Speaking of which, which butterfly under this system has the name Pieris Brassicae?
Cabbage White
Which Coronation Street character was run over by a Blackpool tram? Alan Bradley
Who at the age of 14 won the Wimbledon Girls’ title in 2008, the first British winner for 24
years? Laura Robson
Who is the father of Viscount Severn? The Earl of Wessex
In the term ro-ro ferry, what is ro-ro short for? Roll on - Roll off
Which infamous artwork was signed “R. Mutt 1917”? Fountain by Marcel Duchamp
Which of the services is nicknamed “The Andrew”?
The Royal navy (after Andrew Miller, a particularly effective press-ganger)
What is the primary home ground of Lancashire County Cricket Club? Old Trafford
Which comedian has adopted the personal of The Pub Landlord? Al Murray
Launched in 2004 and played on a 21x21 square board, how many tiles are used in
the board game Super Scrabble? 200
Which hymn has been banned by Southwark Cathedral due to it being “not in the glory of
God”? Jerusalem
In Mathematics, if the average is the sum of a group of numbers divided by the quantity
of them, what is the term for the middle number of this group if lined up in numerical
order? Median
Which artist can be seen in the mirror in the painting best known as
The Arnolfini Wedding? Jan Van Eyck
According to Mohammed, which heavenly personage dictated the Koran to him?
The Archangel Gabrial
Which marine mammal has a distinctive single tusk that can reach lengths of up to 3 metres?
Narwhal
Which soup has a name derived from the Tamil for pepper-water? Mulligiawny
Which radioisotope is used by archaeologists for dating organic objects? Carbon-14
The first public library in Britain was constructed by the Guildhall in London by the
executors of which famous Lord Mayor? Richard (Dick) Whittington
In Greek mythology, where did the nymphs called oreads live? In Mountains
Which mammal has the Latin name Lepus europaeus? (Brown) Hare
Which musical instrument was invented by Bartolomeo Cristofori in 1709 by substituting
a hammer action for the plucking action of the harpsichord? The Piano
Which famous menthol lozenges are made by Lofthouse of Fleetwood?
Fishermans Friend
Ken Russell's acclaimed documentary A Song of Summer was about which composer?
Frederick Delius
David Tennant took time off from saving the universe to appear in two Shakespeare
plays in 2008. Which two? Hamlet & Loves Labours Lost
What is the stage name of the double act formed by Ian and Janette Tough?
The Krankies
What would you use SD or XD cards for?
Data Storage (in digital cameras, mobile phones, computers etc)
An informal price list against which MP’s Additional Costs Allowances can be claimed has
been nicknamed after which department store? John Lewis
What is the name of Gaudí’s unfinished cathedral in Barcelona? Sagrada Familia
What are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin?
The four houses at Hogwarts School in the Harry Potter series of books
Which word comes from the German for substitute; although common usage has this
substitute as somewhat second-rate? Ersatz
In which periodical did Cartoon No. 1by John Leech appear in 1843? Punch
According to Robert Burns, what “gang aft agley”? The best-laid plans of Mice and Men
Who played Mark Antony in the 1953 film version of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar?
Marlon Brando
What does Brontomancy use to tell the future? Thunder
In the world of medicine, what does CPR stand for? Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
The Oud is an Arab version of which musical instrument? The Lute
What would you do with feuilles de brick? Cook with it (its a type of pastry)
Who, on seeing a commemorative stone for one of his predecessors engraved "Laid by
the Poet Laureate", remarked "Every nice girl's ambition"? John Betjamin
What was Filippo Brunelleschi’s most famous work of architecture?
The Dome of Florence Cathedral
Triggered by the playing of the country’s song in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest, in
which country did the Carnation Revolution take place? Portugal
Where are the National Archives based? Kew
Which motorway links Ross-on-Wye and the M5? M50
What is the name of the famous castle in South Ayrshire built by Robert Adam in
1777-90 for the Earl of Cassilis? Culzien Castle
Which significant post in the Channel Islands is held by Michael Beaumont?
Seigneur of Sark Seigneur of Sark
The Ptarmigan is a member of which family of birds? Grouse (Lagopus)
Which football club won its first major trophy for 58 years in 2008?
Portsmouth, when they won the FA Cup (their last major trophy being the League
Championship in 1950)Portsmouth, when they won the FA Cup (their last major trophy
being the League Championship in 1950)
Which band had Top Ten hits in 1969-70 with Living in the past, Sweet Dream and
Teacher/The Witch’s Promise? Jethro Tull
Which is the smallest of the Great Lakes? Lake Ontario
Which company makes the Aquos series of televisions? Sharp
In which sport did E Morse play for Oxford from 2005-2008?
Cricket (he’s actually Ed J Morse)
Theodora, a former actress, was the wife of which Byzantine Emperor? Justinian
Who fought a duel with Ivan Skavinsky Skavar, leading to the death of both of them
Abdul Abulbul Amir
What colour are the flowers of the poisonous plant Lily-of-the-Valley? White
The appellation Entre-Deux-Mers is something of a misnomer as it actually lies between
two rivers. Which rivers? The Dordogne and Garonne
Which 2008 film, derived from a stage musical, became the biggest-grossing of all time in
the UK? Mama Mia
Which Marriott Edgar monologue, made famous by Stanley Holloway, is set in
Blackpool? The Lion and Albert
Christy Moore, Donal Lunny, Liam O’Flynn and Andy Irvine were the original members of
which legendary Irish folk group? Planxty
Which Italian Duchy was ruled by the Farnese from 1545-1731 and then the Bourbons
to 1799 and again from 1847-59 Parma
The loss of water vapour from the surface of a plant is known as what? Transpiration
With reference to the 2008 Olympics, what is the significance of 9.69 seconds and 19.30
seconds? They were the world record times run by Usain Bolt when he won the Men’s
100m and 200m titles
What is the name of the Roman soldier who is traditionally said to have smote Jesus with
his spear at the Crucifixion? Longinus
In what sort of films did the cartoon couple Joe and Petunia appear in the 1970s?
Public Information films
What was the name of Jane Seymour’s character when she became a “Bond Girl”, and in
which film in the series did she appear? Solitaire in Live and Let Die
When Henry VIII was looking for a new wife after the death of Jane Seymour, which
newly-widowed Princess of Denmark, famously painted by Holbein, was a candidate, but
declined to marry him on the grounds she would only do so if she had two heads, one of
which would be at his disposal? Christina
Which metal is used to denote a 10th wedding anniversary? Tin
Based in New York, what is the full name of the press agency AP? Associiated Press
As a rule, how many turrets were there between each milecastle on Hadrian’s Wall? Two
Which composer is best remembered for his “Roman Trilogy” of Fountains of Rome
(1916), Pines of Rome (1924) and Roman Festivals (1928) along with the ballet
la Boutique Fantastique? Ottorino Respighi
In the Old Testament Book of Judges, who is the only female Judge? Deborah
Which country is the primary home of Garifuna music? Belize
In which month do the Leonid meteor showers occur? November
Which football club fell foul of Victoria Beckham when it tried to trademark its nickname?
Peterborough United (their nickname being The Posh which Beckham claimed was hers by right
despite Peterborough having used it long before she unfortunately became famous)
John Part, who rejoices in the nickname Darth Maple, has been a world champion in
which sport? Darts
In photography, what term is given to the ratio of the diameter of the aperture to the
length of the lens? F-Number (or Focal ratio)
The whisky Old Pulteney is distilled in Scotland’s most Northerly mainland whisky
distillery. In which fishing town is this? Wick
The Cassowary is native to which continent? Oceania
The British Lawnmower Museum can be found in which Lancashire seaside town?
Southport
Kupi Luwak, harvested from the faeces of Indonesian jungle cats, is a type of what?
Coffee Bean
What is someone suffering from if they have galactorrhoea?
Excessive secretion of breast milk
What was founded by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1965?
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (more popularly called Hare
Krishna
In medieval times, what did Sumptuary Laws regulate?
What people could buy (particularly dress) based on their income and/or social status
Which Terry Nation drama series was “reimagined” for the worse by the BBC in 2008?
Survivors
The BBC is also pointlessly remaking The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin. Who is
stepping into Leonard Rossiter’s shoes as the title character? Martin Clunes
What connects Ecce Homo, Regardless of History, Monument, Alison Lapper Pregnant
and Model for a Hotel? They are the sculptures that have appeared on the fourth plinth
in Trafalgar Square rather than putting some proper statuary on there
From which Norfolk town do The Gavin Fuller Experience come from? Kings Lynn
What is the penultimate letter of the Greek alphabet? Ψ (Psi)
Which actor, when asked for a suggested epitaph for himself in 1925, replied "I would
rather be in Philadelphia"? W.C.Fields
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