1 April
Which Dickens' novel, set in Coketown, began serialisation today in 1854 in the magazine 'Household Words'?
-'Hard Times'
Born today in 1883, which American horror film actor was known as 'The Man with a Thousand Faces'?
-Lon Chaney
Which armed service was formed by Act of Parliament today in 1918?
-The Royal Air Force
Born today in 1875, which English journalist and novelist wrote 'The Ringer' and other crime stories?
-Edgar Wallace
Today in 1957, which BBC current affairs programme fooled viewers into believing spaghetti grew on trees?
-'Panorama'
2 April
Today in 1914, Sir Alec Guinness was born. In which film does he play eight members of the D'Ascoyne family?
-'Kind Hearts and Coronets'
Today in 1974, Piccadilly Radio began broadcasting in which English city?
-Manchester
Red Rum won the Grand National for the third time today. In which year? (You're allowed one year either way)
-1977
Born today in 1725, which Italian adventurer was noted for his amorous conquests?
-Giovanni Giacomo Casanova
Novelist C.S. Forester died today in 1966. Name the British midshipman he created, who rose to the rank of admiral.
-Horatio Hornblower
3 April
Eddie Murphy was born today in 1961. In which 1984 film did he star as an offbeat policeman?
-'Beverley Hills Cop'
Regular radio broadcasts from Parliament began today in 1978. The Speaker's voice was the first to be heard. Who was he?
-George Thomas
Composer Kurt Weill died today in 1950. He wrote 'The Threepenny Opera' in collaboration with which German dramatist?
-Bertolt Brecht
Born today in 1924 who had UK Number One hits in the fifties with 'Secret Love' and 'Whatever Will Be Will Be'?
-Doris Day
Which outlaw of the American West committed crimes with his brother Frank and died today in 1882?
-Jesse James
4 April
The first episode of TV's 'The Good Life' was screened today in 1975. Name the four main characters.
-Barbara and Tom Good and their neighbours Margo and Jerry Leadbeatter
Mathematician John Napier died today in 1617. What was his tabular invention?
-Logarithms
American actor Anthony Perkins was born today in 1932. What role did he play in several 'Psycho' films?
-Norman Bates
NATO was established today in 1949. What does the abbreviation stand for?
-North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
Today in 1968, civil rights leader Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis. Who shot him?
-James Earl Ray
5 April
Born today in 1884, who gave his name to a Cricketer's Almanac?
-John Wisden
Today in 1980, John Snagge made his 50th and final radio commentary on which annual sporting event?
-The University Boat Race
Born today in 1920, who wrote the blockbuster novels 'Airport' and 'Hotel'?
-Arthur Hailey
Born today in 1916, who starred with Audrey Hepburn in the film 'Roman Holiday'?
-Gregory Peck
Today in 1955, Sir Winston Churchill resigned as Prime Minister. Who succeeded him?
-Sir Anthony Eden
6 April
Today in 1974, world leaders gathered in Paris for the memorial service of which French President?
-George Pompidou
American lyricist Leo Robin was born today in 1900. Which of his songs does Bob Hope use as his theme?
-'Thanks for the Memory'
Which Italian painter, influenced by Michelangelo, was born today in 1483 and died on the same day 37 years later?
-Raphael
In which city did the first Modern Olympic Games open today in 1896?
-Athens
Who painted 'The Night Watch', attacked with acid in its Amsterdam museum today in 1990?
-Rembrandt
7 April
Following an Italian invasion from which country did King Zog flee today in 1939?
-Albania
American showman Phineas T. Barnum died today in 1891. With whom did he found a famous circus?
-Anthony Bailey (Barnum and Bailey)
Today in 1891, the cartoonist Sir David Low was born. Name the pompous military character he created.
-Colonel Blimp
Who once stated that: 'History is more or less bunk' and died today in 1947?
-Henry Ford
Today in 1979 which rock star married Alana Hamilton?
-Rod Stewart
8 April
Today in 1795 which future king married Caroline of Brunswick?
-George IV
Actor Hywel Bennett was born today in 1944. What was the first name of his television character Shelley?
-James
Born today in 1928, who played Soames in the sixties TV drama 'The Forsyte Saga'?
-Eric Porter
Known as 'The Eighth Wonder of the World', which Russian-born ballet dancer died today in 1950?
-Vaslav Nijinsky
Pablo Picasso died today in 1973. During the thirties, he was an Honorary Director of which Madrid museum?
-The Prado Gallery
9 April
James, Duke of Monmouth, was born today in 1649. He was the illegitimate son of Lucy Walter and which English king?
-Charles II
Ballet dancer Sir Robert Helpmann was born today in 1909. In which film musical did he play the evil child catcher?
-'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'
Which TV serial began today in 1954 and is considered the first soap opera?
-'The Grove Family'
Mrs. Patrick Campbell died today in 1940. In which field of the arts did she find fame?
-The theatre (she was a distinguished actress)
Born today in 1957 who became the youngest player to win golf's US Masters Championship?
-Severiano Ballesteros
10 April
Born today in 1829, which English evangelist founded the Salvation Army?
-William Booth
The 'Titanic' set off on its ill-fated maiden voyage today in 1912. Which company owned the liner?
-White Star
Born today in 1847, which American newspaper publisher established in his will annual prizes for literature?
-Joseph Pulitzer
- he also set up Prizes for journalism and music
Today in 1968, which Cliff Richard song was top of the UK pop charts, having been beaten in the Eurovision Song Contest?
-'Congratulations'
Born today in 1925, Norman Vaughan was one of the presenters of ITV's game show 'The Golden Shot'. Name two others.
-Jackie Rae, Bob Monkhouse, Charlie Williams
11 April
Today in 1713, the Treaty of Utrecht was signed between Britain and which other country?
-France
Which film, involving a record-breaking 300,000 extras, was awarded eight Oscars today in 1983?
-'Gandhi' (the massive number of extras was needed for the funeral scene)
Today in 1967, the play 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead' was premiered in London. Who wrote it?
-Tom Stoppard
Actor Nicholas Ball was born today in 1946. Which private eye did he play on television?
-'Hazell'
Today in 1961, who made his live concert debut in New York and later had a hit with 'Like a Rolling Stone'?
-Bob Dylan
12 April
Known as 'The Brown Bomber', which boxer died today in 1981?
-Joe Louis
Born today in 1950 who had UK Number One hits in the seventies with 'Daydreamer' and 'How Can I Be Sure?' ?
-David Cassidy
Launched today in 1981, what was the name of the world's first space shuttle?
-Columbia
American President Franklin D. Roosevelt died today in 1945. Who succeeded him?
-Harry S. Truman
Actor Andy Garcia was born today in 1956. In which film, also starring Sean Connery, did he play an FBI agent?
-'The Untouchables'
13 April
Born today in 1866 which American outlaw was portrayed by Paul Newman in a film?
-Butch Cassidy- the film was 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' with Robert Redford playing the Sundance Kid
Today in 1764 Madame de Pompadour died. She was the mistress of which French king?
-Louis XV
Today in 1749, the Radcliffe Library opened in which British university?
-Oxford
Frank Sinatra and his daughter Nancy hit the top of the UK pop charts today in 1967 with which song?
-'Somethin' Stupid'
Actor and singer Howard Keel was born today in 1917. Which character did he play in the TV series 'Dallas'?
-Clayton Farlow
14 April
Born today in 1907, the former President of Haiti, Francois Duvalier, was known by what nickname?
-'Papa Doc'
Today in 1950 a character dubbed 'The Pilot of the Future' appeared in the first 'Eagle' comic. What was his name?
-Dan Dare
Born today in 1935 whose life was the subject of the film 'Coal Miner's Daughter'?
-Loretta Lynn
Today in 1917, Ludwig Zamenhof died. Name the universal language he devised.
-Esperanto
Sir John Gielgud was born today in 1904. He won an Oscar for playing a butler in which film, also starring Dudley Moore?
-'Arthur'
15 April
Leonardo da Vinci was born today in 1452. By what other name is his 'Mona Lisa' known?
-'La Gioconda'
Today in 1964 which Manchester United footballer made his debut for Northern Ireland?
-George Best
Born today in 1939, which British singer had chart hits with 'Rubber Ball' and 'A Teenager in Love'?
-Marty Wilde
Which comedy actor played the power-crazed Khazi of Kalibar in 'Carry on Up the Khyber' and died today in 1988?
-Kenneth Williams
Author Jeffrey Archer was born today in 1940. What is the title of his first novel, written after a financial disaster?
-'Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less'
16 April
Born today in 1922 which Booker Prize-winning novelist wrote 'Lucky Jim'?
-Sir Kingsley Amis
Name the Swiss wax modeller who made death masks during the French Revolution and died today in 1850.
-Madame Tussaud
Today in 1969 who became the first Jamaican artist to reach the top of the UK pop charts with the song 'The Israelites'?
-Desmond Dekker (with the Aces)
Name the Royal Yacht, launched today in 1953.
-'Britannia'
Born today in 1889, which film genius won acclaim for 'City Lights'?
-Sir Charles Chaplin
17 April
Which Bucks Fizz song reached the top of the UK pop charts today in 1982?
-'My Camera Never Lies'
Which American scientist and politician, the inventor of bifocals, died today in 1790?
-Benjamin Franklin
What prize was introduced in Harold Macmillan's Budget today in 1956?
-Premium Bonds
Born today in 1946, which yachtswoman wrote the novels 'Night Sky' and 'Wolf Winter'?
-Clare Francis
American dramatist Thornton Wilder was born today in 1897. His play 'The Matchmaker' formed the basis for which musical?
-'Hello Dolly'
18 April
The first Bob-a-Job week began today in 1949. Who founded the Scout Movement?
-Lord Baden-Powell
In which Middle Eastern country was power seized by Colonel Nasser today in 1954?
-Egypt
Today in 1775, which American patriot made a celebrated night-time journey on horseback to warn of the approach of British troops?
-Paul Revere
Born today in 1946, who made her screen debut in the film 'Tiger Bay', in which she starred with her father?
-Hayley Mills
One of history's most notorious poisoners, Lucrezia Borgia, was born today in 1480. What was her father's occupation?
-He was Pope
19 April
Name the author of 'The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection', who died today in 1882.
-Charles Darwin
Which Hollywood actress became a real-life princess when she married today in 1956?
-Grace Kelly (Princess Grace of Monaco)
Which armless statue was discovered by a peasant today in 1829 on the Aegean island of Melos?
-The Venus de Milo
Which Victorian Prime Minister was created Earl of Beaconsfield and died today in 1881?
-Benjamin Disraeli
Born today in 1957 which legendary horse won the Cheltenham Gold Cup three times?
-Arkle
20 April
Novelist Bram Stoker died today in 1912. What is his most famous novel?
-'Dracula'
Born today in 1941, which film actor starred in 'Paper Moon' with his daughter Tatum?
-Ryan O'Neal
Scheduled for today in 1964, what event had to be postponed because of a power failure?
-The opening of BBC 2, which eventually took place the following day.
Who wrote the first modern detective story 'The Murders In the Rue Morgue', published today in 1841?
-Edgar Allan Poe
In which Belgian city did the Olympics Games open today in 1920?
-Antwerp.
21 April
Who singed the King of Spain's beard today in 1587?
-Sir Francis Drake
'ITMA' made history today in 1942 by being chosen as the first Royal Command Performance of a radio programme. What does 'ITMA' stand for?
-'It's That Man Again'
Who played the title role in Woody Allen's film 'Annie Hall', released today in 1977?
-Diane Keaton
One of history's great romantics, Peter Abelard, died today in 1142. Who was his lover?
-Heloise
Born today in 1923, who wrote the autobiographical play 'A Voyage Round My Father'?
-John Mortimer
22 April
Cynthia Payne spent her first day in prison today in 1980. What was used for currency at her infamous parties?
-Luncheon vouchers
Name The Who's rock opera, performed live in its entirety for the first time today in 1969.
-'Tommy'
King Henry VII died today in 1509. To which Royal House did he belong?
-Tudor
Actor George Cole was born today in 1925. How did his best known character, Arthur Daley, often refer to his wife in TV's 'Minder'?
-'Er indoors
Car pioneer Henry Royce died today in 1933. What name was given to the first Rolls-Royce, produced in 1906?
-'Silver Ghost'
23 April
Born today in 1775, which great painter produced over 300 oil paintings and 20,000 watercolours?
-J.M.W. Turner
In which town was the first Shakespeare Memorial Theatre opened today in 1879?
-Stratford-upon-Avon
Name the patron saint of England, whose feast is celebrated today.
-St. George
At which venue did King George V open the British Empire Exhibition today in 1924?
-Wembley Stadium
Today in 1980, Saudi Arabia threatened to cut off diplomatic relations with Britain following the screening of which TV programme?
-'Death of a Princess'
24 April
Born today in 1942 who starred in the films 'Funny Girl' and 'The Way We Were'?
-Barbra Streisand
The song 'Ebony and Ivory' reached the top of the UK pop charts today in 1982. Who performed it with Paul McCartney?
-Stevie Wonder
Born today in 1743, who invented the power loom?
-Edmund Cartwright
Today in 1989 who became the first National Hunt jockey to ride 200 winners in a season over jumps?
-Peter Scudamore
In which city did the Easter Uprising take place today in 1916?
-Dublin
25 April
Born today in 1932, who is the longest serving resident of 'Coronation Street'?
-William Roache
Which Daniel Defoe novel about a castaway was published today in 1719?
-'Robinson Crusoe'
Born today in 1284, who was the first English heir apparent to be named Prince of Wales?
-Edward II
Today in 1983, 'Stern' magazine published the first instalment of what famous forgery?
-The 'Hitler Diaries'
Name the director of the film 'The Third Man', who died today in 1976.
-Sir Carol Reed
26 April
Born today in 1918, who became the first woman to win four Olympic Gold medals?
-Fanny Blankers-Koen
Today in 1865, Abraham Lincoln's assassin was shot dead. Name him.
-John Wilkes Booth
Who married the Duke of York today in 1923?
-Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (the future Queen Mother)
At which site did the world's worst nuclear accident occur today in 1986?
-Chernobyl
Born today in 1765, who was Horatio Nelson's mistress?
-Emma, Lady Hamilton
27 April
Born today in 1959, which singer got her big break on the TV programme 'The Big Time'?
-Sheena Easton
In which park did London Zoo open today in 1828?
-Regents Park
Which mountain was first climbed by Edward Whymper, born today in 1840?
-The Matterhorn
What was the name of Thor Heyerdahl's raft on which he set sail today in 1947?
-'Kon Tiki'
Born today in 1791 who invented a code consisting of dots and dashes?
-Samuel Morse
28 April
Today in 1770, which naval hero landed at Botany Bay?
-Captain James Cook
Who won the first Wembley F.A.Cup Final today in 1923?
-Bolton Wanderers
Today in 1789, a mutiny took place aboard which ship?
-HMS Bounty
Born today in 1801, by what name was philanthropist Anthony Cooper better known?
-Lord Shaftesbury
Today in 1966 who reached the top of the UK pop charts, declaring 'You Don't Have to Say You Love Me'?
-Dusty Springfield
29 April
Why was Muhammad Ali stripped of his world heavyweight title today in 1967?
-He refused to be drafted into the army
Today in 1376 Sir Peter de la Mare became the first holder of which Parliamentary office?
-Speaker of the House of Commons
Actress Anita Dobson was born today in 1949. Which character did she play in TV's 'EastEnders'?
-Angie Watts
Today in 1990, who became the youngest ever Embassy World Snooker Champion?
-Stephen Hendry
Which useful fastening item was patented by Gideon Sundback today in 1913?
-The zipper
30 April
Who was inaugurated as the first American President today in 1789?
-George Washington
Born today in 1943, which American singer had sixties hits with 'Rubber Ball' and 'Take Good Care of My Baby'?
-Bobby Vee
Today in 1945, who committed suicide with Adolf Hitler, her husband of one day?
-Eva Braun
Born today in 1933, who was the long-time presenter of ITV's 'World of Sport'?
-Dickie Davies
Following its fall today in 1975 Saigon changed its name. What do we call it now?
-Ho Chi Minh City