1 August
For which country did pop stars George Harrison, Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan perform a charitable concert today in 1971?
-Bangladesh
Despite having 12 lines of dialogue, who was nominated for an Oscar for his role in 'Shane', released today in 1953?
-Jack Palance
Born today in 10 BC, which stuttering Roman emperor was the subject of a TV drama series?
-Claudius
Born today in 1936, which French fashion designer popularised trousers for women?
-Yves Saint Laurent
Which cosmic-sounding chocolate bar went on sale for the first time today in 1932?
-The Mars bar
2 August
Born today in 1925, which TV globe-trotter was once a reporter on the BBC's 'Tonight' programme in the fifties and sixties?
-Alan Whicker
Born today in 1932, who played the title role in the film 'Lawrence of Arabia'?
-Peter O'Toole
Which Cuban heavyweight boxer won his third consecutive Olympic gold medal today in 1980?
-Teofilo Stevenson
Which English king was killed in the New Forest today in 1100 after being mistaken for a deer?
-William II
-William Rufus
Wild Bill Hickok was shot dead today in 1876 while playing poker. Which cards make up the 'Dead Man's Hand' he was holding at the time?
-2 black aces, 2 black eights and the Jack of Diamonds
3 August
Born today in 1867, who was British Prime Minister during the General Strike?
-Stanley Baldwin
Terry Wogan was born today in 1938. What was his pop hit of the seventies?
-'The Floral Dance'
What is the name of Milan's opera house, opened today in 1778?
-La Scala
What footballing first was achieved by John Charles today in 1957?
-He was the first British player to be transferred to a foreign club
-Juventus
Born today in 1887, who wrote the lines: 'Stands the church clock at ten to three/And is there honey still for tea?'?
-Rupert Brooke
4 August
Fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen died today in 1875. What was his nationality?
-Danish
Born today in 1792, which romantic poet was expelled from Oxford for writing a pamphlet on atheism?
-Percy Bysshe Shelley
Today in 1966, which Beatle claimed the group was more popular than Jesus?
-John Lennon
Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, was born today in which year?
-1900
Born today in 1901, which jazz musician was nicknamed 'Satchmo'?
-Louis Armstrong
5 August
Marilyn Monroe died today in 1962. Who starred with her in the film 'The Prince and the Showgirl'?
-Sir Laurence Olivier
Released today in 1966, which Beatles' song features Father McKenzie darning his socks?
-'Eleanor Rigby'
What unpopular sporting decider was introduced to the football world today in 1970?
-Penalty kicks
Born today in 1930, who was the first man on the moon?
-Neil Armstrong
Born today in 1906, who directed the films 'The African Queen' and 'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre'?
-John Huston
6 August
Name the recipient of Shakespeare's 'second best bed', who died today in 1623.
-Anne Hathaway
How did William Kemmler achieve judicial infamy today in 1890?
-He became the first man to die in the electric chair
Name the aeroplane which dropped the first atomic bomb today in 1945.
-'Enola Gay'
What swimming feat was achieved for the first time by Gertrude Ederle today in 1926?
-She was the first woman to swim the English Channel
Released today in 1993, which film stars Sam Neill and a host of giant lizards?
-'Jurassic Park'
7 August
Born today in 1961, which jockey rode Shergar to Derby victory in 1981?
-Walter Swinburne
Which Russian actor developed an acting method named after him and died today in 1938?
-Konstantin Stanislavsky
Name the unloved, uncrowned Queen of George IV, who died today in 1821.
-Caroline of Brunswick
First seen today in 1966, which TV game show was later presented by Stuart Hall and Eddie Waring?
-'It's a Knockout'
Which actress, famous for her roles in 'Bonnie and Clyde' and 'Network', married today in 1974?
-Faye Dunaway
8 August
Name the Duke and Duchess of York's first child, born today in 1988.
-Beatrice
Which infamous crime was committed in Cheddington, Buckinghamshire, today in 1963?
-The Great Train Robbery
Today in 1974, who became the first American President to resign from office?
-Richard Nixon
Which pop group made its chart debut today in 1987, taking its name from a 'Star Trek' character?
-T'Pau
Born today in 1937, who starred in 'The Graduate' and 'Tootsie'?
-Dustin Hoffman
9 August
Which King's Coronation, today in 1902, had been delayed for six weeks because he was suffering from appendicitis?
-Edward VII
Known as 'The Queen of the Mods', who was the TV presenter of 'Ready Steady Go', which began today in 1963?
-Cathy McGowan
Which English playwright was murdered by his best friend today in 1967?
-Joe Orton
Britain's first nudist beach opened today in 1979 in which town?
-Brighton
Born today in 1957, who married Don Johnson twice and starred in 'Working Girl'?
-Melanie Griffith
10 August
Who finished writing his 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' today in 1787?
-Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Born today in 1911, who has been the Daily Mirror's agony aunt for over forty years?
-Marjorie Proops
Which champion jockey retired today in 1954, having ridden 4,870 winners?
-Sir Gordon Richards
Which athlete was accidentally tripped by Zola Budd at the Los Angeles Olympics today in 1984?
-Mary Decker
Which annual musical event was held for the first time today in 1895?
-The Promenade Concert
-or Prom
11 August
Born today in 1897, which children's author wrote 700 stories?
-Enid Blyton
Who reached the top of the UK pop charts today in 1960 with 'Please Don't Tease'?
-Cliff Richard and the Shadows
Which pop star almost drowned today in 1986 when his yacht 'Drum' capsized?
-Simon Le Bon
Who became King of Jordan today in 1952?
-Hussein
Author Alex Haley was born today in 1921. What did he call his epic story of his origins?
-'Roots'
12 August
Born today in 1949, who is the lead singer of the group Dire Straits?
-Mark Knopfler
Born today in 1971, who won his first Wimbledon Men's Singles title in 1993?
-Pete Sampras
In which sport did teams first compete for the America's Cup today in 1851?
-Yachting
Today in 1935 William Connor's column first appeared in 'The Daily Mirror'. What pseudonym did he use?
-Cassandra
Who gave an Oscar winning performance in his last film 'On Golden Pond' and died today in 1982?
-Henry Fonda
13 August
Author Henry Williamson died today in 1977. Name the famous otter he wrote about.
-Tarka
How did Peter Allen and Gwyn Evans achieve a place in criminal history today in 1964?
-They were the last two people to be executed in Britain
Born today in 1907, who is best known for designing Coventry Cathedral?
-Sir Basil Spence
Construction began on a wall today in 1961, dividing which city?
-Berlin
Name the consort of William IV who was born today in 1792 and shared her name to the capital of South Australia.
-Adelaide
14 August
Which canine film star died today in 1932?
-Rin Tin Tin
Which Australian cricketer made his last innings today in 1948, and scored a duck?
-Donald Bradman
Sarah Brightman was born today in 1961. Which top ten song did she perform with the group Hot Gossip?
-'I Lost My Heart to a Starship Trooper'
Described as 'the penny newspaper for one halfpenny', which publication was founded by Lord Northcliffe, who died today in 1922?
-The Daily Mail
The film 'Citizen Kane' was inspired by the career of which newspaper magnate, who died today in 1951?
-William Randolph Hearst
15 August
Today in 1964, who became the first cricketer to take 300 test wickets?
-Fred Trueman
Which Scottish king was killed by Malcolm today in 1057 and buried on the island of Iona?
-Macbeth
What punishment was banned in British schools today in 1987?
-Caning
Which showjumper was disqualified today in 1971 for making a V-sign?
-Harvey Smith
Born today in 1888, which British soldier and author wrote 'The Seven Pillars of Wisdom'?
-T.E.Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia)
16 August
Who did Mia Farrow divorce on this day in 1968?
-Frank Sinatra
Born today in 1950, which Australian fast bowler was the first to take a wicket in a limited overs international?
-Jeff Thompson
Following his death today in 1956, which actor was buried in the cloak he wore as Dracula?
-Bela Lugosi
Name the Beatles' original drummer, who was sacked today in 1962?
-Pete Best
Which eastern Mediterranean country became independent today in 1960 with Archbishop Makarios as President?
-Cyprus
17 August
Born today in 1786, who was referred to in the song as the 'King of the Wild Frontier'?
-Davy Crockett
Born today in 1892, who spoke the line: 'Why don't you come up sometime and see me?' in the film 'She Done Him Wrong'?
-Mae West
Which high-ranking Nazi died today in 1987 after 46 years in prison?
-Rudolf Hess
Which pop group reached Number One in the US charts today in 1974 with 'The Night Chicago Died'?
-Paper Lace
Name the creator of Sooty, who died today in 1989?
-Harry Corbett
18 August
Born today in 1933, who is the Polish director of the films 'Chinatown' and 'Rosemary's Baby'?
-Roman Polanski
What instrument was played by Leslie 'Hutch' Hutchinson, who died today in 1969?
-The piano
Which 'law abiding' pop group played its first gig as a trio today in 1977?
-The Police
Which Mongol emperor, whose name means 'perfect warrior', died today in 1227?
-Genghis Khan
Born today in 1952, who starred in the film 'Dirty Dancing'?
-Patrick Swayze
19 August
First seen in London today in 1964, which musical is based on the legend of King Arthur?
-'Camelot'
Born today in 1883, which fashion designer introduced the 'little black dress'?
-Coco Chanel
Born today in 1931, which American jockey is nicknamed 'The Shoe'?
-Willie Shoemaker
Who married actor Alec Baldwin today in 1993?
-Kim Basinger
Born today in 1940, which singer had seventies pop hits with 'I Can See Clearly Now' and 'Tears on My Pillow'?
-Johnny Nash
20 August
Today in 1940, who claimed 'Never in the field of human conflict...'?
-Sir Winston Churchill
At which site was Britain's first nuclear power generated today in 1956?
-Calder Hall
Who wrote the '1812 Overture', first performed today in 1882?
-Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Born today in 1937 which comedian has the catchphrase 'Super! Smashing! Great!'?
-Jim Bowen
Which film, released today in 1993, stars Sharon Stone and William Baldwin as her landlord?
-'Sliver'
21 August
The birth of which member of the British Royal Family, today in 1930, was the last to be witnessed by the Home Secretary?
-Princess Margaret
Today in 1858, Sir Sam Browne gave his name to which item of clothing?
-A belt
Which state became America's 50th today in 1959?
-Hawaii
What footballing first was achieved by Keith Peacock today in 1965?
-He was the first substitute in football league
Released today in 1981, which film starred David Naughton as a lycanthropic tourist?
-'An American Werewolf in London'
22 August
Name the last Plantagenet King of England, killed today in 1485?
-Richard III
Who reached Number One in the US pop charts today in 1964 with 'Where Did Our Love Go'?
-The Supremes
Married today in 1620, who was England's only dictator?
-Oliver Cromwell
Who composed the 'Water Music', first performed today in 1715?
-George Frideric Handel
Which notorious French prison released its last inmate today in 1953?
-Devil's Island
23 August
Today in 1938 which England cricketer scored a mammoth 364 at the Oval?
-Len Hutton
Name the composer of 'The Sound of Music', who died today in 1960.
-Oscar Hammerstein II
Born today in 1947, who wrote the plays 'Educating Rita' and 'Shirley Valentine'?
-Willy Russell
Born today in 1754, which French king married Marie Antoinette?
-Louis XVI
Who reached Number One in the UK pop charts today in 1980 with 'Ashes to Ashes'?
-David Bowie
24 August
Which volcano erupted today in 79AD, burying the city of Pompeii?
-Vesuvius
In which city did the St Bartholomew's Day Massacre occur today in 1572?
-Paris
Born today in 1957, who played General Hogmanay Melchett in the TV comedy 'Blackadder Goes Forth'?
-Stephen Fry
Now a broadcaster which footballer made his debut for Chelsea today in 1957 at the age of 17?
-Jimmy Greaves
Born today in 1724, which artist is renowned for his paintings of animals, especially horses?
-George Stubbs
25 August
Born today in 1938, who wrote the novels 'The Fourth Protocol' and 'The Dogs of War'?
-Frederick Forsyth
Name the inventor of the electrical battery, who died today in 1867.
-Michael Faraday
Opened today in 1924, what was the name of Anfield football ground's most famous stand?
-The Kop
Sir Henry Morgan died today in 1688. How did he earn the better part of his living?
-As a pirate
Born today in 1930 who played the Soviet submarine commander in the film 'The Hunt for Red October'?
-Sean Connery
26 August
Born today in 1676, who is regarded as the first British Prime Minister?
-Sir Robert Walpole
Born today in 1980, who starred in the film 'Home Alone'?
-Macaulay Culkin
Which team did Ossie Ardiles join when he left Spurs today in 1988?
-Oueens Park Rangers
In which battle did Edward III beat the French today in 1346?
-Crecy
In which city did the Olympic Games open today in 1972?
-Munich
27 August
Which record-breaking book was first published today in 1955?
-'The Guinness Book of Records'
Born today in 1908 who replaced John F. Kennedy as American President?
-Lyndon B. Johnson
Which volcano erupted today in 1883, causing an · explosion heard 2,000 miles away?
-Krakatoa
Name the manager of the Beatles, who died today in 1967.
-Brian Epstein
Born today in 1910, who founded the Missionaries of Charity?
-Mother Theresa of Calcutta
28 August
Actor Windsor Davies was born today in 1930. In which TV comedy series did he and Donald Sinden play rival antique dealers?
-'Never the Twain'
Today in 1963, who proclaimed 'I have a dream'?
-Martin Luther King
Who reached Number One in the UK pop charts today in 1987 with 'Never Gonna Give You Up?
-Rick Astley
What traditional prison task was last witnessed in Britain today in 1987?
-Sewing mailbags
Born today in 1963, who plays Brandon Walsh in the TV series 'Beverley Hills 90210'?
-Jason Priestley
29 August
Which group played its last live gig in Candlestick Park, San Francisco, today in 1966?
-The Beatles
Born today in 1915, which actress won Oscars for her roles in the films 'Gaslight' and 'Anastasia'?
-Ingrid Bergman
Name the British naturalist, who founded the Wildfowl Trust at Slimbridge in Gloucestershire and died today in 1989.
-Sir Peter Scott
Born today in 1958, who married Elvis Presley's daughter Lisa Marie?
-Michael Jackson
Who committed suicide today in 30BC with the help of an asp?
-Cleopatra
30 August
Which song about Julian Lennon became the first Beatles release on Apple Records today in 1968?
-'Hey Jude'
Name the director of the film 'A Bridge Too Far', who made his stage debut today in 1934.
-Sir Richard Attenborough
Woolworths heiress Barbara Hutton divorced which suave British actor today in 1945?
-Cary Grant
Born today in 1871, which New Zealand-born physicist pioneered modern atomic science?
-Ernest Rutherford
Which short-lived TV soap opera, set in a market, began today in 1985?
-'Albion Market'
31 August
What did Charles Blondin attempt to walk across on a tightrope today in 1859?
-Niagara Falls
Which popular economic board game was patented today in 1935?
-Monopoly
Which popular fizzy drink went on sale for the first time in Britain today in 1900?
-Coca Cola
Which classical actor married Vivien Leigh today in 1940?
-Sir Laurence Olivier
Born today in 1918 which American lyricist collaborated with Frederick Loewe on a number of musicals?
-Alan Jay Lerner