1 February
Born today in 1895, who directed the westerns 'The Searchers' and 'The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance'?
-John Ford
Today in 1851, the author of 'Frankenstein' died. Who was she?
-Mary Shelley
Today in 1896, Puccini's 'La Boheme' was premiered in Turin. In the opera, with whom does Rodolfo fall in love?
-Mimi
After his years in exile, which religious leader returned to the Middle East today in 1979?
-Ayatollah Khomeini
Today in 1983, TV AM went on the air for the first time. Name three of the original five presenters.
-Anna Ford, Angela Rippon, David Frost, Robert Kee, Michael Parkinson
2 February
Name the Scottish author of the adventure story 'Where Eagles Dare', who died today in 1987.
-Alistair Maclean
Two noted musicians were born today. Fritz Kreisler in 1875 and Jascha Heifetz in 1901. With which instrument are they both associated?
-The violin
Today in 1914 the British premiere of the opera 'Parsifal' took place at Covent Garden. Who composed it?
-Richard Wagner
Today in 1913, the largest railway station in the world opened in New York. What is its name?
-Grand Central Station
Name the notorious punk rocker, who died today in 1979 and was the subject of the film 'Sid and Nancy'.
-Sid Vicious
3 February
Today in 1970, the Queen knighted the author of the plays 'This Happy Breed' and 'Blithe Spirit'. Name him.
-Noel Coward
Born today in 1928, which singer had fifties hits with 'Green Door' and 'Garden of Eden' and is famous for his high kicks?
-Frankie Vaughan
Today in 1960, Harold Macmillan made his historic 'Wind of Change' speech to which country's parliament?
-South Africa
Today in 1989, Michael Manley was elected Prime Minister of which Caribbean island?
-Jamaica
Today in 1873 Lord Trenchard was born. He was known as the 'father' of which armed service?
-The Royal Air Force (he founded it)
4 February
Born Vincent Furnier today in 1948 who topped the UK pop charts with 'School's Out'?
-Alice Cooper
Born today in 1915, which British comedian made his film debut in 'Trouble in Store'?
-Norman Wisdom
Today in 1971 which British car and aero-engine manufacturer was declared bankrupt?
-Rolls-Royce
Which American heiress was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army today in 1974?
-Patricia Hearst
Which American President joined Stalin and Churchill for the Yalta Conference, which began today in 1945?
-F D. Roosevelt
5 February
Born today in 1920, which humorist is best known for his writing partnership with Denis Norden?
-Sir John Tenniel
Today in 1924, what timely feature was first heard on the radio?
-The Pips (Greenwich time signal)
The author of 'Waltzing Matilda', Andrew Paterson, died today in 1941. What instrument provided his nickname?
-The banjo
English aviator and writer, Captain W.E. Johns, was born today in 1893. Who is his most famous creation?
-Major James Bigglesworth, better known as 'Biggles'
Today in 1811, the then Prince of Wales was declared Prince Regent. He ascended the throne nine years later as which king?
-George IV
6 February
Joseph Priestley died today in 1804. He is noted for his discovery of which gas?
-Oxygen
Today in 1952, Queen Elizabeth succeeded to the British throne on her father's death. Where was she when she heard the news?
-On tour in Kenya with Prince Philip
Jimmy Tarbuck was born today in 1940. Name the TV quiz show he presented in which Geoffrey Wheeler asked the questions.
-'Winner Takes All'
Today in 1961, which footballer refused to take part on 'This is Your Life'?
-Danny Blanchflower
Which style of English furniture has fine upholstery and wood inlays and is named after a monarch, born today in 1665?
-Queen Anne
7 February
Today in 1987 George Michael topped the UK pop charts with the duet 'I Knew You Were Waiting For Me'. Who sang with him?
-Aretha Franklin
Actor Gareth Hunt was born today in 1943. What was the name of the character he played in TV's 'The New Avengers'?
-Gambit
Today in 1301, Edward of Carnarvon was invested first Prince of Wales. In which year was Prince Charles invested with the same title?
-1969 (He was created Earl of Chester and Prince of Wales on 26th July 1958 and invested on 1st July 1969)
Actress Dora Bryan was born today in 1923. She stars as Roy Barraclough's mother in which TV comedy series?
-'Mother's Ruin'
Charles Dickens was born today in 1812. What is the title of the book he left unfinished?
-'The Mystery of Edwin Drood'
8 February
Jack Lemmon was born today in 1925. In which film about feuding neighbours does he star with Walter Matthau?
-'Grumpy Old Men'
The first 'Grange Hill' was screened today in 1978. Which pop hit, sung by the cast, warned of the dangers of drugs?
-'Just Say No'
Born today in 1828, who wrote 'From the Earth to the Moon' and other sci-fi classics?
-Jules Verne.
Today in 1874 the world premiere of the opera 'Boris Godunov' took place in St. Petersburg. Who composed it?
-Modeste Mussorgsky
Mary, Queen of Scots was executed today in 1587. Which actress played the title role in a 1971 film of her life?
-Vanessa Redgrave
9 February
Which Soviet leader was in office from 1982 until his death today in 1984?
-Yuri Andropov
Today in 1945 the actress Mia Farrow was born. She made her name in which long-running American TV soap?
-'Peyton Place'
Which aircraft had its first trial flight in America today in 1969?
-The Boeing 747 'Jumbo Jet'
Born today in 1942 who had a top ten chart hit with her song 'It Might As Well Rain Until September'?
-Carole King
Born today in 1922, which former English cricketer and commentator called his autobiography 'Over to Me'?
-Jim Laker
10 February
Today in 1840, Queen Victoria married Prince Albert. Where did they spend their honeymoon?
-Windsor
Today in 1894, Sir Harold Macmillan was born. What earldom was conferred on him on his 90th birthday?
-Earl of Stockton
Today in 1944 what system of tax payment was approved by the House of Commons?
-P.A.Y.E.- Pay As You Earn
Known as 'The Father of Antiseptic Surgery', which English surgeon died today in 1912?
-Joseph Lister
Musician Larry Adler was born today in 1914. With which instrument is he most associated?
-The mouth organ (harmonica)
11 February
Today in 1858 the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to a peasant girl at Lourdes for the first time. What was her name?
-Bernadette
What motoring aids were first introduced in Britain today in 1928 with a one-day trial in Wolverhampton?
-Traffic lights
Which Scottish author, also known as Baron Tweedsmuir, died today in 1940?
-John Buchan
Which member of the Royal Family took his seat in the House of Lords today in 1970?
-The Prince of Wales
Today in 1975, Margaret Thatcher became the first woman to lead a British political party. What is her middle name?
-Hilda
12 February
Known as 'The Nine Days Queen', who was executed today in 1554?
-Lady Jane Grey (she ruled from 10th to 19th July 1553)
Which English artist and forger of paintings called his autobiography 'The Fake's Progress' and died today in 1984?
-Tom Keating
Today in 1924, 'Rhapsody in Blue' received its world premiere in New York. Who composed it?
-George Gershwin
Abraham Lincoln was born today in 1809. A giant sculpture of his head is carved into the side of Mount Rushmore, next to those of three other American Presidents. Name them.
-George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt
The actor Lorne Greene was born today in 1915. He became famous for his role as Ben Cartwright in which TV series?
-'Bonanza'
13 February
Today in 1974, which Russian author was expelled from the Soviet Union?
-Alexander Solzhenitsyn
Belgian writer Georges Simenon was born today in 1903. What is the first name of his detective Maigret?
-Jules
In which town was Britain's first public school for girls opened today in 1854?
-Cheltenham (Ladies College)
Actor George Segal was born today in 1936. In which 1973 film did he star with Glenda Jackson?
-'A Touch Of Class'
Fyodor Chaliapin was born today in 1873. With which branch of the arts is he associated?
-Opera singing
14 February
Born today in 1951, who took over as manager of Newcastle United Football Club in 1992?
-Kevin Keegan
Which children's hospital opened in London today in 1852?
-Great Ormond Street
Name the English explorer murdered in Hawaii today in 1779.
-Captain James Cook
Which United States Union general in the Civil War died today in 1891 and had a tank named after him?
-William Sherman
Name the star of the sixties radio series 'Round the Horne', who died today in 1969.
-Kenneth Horne
15 February
Today in 1952 the funeral of King George VI took place at Windsor. What title was conferred on him in 1920?
-Duke of York
Born today in 1929, which British racing driver won the World Championship in 1962 and 1968?
-Graham Hill
Today in 1907, the actor Cesar Romero was born. Which villain did he play in the 'Batman' TV series?
-The Joker
Today in 1973, Frank Spencer first appeared in TV's 'Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em'. What was the name of the character's daughter?
-Jessica
Britain went decimal today in 1971. How many old pennies were there in a Guinea?
- One Guinea = £1 & 1s = 252d
16 February
Knighted today in 1993 which TV celebrity and interviewer has the middle name `Paradine'?
-Sir David Frost
Named after a former Minister of Transport, who died today in 1957, what is the familiar feature of pedestrian crossings?
-Belisha beacons (after Lord Hore-Belisha)
Today in 1926, director John Schlesinger was born. Which film, starring Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman, won him an Oscar?
-'Midnight Cowboy'
The musical `Fiddler on the Roof' opened in London today in 1967. What was the title of Topol's top ten hit from the show?
-'If I Were A Rich Man'
John McEnroe was born today in 1959. In which year did he first win the Men's Singles Championship at Wimbledon?
-1981
17 February
Today in 1980, artist Graham Sutherland died. He painted a controversial portrait of which Prime Minister?
-Sir Winston Churchill
The world premiere of the opera `Madame Butterfly' took place today in 1904. Who composed it?
-Giacomo Puccini
Which North American Indian chief gave his name to the war cry of paratroopers and died today in 1909?
-Geronimo
Born today in 1930, which crime writer created Chief Inspector Wexford?
-Ruth Rendell
Today in 1954, Princess Marie-Astrid was born. She is a member of which country's Royal Family?
-Luxembourg
18 February
The Italian sculptor and painter, Michelangelo died today in 1564. In which Italian city is his statue 'David' on display?
-Florence (in the Accademia)
Today in 1980, who was returned as Prime Minister of Canada after nine months out of office?
-Pierre Trudeau
Discovered today in 1930, which planet is named after the Roman god of the Dead?
-Pluto
Born today in 1929, who wrote the spy stories 'The Ipcress File' and 'Funeral in Berlin'?
-Len Deighton
George Duke of Clarence, died today in 1478. According to tradition, he drowned in a butt of what type of wine?
-Malmsey
19 February
Born today in 1960, Prince Andrew attended the same Scottish school as his father and brothers. Name it.
-Gordonstoun
The first episode of 'EastEnders' was screened today in which year?
-1985
Which Austrian physicist gave his name to the ratio of the speed of an object to the speed of sound and died today in 1916?
-Ernst Mach
Born today in 1473 which Polish astronomer was considered the founder of modern astronomy?
-Nicolaus Copernicus
Film director Michael Powell died today in 1990. He's noted for his partnership with which screenwriter?
-Emeric Pressburger
20 February
Today in 1962, who became the first man to orbit the earth?
-John Glenn (he orbited three times)
Born today in 1927, who won an Oscar for his performance in the film 'Lilies of the Field'?
-Sidney Poitier
Today in 1974, singer Cher filed for divorce from her husband. Who was he?
-Sonny Bono
Which Kylie Minogue song reached the top of the UK pop charts today in 1988?
-'I Should Be So Lucky'
Born today in 1888, which dancer and teacher founded her own ballet company in the 1930's?
-Dame Marie Rambert (she founded the Ballet Rambert, originally the Ballet Club)
21 February
Born today in 1924, who was Zimbabwe's first Prime Minister?
-Robert Mugabe
Which actor did Elizabeth Taylor marry today in 1952?
-Michael Wilding
Today in 1972, Richard Nixon became the first serving American President to visit which country?
-China
Name the presenter of the TV documentary series 'The Magic of Dance', who died today in 1991.
-Dame Margot Fonteyn
Which battle began in France today in 1916 and was one of the most devastating of World War One?
-The Battle of Verdun
22 February
Born today in 1933, which member of the British Royal Family converted to Catholicism in 1993?
-The Duchess of Kent
Today in 1979 the island of St. Lucia gained independence from Britain. Which sea is it in?
-The Caribbean
The Dalai Lama was enthroned today in 1940. He's the head of the main Buddhist order in which Himalayan region?
-Tibet
Actress Julie Walters was born today in 1950. Which character did she play in Victoria Wood's TV soap spoof 'Acorn Antiques'?
-Mrs. Overall
Today in 1983, Samantha Fox made her first appearance on Page Three of the Sun. What was the pop hit she had three years later?
-'Touch Me (I Want Your Body)'
23 February
Which British Olympic gold medal hurdler received her MBE today in 1993?
-Sally Gunnell
Tennis star Helena Sukova was born today in 1965. What is her nationality?
-Czech
Which Texan mission fortress was besieged by Mexicans today in 1836?
-The Alamo
Film director Victor Fleming was born today in 1883. Which of his films starred Judy Garland and has become a classic?
-'The Wizard of Oz'
Today in 1968, the BBC screened the first episode of 'Not in Front of the Children'. Who played the mother?
-Wendy Craig
24 February
Which island, one of the world's largest, voted to withdraw from the European Community today in 1982?
-Greenland
Today in 1969, Mariner 6 was launched in America to take photographs of which planet?
-Mars
Born today in 1932, which French composer won an Oscar for his music for the Barbara Streisand film 'Yentl'?
-Michel Legrand
Racing driver Alain Prost was born today in 1955. In 1987, he surpassed whose record of 27 Grand Prix wins?
-Jackie Stewart
Following elections in Argentina today in 1946, who was declared President?
-Juan Perón
25 February
Today in 1601, Robert Devereux, the favourite of Queen Elizabeth, died. He was Earl of which county?
-Essex
He died today in 1723. His tomb in St. Paul's Cathedral says: 'Reader, if you seek a monument, look around'. Who is he?
-Sir Christopher Wren
Born today in 1943, which ex-Beatle formed a group called 'The Travelling Wilburys' with Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and others?
-George Harrison
Today in 1917, the writer Anthony Burgess was born. Which of his novels formed the basis for a controversial film?
-'A Clockwork Orange'
Today in 1308 King Edward II was crowned. Six years later, Robert the Bruce defeated him at which battle?
-The Battle of Bannockburn
26 February
Inventor Richard Gatling died today in 1903. His Gatling gun consists of how many barrels?
-Ten
Which Scottish music hall singer, famous for his compositions such as 'Roamin' in the Gloamin', died today in 1950?
-Sir Harry Lauder
Which Grand National jump is named after a rider who fell there during the first race on this day in 1839?
-Becher's Brook (after Captain Becher)
Born today in 1802, who was the French author of the classic works 'Les Miserables' and 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'?
-Victor Hugo
British general Orde Wingate was born today in 1903. What name was given to his specially trained jungle fighters in Burma in World War Two?
-The Chindits (or 'Wingate's Riders')
27 February
Born today in 1807, which American poet wrote 'The Wreck of the Hesperus'?
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Today in 1964 Cilla Black reached the top of the UK pop charts with which song?
-'Anyone Who Had a Heart'
Actress Ellen Terry was born today in 1847. Who is her famous grand nephew?
-Sir John Gielgud
Born today in 1932, who won an Oscar for her role in the film 'Butterfield 8'?
-Elizabeth Taylor
Born today in 1873, which Italian tenor was one of the first opera singers to make a profit from gramophone recordings?
-Enrico Caruso
28 February
Born today in 1931 Peter Alliss provides commentary on which sport?
-Golf
Born today in 1820, which English cartoonist worked for the satirical magazine 'Punch' for fifty years?
-Sir John Tenniel
Who reached the top of the UK pop charts today in 1968 with 'Cinderella Rockefella'?
-Esther and Abi Ofarim
Which famous Liverpool club, associated with the Beatles, closed down today in 1966?
-The Cavern Club
American novelist Henry James died today in 1916. His novel 'Washington Square' formed the basis for which play and film?
-'The Heiress'
29 February
The composer of the opera `The Barber of Seville' was born today in 1792. Who was he?
-Gioacchino Rossini
Irish inventor John Holland was born today in 1840. He designed the forerunner of what modern craft?
-The submarine
February 29th is Leap Year Day. When is the next Leap Year?
-2004/2008 (Leap Years occur every four years)
Which pop group had hits with `Just One Look' and `I'm Alive' and was featured on ITV's `Thank Your Lucky Stars' today in 1964?
-The Hollies
Who became British Prime Minister today in 1868 and proclaimed: "I have climbed to the top of a greasy pole"?
-Benjamin Disraeli