1 January
Today in 1785, the Daily Universal Register first appeared. By what name do we now know it?
-The Times (it was published under its new name exactly three years later)
Samuel Pepys began his diary today in 1660. In 1673, he was appointed Secretary to which state department?
-The Admiralty
Which German physicist died today in 1894 and has a unit of frequency named after him?
-Heinrich Hertz
The Italian politician and former ruler of Florence, Lorenzo de Medici, was born today in 1449. What was his nickname?
-Lorenzo 'The Magnificent'
At 6.35pm today in 1964, 'Top of the Pops' went on the air for the first time. Who presented it?
-Jimmy Saville
2 January
Today in 1769 Sir Joshua Reynolds made a speech as first President of which artistic organisation?
-The Royal Academy
Comedian Dick Emery died today in 1983. Which of his famous characters had the catchphrase: 'Ooh, you are awful, but I like you'?
-Mandy
Today in 1982, Erica Roe made sporting headlines. Why?
-She streaked across the pitch at Twickenham during an England/Australia rugby match
Born today in 1727, which English soldier commanded the British capture of Quebec in 1759 where he was killed?
-James Wolfe
Today in 1962 the first episode of the TV police series 'Z Cars' was transmitted. Who played PC Fancy Smith?
-Brian Blessed
3 January
Actor John Thaw was born today in 1942. What was the name of the character he played in the TV series 'The Sweeney'?
-D.I. Jack Regan
Today in 1895, the play 'An Ideal Husband' opened in London. Who wrote it?
-Oscar Wilde
J.R.R. Tolkien was born today in 1892. In his 'Lord of the Rings', what surname did Bilbo and his nephew Frodo share?
-Baggins
Which English potter, renowned for his unglazed blue jasperware, died today in 1795?
-Josiah Wedgwood
Nicknamed Lord Haw-Haw, who was the broadcaster of Nazi propaganda, executed for treason today in 1946?
-William Joyce
4 January
The TV comedy 'One Foot in the Grave' first appeared today in 1990. What is the name of Victor Meldrew's wife?
-Margaret
T.S. Eliot died today in 1965. What did he call his volume of poems which later formed the basis for the musical 'Cats'?
-'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats'
Today in 1957, Guy Mitchell was 'Singing the Blues' at the top of the charts. Who did the same a week later?
-Tommy Steele
Born today in 1813, which English teacher invented a system of shorthand?
-Sir Isaac Pitman
Born today in 1935, which boxer became the youngest world heavyweight champion?
-Floyd Patterson in 1956. His record has since been broken by Mike Tyson
5 January
Starring Arthur Askey and Richard Murdoch and first heard today in 1938, what was radio's first regular comedy series?
-'Band Waggon'
Born today in 1927, what was Robin Leigh-Pemberton's job between 1983 and 1993?
-Governor of the Bank of England
Austrian musician Alfred Brendel was born today in 1931. With which instrument is he most associated?
-The piano
Pioneering flyer Amy Johnson disappeared over the Thames estuary today in 1941. What is the correct term for a female aviator?
-An aviatrix
Which English king's death today in 1066 led to the Norman Conquests?
-Edward the Confessor's
6 January
King Henry VIII wed his fourth wife today in 1540, but had the marriage declared void because she was ugly. Who was she?
-Anne of Cleves
Born today in 1955, who plays the nervous priest in the comedy film 'Four Weddings and a Funeral'?
-Rowan Atkinson
Today in 1985, who took office as President of the European Commission?
-Jacques Delors
Which Scottish novelist wrote 'The Citadel' and 'The Stars Look Down' and died today in 1981?
-A.J. Cronin
Born today in 1934, which actress starred with Sir John Mills and Sir Anthony Quayle in the film 'Ice Cold in Alex'?
-Sylvia Syms
7 January
Today in 1785, Jean-Pierre-Francois Blanchard and John Jefferies became the first men to cross the Channel
- in what?
-A balloon
Born today in 1896, who wrote the play 'The Ghost Train' and played Private Godfrey in the TV comedy 'Dad's Army'?
-Arnold Ridley
The first episode of 'The Forsyte Saga' was screened today in 1967. Who wrote the books on which the series was based?
-John Galsworthy
Born today in 1925, who founded the Jersey Zoological Park and wrote about it in his book 'The Stationary Ark'?
-Gerald Durrell
Trevor Howard died today in 1988. Who played opposite him in the film 'Brief Encounter'?
-Celia Johnson
8 January
The first 'Doctor Who' actor, William Hartnell, was born today in 1908. Name four others who played the Doctor on TV.
-Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy,
(Richard Hurndall briefly played the first Doctor in 1983)
Elvis Presley was born today in 1935. What was his middle name?
-Aron on birth certificate, Aaron on tombstone
Today in 1969, which group reached Number One in the UK pop charts with 'Lily the Pink'?
-The Scaffold
Launched in 1989 on a journey to Jupiter, which spacecraft is named after an Italian astronomer, who died today in 1642?
-Galileo
Born today in 1824 who wrote 'The Woman in White' and 'The Moonstone'?
-Wilkie Collins
9 January
Today in 1969, the first trial flight of Concorde took place. Seven years later, inaugural flights left which two cities?
-Paris and London (An Air France Concorde left Paris for Rio de Janeiro and a BOAC Concorde flew to Bahrain from London)
Gracie Fields was born today in 1898. What is the title of her hit song about a rather large plant?
-'The Biggest Aspidistra in the World'
Who resigned as British Prime Minister today in 1957?
-Sir Anthony Eden
Today in 1971, Clive Dunn celebrated his birthday by reaching Number One in the UK pop charts with which song?
-'Grandad'
Which liner was destroyed by fire in Hong Kong harbour today in 1972?
-Queen Elizabeth
10 January
William Cody died today in 1917. What is his more familiar name?
-Buffalo Bill
American actor Ray Bolger was born today in 1904. Which character did he play in the classic film 'The Wizard of Oz'?
-The Scarecrow
Name the cartoon character, described as a 'Belgian boy scout' who first appeared in a newspaper today in 1929.
-Tintin (created by Herge)
Born today in 1927, who had fifties hits with 'Such a Night' and 'Just Walkin' in the Rain'?
-Johnnie Ray
What was the name of Sir Clive Sinclair's electric trike, launched today in 1985?
-The C5
11 January
Actor Melvyn Hayes was born today in 1935. Which character did he play in the comedy series 'It Ain't Half Hot Mum'?
-Gunner Beaumont (Gloria)
Thomas Hardy died today in 1928. His heart is buried in his first wife's grave in Dorchester, but where do his ashes lie?
-In Poets' Corner, Westminster Abbey
The American industrialist Ezra Cornell was born today in 1807. In which state did he found a university named after him?
-New York
Actor Rod Taylor was born today in 1930. In which classic Hitchcock film did he star with Tippi Hedren?
-'The Birds'
Famous for her 'Just William' stories, author Richmal Crompton died today in 1969. What is William's surname?
-Brown
12 January
'Fighting him was the closest thing to death I ever want to know', said Muhammad Ali of which boxer, born today in 1944?
-Joe Frazier
Born today in 1893, who became commander of the German airforce during World War Two?
-Hermann Goering
Today in 1904, which car manufacturer achieved a new land speed record in his 'Arrow' car on a frozen lake in Detroit?
-Henry Ford
Singing cowboy Tex Ritter was born today in 1905 He recorded the title song for which 1952 western?
-'High Noon'
Today in 1954 the Queen became the first sovereign to address which, country's House of Representatives?
-New Zealand
13 January
Singer Peter Dawson was born today in 1882. What was his nationality?
-Australian
Today in 1691, the English preacher George Fox died. Which Christian movement did he found?
-The Quakers/Society of Friends
Born today in 1884, who was the Russian-born singer and vaudeville star known as 'The Last of the Red Hot Mamas'?
-Sophie Tucker
The film 'Flaming Star' opened in London today in 1961. Who starred in it?
-Elvis Presley
Paddington Bear's creator, Michael Bond, was born today in 1926. What was Paddington's favourite sandwich filling?
-Marmalade
14 January
Austrian scholar Ludwig von Kochel was born today in 1800. He used 'K' numbers to catalogue the works of which composer?
-Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Today in 1900, Puccini's 'Tosca' was performed for the first time in which European city?
-Rome
Today in 1969, who announced his retirement as manager of Manchester United?
-Sir Matt Busby
Snooker player Bill Werberniuk was born today in 1947. What is his nationality?
-Canadian
Born today in 1937, which American Country and Western singer had a hit with 'Blanket on the Ground'?
-Billie Jo Spears
15 January
Today in 1943 America's Pentagon was completed. In which state is the complex?
-Virginia
Actor Frank Thornton was born today in 1921. Which character did he play in TV's 'Are You Being Served?'?
-Captain Stephen Peacock
Which actor and singer reached the top of the UK pop charts today in 1977 with 'Don't Give Up On Us'?
-David Soul
Born today in 1893, which Welsh composer wrote the patriotic World War One song, 'Keep the Home Fires Burning'?
-Ivor Novello
Today in 1559, Elizabeth I was crowned. Who were her parents?
-Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn
16 January
Name the l8th century English historian who wrote 'The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire' and died today in 1794.
-Edward Gibbon
Which BBC periodical was first published today in 1929?
-The Listener
Born today in 1909, who starred as the original Annie Oakley in the musical 'Annie Get Your Gun'?
-Ethel Merman
Today in 1939, Superman first appeared as a daily comic strip. Who plays the hero in TV's 'The New Adventures of Superman'?
-Dean Cain
Which group reached Number One in the UK pop charts today in 1982 with 'The Land of Make Believe'?
-Bucks Fizz
17 January
Today in 1983, breakfast television came to Britain. Who was the regular weatherman on BBC's'Breakfast Time'?
-Francis Wilson
Born today in 1942 who is the only boxer to have regained the world heavyweight championship twice?
-Muhammad Ali
Today in 1904, the world premiere of 'The Cherry Orchard' took place on the author's birthday. Who was he?
-Anton Chekhov
The author of 'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall' and the youngest of the Bronte sisters was born today in 1820. Who was she?
-Anne Bronte
Which country was mourning the death of King Olav today in 1991?
-Norway
18 January
English physician and scholar Peter Roget was born today in 1779. Which famous work of reference did he compile?
-His 'Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases'
On reaching the South Pole today in 1912, who exclaimed: 'Great God, this is an awful place'?
-Captain Robert Scott
Which pop group reached the top of the UK pop charts today in 1975 with 'Down Down'?
-Status Quo
Born today in 1892, which comedy actor formed a famous screen partnership with Arthur Stanley Jefferson?
-Oliver Hardy (Arthur Stanley Jefferson was Stan Laurel's real name)
Born today in 1934, who is the illustrator and author of the children's stories 'Fungus the Bogeyman' and 'The Snowman'?
-Raymond Briggs
19 January
Today in 1809, the author of 'The Pit and the Pendulum' and other macabre stories was born. Who was he?
-Edgar Allan Poe
Born today in 1736, which Scottish engineer gave his name to a unit of power?
-James Watt
'You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me' declared which group when it reached Number One in the UK pop charts today in 1974?
-The New Seekers
Today in 1974, the BBC screened the first episode of 'The Pallisers'. Who wrote the books on which the series was based?
-Anthony Trollope
Born today in 1921, whose first book, 'Strangers on a Train' was made into a Hitchcock film?
-Patricia Highsmith
20 January
Which American President was inaugurated today in 1969?
-Richard Nixon
Which 'weighty' song did Tennessee Ernie Ford take to the top of the UK pop charts today in 1956?
-'Sixteen Tons'
Which London theatre is named after a renowned English actor, who died today in 1779?
-The Garrick Theatre (after David Garrick)
George V died at Sandringham today in 1936. In which county is Sandringham?
-Norfolk
Born today in 1896, which veteran comedian won an Oscar for his role in the film 'The Sunshine Boys'?
-George Burns
21 January
Today in 1793, which French monarch was executed in Paris for treason?
-Louis XVI
Benny Hill was born today in 1924. In which film, featuring a bullion robbery, did he play the part of Professor Peach?
-'The Italian Job'
Today in 1941, which British Communist newspaper was banned as a result of wartime restrictions?
-The Daily Worker (The Week was also banned)
Director Cecil B.de Mille died today in 1959. Name his circus film which featured James Stewart as a clown.
-'The Greatest Show on Earth'
Name the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, which was launched today in 1954.
-Nautilus
22 January
Born today in 1920, who was the manager of England's World Cup-winning football team of 1966?
-Sir Alf Ramsey
Today in 1924, who took office as Britain's first Labour Prime Minister?
-Ramsay MacDonald
Former American President Lyndon B. Johnson died today in 1973. What was his middle name?
-Baines
Queen Victoria died today in 1901- in which royal residence?
-Osborne House on the Isle of Wight
Born today in 1940 who portrayed Quentin Crisp in the seventies TV play 'The Naked Civil Servant'?
-John Hurt
23 January
Who reached the top of the UK pop charts today in 1988 with 'Heaven is a Place on Earth?
-Belinda Carlisle
Proceedings in the House of Lords were televised for the first time today in 1985. What colour seats do the peers sit on?
-Red
Which Russian ballerina died today in 1931 and has a dessert named after her?
-Anna Pavlova
Who called his paintings, 'hand-painted dream photographs' and died today in 1989?
-Salvador Dali
Lord Denning was born today in 1899. As senior civil judge in the country, what position did he hold from 1962 to 1982?
-Master of the Rolls
24 January
Today in 76AD, Emperor Hadrian was born. His wall originally stretched from Bowness on the Solway Firth to Wallsend on which river?
-The Tyne
Film director George Cukor died today in 1983. Who played Eliza Doolittle in his Oscar-winning 'My Fair Lady'?
-Audrey Hepburn
Name the Moroccan port where a famous conference was in progress today in 1943 between Churchill and Stalin.
-Casablanca
Actor Ernest Borgnine was born today in 1918. He starred in which film about convicts recruited for a suicide mission?
-'The Dirty Dozen'
Which tyrannical Roman emperor was assassinated today in 41AD?
-Caligula
25 January
Born today in 1857, which nobleman gave his name to a belt presented to boxing champions?
-Lord Lonsdale (Hugh Cecil Lowther)
Raymond Baxter was born today in 1922. Which TV science programme did he present for 12 years?
-'Tomorrow's World'
Robert Burns was born today in 1759. Which hat is named after the hero of one of his poems?
-Tam O'Shanter (the hero provides the title of the poem)
Name three of the 'Gang of Four', who announced the formation of the Social Democratic Party today in 1981.
-Roy Jenkins, Dr. David Owen, Shirley Williams and Bill Rodgers
Born today in 1928, who was President Gorbachev's Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1985 to 1990?
-Edward Shevardnadze
26 January
Today in 1922, comedian Michael Bentine was born. He was an original member of the Goons. Name the other three.
-Sir Harry Secombe, Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers
What was the world's largest diamond, discovered in South Africa today in 1905 and named after the mine's owner?
-Cullinan
Well known for his gangster roles in Hollywood films, who was born Emmanuel Goldenberg and died today in 1973?
-Edward G. Robinson
Today in 1908 jazz musician Stephane Grappelli was born. He is renowned for playing which instrument?
-The violin
Who became British Prime Minister today in 1828 and had the nickname 'The Iron Duke'? The Duke of Wellington
- Arthur Wellesley
27 January
Today in 1924, actor Lord Rix was born. At which London theatre did he produce most of his farces?
-The Whitehall Theatre
Jockey Charlie Fenwick was born today in 1948. Which horse did he ride to victory in the 1980 Grand National?
-Ben Nevis
Today in 1986, who won a Grammy Award for his album 'Born in the USA'?
-Bruce Springsteen
Born today in 1832, which children's author wrote the nonsense poem 'The Hunting of the Snark'?
-Lewis Carroll
Today in 1944, Moscow announced that the siege of which city had been broken?
-Leningrad
28 January
Today in 1613, diplomat Sir Thomas Bodley died. He founded the Bodleian Library in which city?
-Oxford
Today in 1829, Irish body snatcher William Burke was hanged. Who accompanied him on his murderous sprees?
-William Hare
Born today in 1457, who became the first Tudor King of England?
-Henry VII
Today in 1855, the Panama railway was completed, linking the Atlantic with which other ocean?
-The Pacific
Born today in 1929, which jazz clarinettist had a pop chart hit with 'Strangers on the Shore'?
-Acker Bilk
29 January
Which British decoration for conspicuous bravery in wartime was instituted today in 1856?
-The Victoria Cross
Radio's 'Desert Island Discs' was first broadcast today in 1942. How many records is a 'castaway' allowed to select?
-Eight
Born today in 1880, who once said: 'Women are like elephants. I like to look at them, but I wouldn't want to own one'?
-W.C. Fields
Actor Tom Selleck was born today in 1945. What was the name of the private investigator he played on TV?
-Magnum
Born today in 1939, who is the author of 'The Female Eunuch'?
-Germaine Greer
30 January
King Charles I was beheaded today in 1649. Who was the French princess he married?
-Henrietta Maria
Born today in 1909, actor Richard Hearne is best remembered for playing which madcap character on TV?
-Mr. Pastry
Indian leader Mohandas K. Gandhi was assassinated today in 1948. Meaning 'Great Soul', what was his more familiar first name?
-Mahatma
Born today in 1931, who gave an Oscar-winning performance as Popeye Doyle in the film 'The French Connection'?
-Gene Hackman
Name the English entertainer who called his autobiography 'Wiv A Little Bit of Luck' and died today in 1982.
-Stanley Holloway
31 January
Franz Schubert was born today in 1797. He named his famous Quintet after which fish?
-The Trout
Today in 1606, Guy Fawkes was hanged. Which king was on the throne at the time of the Gunpowder Plot?
-James I
Actress Carol Channing was born today in 1921. She was the first to play Lorelei Lee in which Broadway musical?
-'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'
Today in 1858, the steamship 'The Great Eastern' was launched. Who designed it?
-Isambard Kingdom Brunel
Known for his gaffes such as 'a verbal contract isn't worth the paper it's written on', which movie mogul died today in 1974?
-Samuel Goldwyn