1 July
Actress Olivia de Havilland was born today in 1916. Name her sister with whom she has had a long-running feud.
-Joan Fontaine
Name the author of the classic novel about slavery, 'Uncle Tom's Cabin', who died today in 1896.
-Harriet Beecher Stowe
Which battle began today in 1916 and ended with the greatest number of recorded casualties over 1,000,000?
-The first Battle of the Somme
Who was named as the Third Man in the Burgess-Maclean spy scandal today in 1963?
-Kim Philby
Today in 1977, Virginia Wade became Wimbledon Ladies' Singles Champion. Who was her opponent?
-Betty Stove
2 July
Amelia Earhart disappeared today in 1937. In which profession did she become famous?
-Aviation
Which two sides fought the Battle of Marston Moor today in 1644?
-The Roundheads and the Cavaliers (Parliamentarians)
Name the politician responsible for the formation of the Metropolitan Police, who died today in 1850.
-Sir Robert Peel
Name the religious-based organisation founded by William Booth today in 1865.
-The Salvation Army
Born today in 1938, who became Britain's youngest Foreign Secretary since Sir Anthony Eden?
-Dr. David Owen
3 July
Rolling Stone Brian Jones died today in 1969. Who replaced him in the group?
-Mick Taylor
Film director Ken Russell was born today in 1927. Which composer was the subject of his film, 'The Music Lovers'?
-Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Name the lead singer of the American rock group The Doors, who died today in 1971.
-Jim Morrison
The first colour TV transmission occurred today in 1928, but who is generally regarded as the inventor of television?
-John Logie Baird
Born today in 1951, who was the first New Zealand cricketer to be knighted?
-Richard Hadlee
4 July
Born today in 1826 who wrote the songs 'Oh Susanna' and 'Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair'?
-Stephen Foster
Who wrote 'The Communist Manifesto', published today in 1848 in collaboration with Friedrich Engels?
-Karl Marx
Americans celebrate the declaration of Independence today. In which year was it signed?
-1776
Today in 1969, which British player beat Billie Jean King to win the Wimbledon Ladies' Singles Championships?
-Ann Jones
Born today in 1807, which Italian patriot gave his name to a type of biscuit?
-Giuseppe Garibaldi
5 July
Which South-East Asian country was founded by Sir Stamford Raffles, who died today in 1826?
-Singapore
Born today in 1879, American politician Dwight Davis donated the Davis Cup. In which sport do players compete for this trophy?
-Tennis
Born today in 1709, which French politician gave his name to outline portraits?
-Etienne de Silhouette
Sarah Siddons was born today in 1755. What was her profession?
-She was an actress
Today in 1989, which former American marine colonel was fined $150,000 for his involvement in the Iran-Contra affair?
-Oliver North
6 July
Born today in 1936, which TV comedian finishes every show with 'Goodnight and may your God go with you'?
-Dave Allen
Born today in 1925, who had a chart hit with '-We're Gonna Rock Around The Clock'?
-Bill Haley and the Comets
Nicknamed 'The Lionheart' which English king acceded to the throne today in 1189?
-Richard I
Born today in 1947, who played Lennie Godber in the TV sitcom 'Porridge'?
-Richard Beckinsale
Born today in 1937, in which branch of the arts has Vladimir Ashkenazy achieved fame?
-Music (he's a pianist)
7 July
Born today in 1919, who played Worzel Gummidge on TV?
-Jon Pertwee
Born today in 1944, who was the first Briton to hold the US and British Open Golf Championships at the same time?
-Tony Jacklin
Which Irish playwright wrote 'The School For Scandal' and died today in 1816?
-Richard Brinsley Sheridan
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle died today in 1930. What is the exact address of his best known character Sherlock Holmes?
-221B Baker Street
Which film told the story of Harold Abraham's 100 metre Olympic victory, achieved today in 1924?
-'Chariots Of Fire'
8 July
Count von Zeppelin was born today in 1838. To what mode of transport did he give his name?
-The airship
First used today in 1965, what invention revolutionised horse-racing?
-The starting gate
Who played Scarlett O'Hara in the epic film 'Gone with the Wind' and died today in 1967?
-Vivien Leigh
Anthony Hope died today in 1933. Which of his novels is the story of a man mistaken for the King of Ruritania?
-The Prisoner of Zenda
Which romantic poet drowned in Italy today in 1822?
-Percy Bysshe Shelley
9 July
Former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath was born today in 1916. What was the name of his most famous yacht?
-'Morning Cloud'
Which English cathedral was hit by a bolt of lightning today in 1984?
-York Minster
Born today in 1935, who was the male star of the TV sitcom 'A Fine Romance'?
-Michael Williams
What life-saving device was issued to the British population today in 1938?
-The gas mask
Born today in 1901, which romantic novelist has written over 500 books and is a staunch advocate of health foods and vitamins?
-Dame Barbara Cartland
10 July
Born today in 1871 which French author wrote 'Remembrance of Things Past'?
-Marcel Proust
Cartoonist Reg Smythe was born today in 1917. Name the work-shy character he created, who had a wife named Flo.
-Andy Capp
Which comedian had the catchphrase 'You lucky people!' and died today in 1989?
-Tommy Trinder
Name the first communications satellite, launched today in 1962.
-Telstar
Jazz composer and pianist, Ferdinand Morton, died today in 1941. What was his nickname?
-'Jelly Roll'
11 July
Robert the Bruce was born today in 1274. Who or what allegedly inspired him to victory at the Battle of Bannockburn?
-A spider
Born today in 1767, who became the first American President to succeed his father in the Oval Office?
-John Quincy Adams
Today in 1986, British newspapers were banned from publishing extracts from which best-selling espionage book?
-'Spycatcher' by Peter Wright
Name the TV doll who wore a blue and white romper suit and made his first appearance today in 1950.
-Andy Pandy
Man of letters Thomas Bowdler was born today in 1754. What does the verb 'to bowdlerise' mean?
-To censor unnecessarily
12 July
Today in 1969 who became the first British golfer in 18 years to win the British Open?
-Tony Jacklin
The film 'When Harry Met Sally' was released today in 1989. Who played the title roles?
-Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan
Today in 1910, which renowned car manufacturer became the first pilot in British aviation history to be killed?
-The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls (of Rolls-Royce fame)
England's most-married monarch Henry VI I I, wed for the sixth and last time today in 1543. Who was his bride?
-Catherine Parr
Today in 1980, Olivia Newton-John topped the UK pop charts with the title track to a film in which she starred with Gene Kelly. Name it.
-'Xanadu'
13 July
Today in 1955 who became the last woman to be judicially executed in Britain?
-Ruth Ellis
Actor Harrison Ford was born today in 1942. Name the character he played in the films 'The Temple Of Doom' and 'The Last Crusade'.
-Indiana Jones
Who was the first monarch to move into Buckingham Palace today in 1837?
-Queen Victoria
Football's World Cup was inaugurated today in 1930. Name the trophy won four times by Brazil.
-The Jules Rimet Trophy
Which award-winning singer and actor made his first record 'From The Bottom Of My Heart', today in 1939 with the Harry James Band?
-Frank Sinatra
14 July
Released today in 1969, which film starred Jack Nicholson and Peter Fonda as two bikers?
-'Easy Rider'
Which building was stormed today in 1789, marking the start of the French Revolution?
-The Bastille
Born today in 1858 who fought a campaign for women's suffrage with her daughters Christabel and Sylvia?
-Emmeline Pankhurst
Born today in 1913, who is the only man to have been both President and Vice President of America without being elected to either office?
-Gerald Ford
Today in 1881, the American outlaw William Bonney was shot dead. By what name was he better known?
-Billy the Kid
15 July
Today in 1966, the film 'Walk, Don't Run' was released It was the last movie of which English-born superstar?
-Cary Grant
Today is the feast of St Swithin. According to legend, if it rains today, what will happen?
-It will rain for 40 days
Officially adopted today in 1795, what is the French national anthem?
-'La Marseillaise'
Known as 'the girl with the laugh in her voice', which singer reached the top of the UK pop charts today in 1955 with 'Dreamboat'?
-Alma Cogan
Patented today in 1869, what food was invented 'for the navy and less prosperous classes' and gets its name from the Greek for pearls?
-Margarine
16 July
Born Virginia Katherine McMath today in 1911 who made her Broadway debut in 'Top Speed' and then formed a legendary screen partnership?
-Ginger Rogers
Born today in 1872, who was the first man to reach the South Pole?
-Roald Amundsen
Today in 1661 which European country became the first to issue banknotes?
-Sweden
What unwelcome sight for motorists first appeared on the streets of Oklahoma today in 1935?
-Parking meters
Who was the last tsar of Russia, shot dead today in 1918?
-Nicholas II
17 July
Born today in 1889, who created the detective Perry Mason?
-Erle Stanley Gardner
Today in 1793, Charlotte Corday was sent to the guillotine. Which French revolutionary leader did she kill in the bath?
-Jean Paul Marat
Who devised the theatrical revue 'Oh! Calcutta', which opened in New York today in 1969?
-Kenneth Tynan
Nicknamed 'Lady Day', which singer died today in 1959?
-Billie Holiday
Who wrote the economic classic 'The Wealth Of Nations' and died today in 1790?
-Adam Smith
18 July
Pele played football for Brazil for the last time today in 1971. How many times did he represent his country?
-110 (You were allowed 7 either way)
Born today in 1811 who wrote the literary classic 'Vanity Fair'?
-William Makepeace Thackeray
Born today in 1848, which cricketing great scored 54,896 runs and took 2,876 wickets during his career?
-Dr. W.G. Grace
The Spanish Civil War began today, in which year?
-1936
Who wrote 'Mein Kampf', published today in 1925?
-Adolf Hitler
19 July
Marilyn Monroe filmed her first screen test today in 1946, but for which major studio?
-Twentieth Century Fox
Samuel Colt was born today in 1814. How many bullets does a Colt .45 revolver hold?
-Six
Which British king excluded his wife from his own Coronation today in 1821?
-George IV
Which sporting championship was won for the first time by Spencer Gore today in 1877?
-The Wimbledon Men's Singles title
Name Henry VIII's flagship, which keeled over and sank in the Solent today in 1545.
-The Mary Rose
20 July
Which actress and cook broke off her engagement to Paul McCartney on live, national television today in 1968?
-Jane Asher
Which Prime Minister announced today in 1957: 'Most of our people have never had it so good'?
-Harold Macmillan
Which World War Two leader narrowly survived an assassination attempt today in 1944?
-Adolf Hitler
The first man to set foot on Mount Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary, was born today in 1919. What nationality is he?
-New Zealander
What popular sport was legalised in England today in 1875?
-Football
21 July
Born today in 1899, who wrote the novel 'A Farewell To Arms'?
-Ernest Hemingway
What nickname was given to soldier Sir Henry Percy, killed in battle today in 1403?
-'Hotspur'
In which country did Mrs Bandaranaike become the world's first woman Prime Minister today in 1960?
-Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon)
Who became the second man on the moon today in 1969?
-Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin
Born today in 1934, which doctor and opera director presented the TV documentary series 'The Body in Question'?
-Dr. Jonathan Miller
22 July
Which American gangster was reputedly shot by FBI agents outside a Chicago cinema today in 1934?
-John Dillinger
Born today in 1939, who received an Oscar nomination for his performance in 'Billy Budd'?
-Terence Stamp
According to legend, in which city did the Pied Piper appear on this day in 1284?
-Hamelin
Born today in 1890, who was the mother of an American President, an Attorney General and a senator and the wife of an ambassador?
-Rose Kennedy
Today is a national holiday in Poland. What is the country's unit of currency?
-The Zloty
23 July
Today in 1962, principal photography began on the movie classic 'Whatever Happened to Baby Jane'. Who were the two female leads?
-Joan Crawford and Bette Davis
Name the American director of the epic silent film 'The Birth of a Nation', who died today in 1948.
-D.W. Griffith
Born today in 1913 who was leader of the British Labour Party from 1980 to 1983?
-Michael Foot
Who was the best man when Prince Andrew married Sarah Ferguson today in 1986?
-Prince Edward
Born today in 1953, who was the first cricketer to bowl left- and right-armed in a test match?
-Graham Gooch
24 July
Who was the first man to swim the English Channel, but later drowned during an attempt to swim across Niagara Falls today in 1883?
-Captain Matthew Webb
Born today in 1802 who wrote the novel 'The Count of Monte Cristo'?
-Alexandre Dumas père
Which former boxing champion and nightclub owner was shot dead today in 1965?
-Freddie Mills
Against which newspaper did novelist Jeffrey Archer win a libel action today in 1987?
-The Daily Star
Born today in 1895, which novelist called his autobiography 'Goodbye To All That'?
-Robert Graves
25 July
How did Louise Brown achieve medical history today in 1978?
-She became the world's first test tube baby
What aviation feat was achieved for the first time by Louis Bleriot today in 1909?
-He became the first man to cross the Channel in an aeroplane
Name the Scottish chemist and inventor of waterproof clothing, who died today in 1843.
-Charles Macintosh
Today in 1917, Margaretha Gertruida Zelle was condemned to death for spying. By what name was she better known?
-Mata Hari
Which rock group made its chart debut today in 1963 and has five consecutive UK Number Ones to its credit?
-The Rolling Stones
26 July
Which liner set sail on her maiden voyage today in 1845, the first to be fitted with a screw propeller?
-The Great Britain
Which law enforcement agency was founded in Washington DC today in 1908?
-The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Born today in 1945 which actress has won awards for her performances in the mini series 'Prime Suspect'?
-Helen Mirren
English author Aldous Huxley was born today in 1894. The title of his best known novel, 'Brave New World', is a line from which Shakespeare play?
-'The Tempest'
Born today in 1927 which entertainer called his autobiography 'From Drags to Riches'?
-Danny la Rue
27 July
Sir Winston Churchill made his final appearance in the House of Commons today in 1964. How many times was he elected Prime Minister?
-Once (in 1951)
Ice-skater Christopher Dean was born today in 1958. He and Jayne Torvill won Olympic ice dancing gold in 1984, accompanied by which piece of music?
-Ravel's 'Bolero'
Name the actor who played Professor Humbert Humbert in the film 'Lolita' and died today in 1984.
-James Mason
Which war was ended by the Treaty of Panmunjom today in 1953?
-The Korean War
Today in 1921, what treatment for diabetes was isolated by Sir Frederick Banting and Charles Best?
-Insulin
28 July
From which country did Peru declare independence today in 1821?
-Spain
Born today in 1866, who created the characters Jemima Puddleduck, Peter Rabbit and Squirrel Nutkin?
-Beatrix Potter
What helpful innovation was introduced by the Post Office today in 1959?
-Post codes
What popular food first arrived in Britain today in 1586, imported by Sir Thomas Harriot?
-The potato
Johann Sebastian Bach died today in 1750. What is the collective name for his six concertos, commissioned by a German duke?
-The 'Brandenburg Concertos'
29 July
Name the Beatles' second film, which was premiered today in 1965.
-'Help!'
At which venue did Prince Charles marry Lady Diana Spencer today in 1981?
-St Paul's Cathedral
Who made his first appearance in 'The Beano' today in 1938 with his dog, Gnasher?
-Dennis the Menace
What was Sir Francis Drake doing today in 1588 when the Spanish Armada was sighted?
-Playing bowls
Born today in 1801 which English publisher gave his name to the first national railway timetable?
-George Bradshaw
30 July
Born today in 1818, who wrote the novel 'Wuthering Heights'?
-Emily Bronte
Who scored a hat trick in the World Cup Final today in 1966?
-Geoff Hurst
Which publishing house was set up today in 1935 marking the start of the paperback revolution?
-Penguin
Whose book of 'Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect' was published today in 1786?
-Robert Burns
Today in 1936, which dancing duo was named as the top box office attractions by the 'Hollywood Reporter'?
-Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers
31 July
Today in 1963, politician Tony Benn disclaimed his peerage for life. What was his title?
-Viscount Stansgate
Which product was banned from TV advertising today in 1965?
-Cigarettes
Name the founder of the Jesuits, who died today in 1556.
-St. Ignatius Loyola
Today in 1910, who became the first criminal to be caught by wireless telegraphy?
-Dr Crippen
Former Australian tennis champion, Evonne Cawley, was born today in 1951. What was her maiden name?
-Goolagong