1 June
Which former American child actress was appointed Ambassador to Czechoslovakia today in 1989?
-Shirley Temple Black
What clean air innovation on trains was introduced today in 1970?
-No smoking compartments
Author Sax Rohmer died today in 1959 Name the inscrutable Chinese fiend he created.
-Fu Manchu
Today in 1953 who became the first jockey to be knighted?
-Sir Gordon Richards
Which military-sounding album was released by the Beatles today in 1967?
-'Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'
2 June
Born today in 1840, who wrote the novels 'The Return of the Native' and 'Jude the Obscure'?
-Thomas Hardy
Andres Segovia died today in 1987. With which instrument was he most associated?
-The guitar
Born today in 1857, who wrote the 'Pomp and Circumstance' marches and the oratorio 'The Dream of Gerontius'?
-Sir Edward Elgar
Today in 1954, which legendary jockey won his first Derby at the age of 18?
-Lester Piggott
Born today in 1941 Stacy Keach played which Mickey Spillane private eye?
-Mike Hammer
3 June
Which long-serving and altruistic Liberal politician made his maiden speech in the House of Commons today in 1833?
-William Gladstone
Born Bernard Schwartz today in 1925, who starred in the films 'The Defiant Ones' and 'Some Like it Hot'?
-Tony Curtis
Actress Penelope Wilton was born today in 1946. In which TV comedy series did she star with Richard Briers?
-'Ever Decreasing Circles'
Premiered today in 1971, which stage play became the world's longest-running comedy?
-'No Sex Please. We're British'
Which footballing superstar signed a three-year contract with the New York Cosmos today in 1975?
-Pelé
4 June
Actor Geoffrey Palmer was born today in 1927. Name the character he played in the TV comedy series 'Butterflies'.
-Ben Parkinson
Which British military tradition began today in 1805 in Horse Guards Parade?
-Trooping the Colour
Which suffragette suffered fatal injuries today in 1913 after throwing herself in front of the King's horse at the Derby?
-Emily Davison
Which shopping aid and potential menace was first wheeled into action today in 1937?
-The supermarket trolley
Born today in 1925, who played lawman Sam McCloud on TV?
-Dennis Weaver
5 June
Which two countries competed in the first international athletics meeting, held in Dublin today in 1876?
-England and Ireland
Born today in 1907, which irascible TV personality was reduced to tears by interviewer John Freeman?
-Gilbert Harding
Which American Presidential candidate was shot by Sirhan Sirhan today in 1968?
-Robert Kennedy
Which politician whose name means 'perfume' resigned today in 1963 following a sex scandal?
-John Profumo
Which short-lived conflict between Egypt and Israel began today in 1967?
-The Six Day War
6 June
What American form of vehicular entertainment was introduced in New Jersey today in 1933?
-The drive-in cinema
Born today in 1900, which comedian called his autobiography 'Before Your Very Eyes'?
-Arthur Askey
What was the code-name for the D-Day operation today in 1944?
-'Operation Overlord'
Published today in 1949, which George Orwell novel features Winston Smith and Big Brother?
-1984
Which religious organisation, founded today in 1844 by George Williams, is also the title of a pop hit by the Village People?
-YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association)
7 June
The musical 'Annie Get Your Gun' was seen in London today in 1947. Who wrote the score?
-Irving Berlin
Born today in 1825, who wrote the novel 'Lorna Doone'?
-R.D. Blackmore
Which King of Scotland, victorious at the Battle of Bannockburn, died today in 1329?
-Robert the Bruce
Which blonde film actress starred in 'Hell's Angels' and 'Saratoga', and died today in 1937 at the age of 26?
-Jean Harlow
Today in 1939, who became the first British monarch to visit America?
-George VI
8 June
Today in 1994 Pierce Brosnan was named as the latest actor to play which cinematic hero?
-James Bond
Which member of the British Royal Family received her first public kiss today in 1973?
-Princess Anne
Margaret Bondfield became the first female British Cabinet member today in 1929. To which party did she belong?
-Labour
Born today in 1940, who reached Number One in the UK pop charts with 'These Boots Are Made For Walking'?
-Nancy Sinatra
First performed today in 1925, who wrote the play 'Hay Fever'?
-Sir Noel Coward
9 June
Born today in 1672, which 6'9'' tsar reorganised Russia's legal and education systems?
-Peter the Great
Born today in 1891, who wrote the musicals 'Anything Goes' and 'Kiss Me Kate'?
-Cole Porter
American Indian chief Cochise died today in 1874. To which tribe did he belong?
-Apache
Hong Kong became a British possession today in 1898. To which country did the colony previously belong?
-China
Born today in 1781, who designed his 'Rocket' locomotive?
-George Stephenson
10 June
Who won the first University Boat Race, held today in 1829?
-Oxford
Who wrote the opera 'Tristan und Isolde', premiered today in 1865?
-Richard Wagner
Born today in 1923, which newspaper proprietor's real name was Jan Hoch?
-Robert Maxwell
What was the nickname given to James Edward Stuart, born today in 1688?
-'The Old Pretender'
Name the Hungarian refugee who patented the ballpoint pen today in 1943.
-Laszlo Biro
11 June
Who became Henry VIII's first wife today in 1509?
-Catherine of Aragon
Today in 1953, who became the first professional cricketer to captain England?
-Sir Len Hutton
Who played the title role in the musical 'Barnum', first performed in London today in 1981?
-Michael Crawford
Born today in 1910, which French explorer invented the aqualung?
-Jacques Cousteau
Who won an Oscar for his performance in 'True Grit' and died today in 1979?
-John Wayne
12 June
Which African politician was sentenced to life imprisonment today in 1964 for trying to overthrow the government?
-Nelson Mandela
Born today in 1897, which Tory Prime Minister was ennobled as the First Earl of Avon?
-Sir Anthony Eden
Educationalist Thomas Arnold died today in 1842. He was headmaster of which school?
-Rugby
Which German heavyweight boxer became the first world champion today in 1930 as a result of a disqualification?
-Max Schmeling
Born today in 1819, who wrote the children's story 'The Water Babies'?
-Charles Kingsley
13 June
Which macho actor made his stage debut today in 1972 in 'I Do I Do'?
-Rock Hudson
Born today in 1910, who retired as head of the National Viewers' and Listeners' Association in 1994 and is known in Australia as 'That Notorious Pom'?
-Mary Whitehouse
Which great conqueror captured almost half the world and died today in 323 BC?
-Alexander the Great
Born today in 1892, which South African actor was best known for playing Sherlock Holmes?
-Basil Rathbone
Known as Hitler's 'secret weapon', which missile first landed in England today in 1944?
-The V-1 (also known as the flying bomb, the buzz bomb or the doodle bug)
14 June
Which exotic actress was arrested today in 1989 for hitting a policeman?
-Zsa Zsa Gabor
Born today in 1928, which Argentinian-born revolutionary was executed in 1967?
-Ché Guevara
Born today in 1969, which female tennis player won the Wimbledon singles title at the age of 19?
-Steffi Graf
Today in 1919, who became the first pilots to make a non-stop transatlantic flight?
-John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown
Born today in 1941 which impressionist called his autobiography 'And This Is Me'?
-Mike Yarwood
15 June
Which pop group formally renounced its association with the Maharishi Yogi today in 1968?
-The Beatles
Born today in 1330, what nickname was given to Edward, the eldest son of King Edward III?
-'The Black Prince'
Which historic document was sealed by King John at Runnymede today in 1215?
-The Magna Carta
Who opened her school for nurses today in 1860?
-Florence Nightingale
Today in 1970, who became the first actor to be ennobled?
-Sir Laurence Olivier
16 June
Today in 1963, who became the first woman in space?
-Valentina Tereshkova
The novel 'Ulysses' deals with events in Dublin today in 1904. Who wrote it?
-James Joyce
Today in 1935, which American President's 'New Deal' was passed by Congress?
-Franklin D. Roosevelt
Which ballet dancer defected to the West today in 1961?
-Rudolf Nureyev
John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, died today in 1722. Which home is the seat of the Marlborough family?
-Blenheim Palace
17 June
Which actor famous for his portrayal of Professor Higgins in 'My Fair Lady', was knighted by the Queen today in 1989?
-Rex Harrison
Today in 1944, Iceland became an independent republic. What is its capital city?
-Reykjavik
Born today in 1882, who composed the music for the ballets 'The Firebird' and 'The Rite of Spring'?
-Igor Stravinsky
Born today in 1936, who directed the TV drama 'Cathy Come Home'?
-Ken Loach
Which instant picture camera was patented by Edwin Land today in 1970?
-The Polaroid camera
18 June
Which battle, fought today in 1815, finally defeated the aims of Napoleon?
-Waterloo
Where did the first North Sea oil come ashore in Britain today in 1975?
-The Isle of Grain
The Time Lords reached Number One in the UK pop charts today in 1988 with 'Doctorin' the Tardis'. Which group was really behind the song?
-KLF
Paul Eddington was born today in 1927. Name the character he played in 'Yes, Prime Minister'.
-Jim Hacker
Paul McCartney was born today in 1942. He wrote and performed the title music to which 1973 James Bond film?
-'Live and Let Die'
19 June
Born today in 1566, who became the first Stuart King of England?
-James I
Born today in 1895, what was the maiden name of the Duchess of Windsor?
-Bessie Wallis Warfield
Which TV comedy series, starring Alfie Bass and Bill Fraser as two soldiers, first appeared today in 1957?
-'The Army Game'
Today in 1968, which pop group topped the UK pop charts with 'Jumpin' Jack Flash'?
-The Rolling Stones
What paternal feast was instituted by Mrs John Bruce Dodd today in 1910?
-Father's Day
20 June
Which marsupial was first observed by Captain Cook in Australia today in 1770?
-The kangaroo
Born today in 1819, who composed 'Orpheus in the Underworld'?
-Jacques Offenbach
Who won rugby's first World Cup today in 1987?
-The New Zealand All Blacks
Born in Tasmania today in 1909, which swashbuckling actor starred in 'The Adventures of Robin Hood'?
-Errol Flynn
Today in 1960, who became the first boxer to regain the world heavyweight title?
-Floyd Patterson
21 June
Which pop star lost his multi-million pound court battle with his record company, Sony, today in 1994?
-George Michael
Who was the portly director of the first British talkie film 'Blackmail', released today in 1929?
-Sir Alfred Hitchcock
What aeronautic feat was first achieved by Mrs Georgia Henderson over Los Angeles today in 1913?
-She became the first woman to make a parachute jump
Born today in 1982, who is second in line to the British throne?
-Prince William
The musical 'Evita' opened in London today in 1978. Who starred in the title role?
-Elaine Paige
22 June
Born today in 1949, who played the Danish author Karen Blixen in the film 'Out of Africa'?
-Meryl Streep
Which former Liberal Party leader was acquitted of conspiracy to murder charges today in 1979?
-Jeremy Thorpe
With which song did Gary Glitter achieve his third UK Number One today in 1974?
-Always Yours
Which London cricket ground was used for the first time today in 1814?
-Lord's
Which airline began flights from Gatwick to New York today in 1984?
-Virgin Atlantic
23 June
Born today in 1940, who starred in the seventies TV drama series 'Budgie'?
-Adam Faith
Born today in 1763, who became the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte?
-Josephine de Beauharnais
The Beatles' 'Paperback Writer' reached Number One in the UK pop charts today in 1966. Which newspaper is mentioned in the song?
-The Daily Mail
Which cricket team played England in a test match for the first time today in 1928?
-The West Indies (England won)
Which educational establishment produced its first graduates today in 1973?
-The Open University
24 June
Born today in 1895, which boxer was known as 'The Manassa Mauler'?
-Jack Dempsey
Which secret organisation was formed in London today in 1717?
-The Freemasons
Today in 1955, which future DJ reached Number One in the UK pop charts with 'Unchained Melody'?
-Jimmy Young
Today in 1983, who became the first American woman in space?
-Sally Ride
Which offshoot of the Red Cross, originally called the Ambulance Association, was founded today in 1877?
-St. John Ambulance
25 June
Born today in 1900 which World War Two naval hero was known to the British Royal Family as 'Uncle Dickie'?
-Lord Mountbatten
Which war began in Asia today in 1950?
-The Korean War
What type of wire was patented today in 1867 by Lucien B. Smith?
-Barbed wire
Where did Custer's 'Last Stand' occur today in 1876?
-Little Bighorn, Montana
Today in 1898 who became the first member of the British Royal Family to travel in a car on a public road?
-The Prince of Wales (later to become Edward VII)
26 June
Who wrote the opera 'Die Walkure', first performed today in 1870?
-Richard Wagner
Today in 1857, Charles Lucas became the first recipient of which coveted award, bearing the inscription 'For Valour'?
-The Victoria Cross
Who reached Number One in the UK pop charts today in 1976 with 'You To Me Are Everything' and almost repeated the feat ten years later?
-The Real Thing
Born today in 1910, who was Elvis Presley's notorious manager?
-Colonel Tom Parker
What military first was achieved today in 1939 by Private Rupert Alexander 10000001 of the Middlesex Regiment?
-He became the first National serviceman
27 June
The American actress and producer, Antoinette Perry, was born today in 1888. She gave her name to which theatrical awards?
-The Tony Awards
Today in 1967, which bank became the first to introduce cash point machines?
-Barclays
Actor Eric Richard was born today in 1940. Name the character he plays in TV's 'The Bill'.
-Sergeant Bob Cryer
Born today in 1846, which Irish Nationalist MP was named in a sensational divorce case?
-Charles Stewart Parnell
Today in 1979, which heavyweight boxing champion announced his retirement after 59 professional fights?
-Muhammad Ali
28 June
Today in 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie travelled 'over the sea', to which island?
-Skye
Which 'EastEnder' reached Number One in the UK pop charts today in 1962 singing 'Come Outside' with Mike Sarne?
-Wendy Richard
Film director and writer, Mel Brooks was born today in 1926. Which of his films parodies the Wild West?
-'Blazing Saddles'
Born today in 1902, who teamed up with Oscar Hammerstein to write the musicals 'Carousel' and 'Oklahoma'?
-Richard Rodgers
In which city was the peace treaty signed today in 1919, signalling the end of World War One?
-Versailles
29 June
Which motoring organisation held its first general meeting today in 1905?
-The AA (The Automobile Association)
Born today in 1901, who partnered Jeanette MacDonald in a series of film operettas?
-Nelson Eddy
Which English poetess owned a spaniel called Flush and died today in 1861?
-Elizabeth Barrett Browning
What aid to writers and journalists was introduced by IBM today in 1964?
-The first word processor
Which celebrity couple married today in 1956, inspiring the newspaper headline 'The Egghead and The Hour Glass'?
-Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller
30 June
Which animal appeared on British eggs for the first time today in 1957?
-The crowned lion
First performed in London today in 1960, which musical features Fagin, Bill Sykes and the Artful Dodger?
-'Oliver!'
Born today in 1917, what instrument was played by bandleader Buddy Rich?
-The drums
Which London bridge and landmark was opened to traffic today in 1894?
-Tower Bridge
Born today in 1685 which English playwright wrote his 'Beggar's Opera'?
-John Gay