1 May
Today in 1912, a statue of which J.M. Barrie hero was unveiled in London's Kensington Gardens?
-Peter Pan
In which London park did the Great Exhibition open today in 1851?
-Hyde Park
Born today in 1937 who played Alf Garnett's daughter in TV's 'Till Death Us Do Part'?
-Una Stubbs
What type of American plane was being flown by Gary Powers when he was shot down over the USSR today in 1960?
-The U2
What gambling facility was opened for the first time in Britain today in 1961?
-Betting shops
2 May
Name the first woman to take her seat as a British MP, who died today in 1964?
-Lady Astor
Born today in 1903, which crooner made a series of popular 'Road' films with Bob Hope?
-Bing Crosby
Which Argentinian battleship was controversially sunk today in 1982?
-General Belgrano
Which teams took part in the 'Matthews F.A. Cup Final' today in 1953?
-Blackpool and Bolton Wanderers
German airman Manfred von Richthofen was born today in 1892. What nickname was given to him by British pilots?
-'The Red Baron'
3 May
Born today in 1827 John Hanning Speke achieved fame in which field?
-Exploration
Born today in 1896, who wrote 'One Hundred and One Dalmations'?
-Dodie Smith
Which pop group made its chart debut today in 1980 and had hits with 'Mirror Man' and 'Love Action'?
-Human League
Which show, featuring the song 'Ole Man River', opened at London's Theatre Royal, Drury Lane today in 1928?
-'Show Boat'
On which island did Napoleon make his home today in 1814?
-Elba
4 May
Today in 1994, who beat Parma to win football's European Cup Winners' Cup?
-Arsenal
Born today in 1929, which British actress raised money for the Belgian Resistance by dancing during World War Two?
-Audrey Hepburn
Today in 1896, Lord Rothermere published the first edition of which right-wing tabloid newspaper?
-The Daily Mail
Which West Indian island, a leading producer of rum, was discovered by Christopher Columbus today in 1494?
-Jamaica
Which classic horse race was first run on Epsom Downs today in 1780?
-The Derby
5 May
Which emperor died today in 1821, allegedly poisoned by his wallpaper?
-Napoleon Bonaparte
The Damned made its chart debut today in 1979. Who was the group's bass player?
-Captain Sensible (real name Ray Burns)
Born today in 1943, which former member of the 'Monty Python' team travelled from 'Pole to Pole' for a TV series?
-Michael Palin
Which moralistic media pressure group held its first meeting today in 1964?
-Mary Whitehouse's 'Clean Up TV Campaign'
Today in 1994 who announced her engagement to Daniel Chatto?
-Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones (daughter of Princess Margaret)
6 May
Born today in 1913 which actor's real name was James Stewart?
-Stewart Granger
Which much-married actress walked up the aisle for the first time today in 1950?
-Elizabeth Taylor- she married Nick Hilton
Name the famous German airship, which crashed today in 1937.
-The Hindenburg
Born today in 1899, which bandleader had the catchphrase 'Wakey! Wakey!'?
-Billy Cotton
American novelist Frank Baum died today in 1919. Name his best loved children's story.
-'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'
7 May
Nicknamed 'The Cheeky Chappie', which comedian died today in 1963?
-Max Miller
TV's 'Man About the House' star Richard O'Sullivan, was born today in 1944. Name the two spin-off series.
-'George and Mildred' and 'Robin's Nest'
Which group reached the top of the American pop charts today in 1977 with 'Hotel California'?
-The Eagles
Which Balkan country became independent today in 1821 with Otto I as King?
-Greece
Which Cunard passenger liner was torpedoed by the Germans off the coast of Ireland today in 1915?
-The Lusitania
8 May
Released today in 1992 which controversial film stars Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone?
-'Basic Instinct'
Paul Gadd is the real name of which glam rocker, born today in 1944?
-Gary Glitter
Name the French painter who made the South Seas his home and died today in 1903.
-Paul Gauguin
What mode of transport ran in London for the last time today in 1962?
-The trolleybus
Born in Johannesburg today in 1913, who starred in the TV comedies 'George and the Dragon' and 'Bless this House'?
-Sid James
9 May
Who became the Monegasque ruler today in 1949?
-Prince Rainier III
In which seaside resort did the first Butlins holiday camp open today in 1936?
-Skegness
What did the adventurer Colonel Blood steal from the Tower of London today in 1671?
-The Crown Jewels
Which city replaced Melbourne as the capital of Australia today in 1927?
-Canberra
Name the second man to climb Mount Everest, who died today in 1986.
-Sherpa Tenzing-Norgay
10 May
Which force was formed today in 1940 to protect England?
-The Local Defence Volunteers
-later the Home Guard
Who resigned as leader of the British Liberal Party today in 1976?
-Jeremy Thorpe
Born today in 1946, which singer had hits with 'Mellow Yellow' and 'Sunshine Superman'?
-Donovan
Name the actress who died today in 1977, the subject of her adopted daughter's biography, 'Mommie Dearest'.
-Joan Crawford
In which country did the Sepoy Mutiny begin today in 1857?
-India
11 May
Which British Prime Minister was assassinated in the House of Commons today in 1812?
-Spencer Perceval
What nickname was given to hairdresser and racehorse owner Raymond Bessone, born today in 1911?
-'Teasie-Weasie'
The pop group Cockney Rebel made its chart debut today in 1974. Who was the lead singer?
-Steve Harley
Born today in 1888, who composed the song 'There's No Business Like Show Business'?
-Irving Berlin
Born today in 1892, who played Agatha Christie's Miss Marple in a series of sixties films?
-Dame Margaret Rutherford
12 May
Born today in 1907, which actress won four Oscars and had a long-term affair with Spencer Tracy?
-Katharine Hepburn
Today in 1870, rules were drafted for which aquatic sport?
-Water polo
The BBC's first major TV Outside Broadcast took place today in 1937. Which historic event was relayed?
-The Coronation procession of King George VI (TV cameras were not allowed in the Abbey)
The General Strike ended today in 1926. How long did it last?
-Nine days
Born today in 1924, who lived at 23 Railway Cuttings, East Cheam?
-Tony Hancock
13 May
Boxer Joe Louis was born today in 1914. At which weight did he fight?
-Heavyweight
In which American state did the first Englishman settle today in 1607?
-Virginia
Born today in 1950, which singer had hits with 'Happy Birthday To You' and 'I Just Called To Say I Love You'?
-Stevie Wonder
Born today in 1907, who wrote the novel 'Rebecca'?
-Daphne du Maurier
Who designed London's Regent Street and the Brighton Pavilion and died today in 1835?
-John Nash
14 May
To which American President was a memorial at Runnymede unveiled today in 1965?
-John F. Kennedy
Born today in 1926, John Bartholomew was the real name of which bespectacled comedian?
-Eric Morecambe
Author Sir Henry Rider Haggard died today in 1925. Which of his novels was made into a film starring Stewart Granger and Deborah Kerr?
-'King Solomon's Mines'
Born today in 1934 which actress was once married to Peter O'Toole?
-Sian Phillips
Released today in 1993, which film tells the story of a man offering another man $1m to sleep with his wife?
-'Indecent Proposal'
15 May
What sexy item of women's clothing went on sale for the first time today in 1940?
-Nylon stockings
The first British jet aeroplane 'the Gloster E28/39' had its test flight today in 1941. Who designed it?
-Sir Frank Whittle
Who represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest today in 1993 with 'Better The Devil You Know'?
-Sonia
What powerful weapon was patented today in 1718 by James Puckle?
-The machine gun
What name was given to the New York vigilantes who began patrolling the London Underground today in 1989?
-The Guardian Angels
16 May
Which famous showbiz awards were first presented today in 1929?
-The Oscars
Born today in 1919, which flamboyant entertainer started his career as Walter Busterkeys?
-Liberace
Kim Carnes reached Number One in the American pop charts today in 1981 with a song about which Hollywood legend?
-Bette Davis
Born today in 1966, who released an LP called 'Rhythm Nation'?
-Janet Jackson
Born today in 1955, which popular Soviet gymnast won gold medals at the 1972 Olympics?
-Olga Korbut
17 May
Which famous London fast-food restaurant was opened with a star-studded party today in 1993?
-Planet Hollywood
Born today in 1961, which singer topped the UK pop charts with 'Orinoco Flow'?
-Enya
Born today in 1935, which English dramatist wrote 'The Singing Detective' and 'Lipstick On Your Collar'?
-Dennis Potter
Name the organiser of the world's first package holiday, which set off today in 1861.
-Thomas Cook
Comedian Arthur Lucan died today in 1954. What was the name of his popular character?
-Old Mother Riley
18 May
The foundation stone of which British financial institution was laid today in 1801?
-The Stock Exchange
Born today in 1912 which singer had a UK Number One hit in 1958 with 'Magic Moments'?
-Perry Como
Which Nobel Prize-winning philosopher, peer and pacifist was born today in 1872?
-Bertrand Russell
Today in 1927, Norma Talmadge became the first celebrity to take part in an impressive Hollywood tradition. What was she required to do?
-Preserve her hands and foot prints in cement outside Mann's Chinese Theatre
Born today in 1919, which ballerina received a record 89 curtain calls after a performance of 'Swan Lake' in 1964?
-Dame Margot Fonteyn
19 May
Which hero and traveller died today in 1935, six days after a motorcycle crash?
-Lawrence of Arabia (T.E. Lawrence)
Born today in 1942, which TV presenter was once a Labour MP?
-Robert Kilroy-Silk
Which Oueen of England was beheaded on Tower Hill today in 1536?
-Anne Boleyn
First seen today in 1985, which TV drama series features writer and super sleuth Jessica Fletcher?
-'Murder, She Wrote'
Born today in 1926, who presented the TV record review programme 'Juke Box Jury' in the sixties?
-David Jacobs
20 May
What unpopular fiscal policy was declared unconstitutional in the USA today in 1865?
-Income tax
Which English footballing hero won the first of his 108 caps today in 1962?
-Bobby Moore
Premiered today in 1970, what was the Beatles' last film?
-'Let It Be'
Born today in 1946, which singer and actress won an Oscar for her role in 'Moonstruck'?
-Cher
Born today in 1799, which French novelist, author of 'Comedie Humaine', always wrote on blue notepaper so as not to hurt his eyes?
-Honore de Balzac
21 May
Today in 1927, who became the first man to make a non-stop solo flight across the Atlantic?
-Charles Lindbergh
Born today in 1917 which actor was 'Perry Mason' and 'A Man Called Ironside' on TV?
-Raymond Burr
Today in 1979, who became the first Western rock star to play in the USSR?
-Elton John
Which tough guy movie star married Lauren Bacall today in 1945, and cried throughout the whole ceremony?
-Humphrey Bogart
Born today in 1688, which poet stood only 4' 6'' tall and was known as 'The Wasp of Twickenham'?
-Alexander Pope
22 May
Which famous series of wars started today in 1455 with the Battle of St Albans?
-The Wars of the Roses
Which Jewish poet and folksinger celebrated his bar mitzvah today in 1954?
-Bob Dylan
Today in 1849 who became the only American President to be awarded a patent?
-Abraham Lincoln (for a life-belt device)
Released today in 1992, which film features two heavy metal dudes presenting a TV show from a basement?
-'Wayne's World'
Born today in 1946, which footballer once remarked, 'If I'd been born ugly, you'd never have heard of Pele'?
-George Best
23 May
Name the Fascist and former Labour MP who was arrested and interred as a security risk today in 1940.
-Sir Oswald Mosley
Which two gangsters, nicknamed Texas Rattlesnake and Suicide Sal, were killed in a police ambush today in 1934?
-Bonnie and Clyde
Which long-serving soap actress received the Royal Television Society's Award for Best Performance today in 1985?
-Jean Alexander (Coronation Street's Hilda Ogden)
Which future American President had his first taste of World War Two action today in 1944?
-George Bush
Bandleader Artie Shaw was born today in 1910. Which instrument was he renowned for playing?
-The clarinet
24 May
What famous Midlands road system opened today in 1972?
-Spaghetti Junction
Which prison opened today in 1809 to house French prisoners of war?
-Dartmoor
Which religious movement was formed today in 1738, following John Wesley's conversion?
-Methodism
Which much-derided, but still popular musical contest was held for the first time today in 1956?
-The Eurovision Song Contest
Born today in 1738, who was known as the 'Mad King of England'?
-George III
25 May
The operetta 'HMS Pinafore' was first performed today in 1878. Who composed it?
-Gilbert and Sullivan
Best known for his suite, 'The Planets', which English composer died today in 1934?
-Gustav Holst
Today in 1850, an animal arrived in Britain, the first of its kind and a gift from Abbas Pasha. What type of creature was it?
-A hippopotamus (his name was Obaysch)
Born today in 1958, who was the lead singer of The Jam and The Style Council?
-Paul Weller
British press baron and politician, William Maxwell Aitken, was born today in 1879. What was his title?
-Lord Beaverbrook
26 May
Who won the last football Home Championship played today in 1984?
-Northern Ireland
Singing trio Wilson Phillips made their chart debut today in 1990. Name the two groups to which their parents belonged.
-The Beach Boys and The Mamas and the Papas
Which famous 24-hour race was first held today in 1923?
-Le Mans
Born in Lancashire today in 1904 which toothy comedian became a jockey and was later awarded the Order of Lenin?
-George Formby
Which actor married the actress Jill St. John today in 1990, his fourth wedding?
-Robert Wagner
27 May
Whose first record 'That'll Be The Day' was released today in 1957?
-The Crickets (although not credited on the records, Buddy Holly featured on the hit)
Which glamorous film star, the ex-wife of Orson Welles and star of 'Gilda', married Prince Aly Khan today in 1949?
-Rita Hayworth
Name the British company which issued its last newsreel today in 1979.
-Movietone
Born today in 1912, Sam Snead achieved fame in which sport?
-Golf
What is the name of San Francisco's most famous bridge, opened to traffic today in 1937?
-The Golden Gate Bridge
28 May
Today in 1934, 'The Marriage of Figaro' became the first opera to be staged at which venue?
-Glyndebourne
Australian singer Kylie Minogue was born today in 1968. What does Kylie mean in Aborigine?
-Boomerang
Born today in 1759 who was Britain's youngest ever Prime Minister?
-William Pitt the Younger.
Where did Mathias Rust manage to land his plane today in 1987?
-In Red Square, Moscow
Which rocker starred in the film 'Performance', premiered in New York today in 1970?
-Mick Jagger
29 May
Born Betty Perske, which actress was crowned Miss Greenwich Village today in 1942?
-Lauren Bacall
Which detective series starred Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd and first appeared on TV today in 1986?
-'Moonlighting'
Born in Eltham today in 1903, which comedian began his career impersonating Charlie Chaplin?
-Bob Hope
Which English monarch reclaimed the throne today in 1660, eleven years after his father lost it?
-Charles II
Today in 1961, who became the first member of the British Royal family to be interviewed on TV?
-Prince Philip
30 May
Which French heroine and saint was burned at the stake today in 1431?
-Joan of Arc
Born today in 1963, who was the first British woman in space?
-Helen Sharman
Born today in 1908, which American entertainer provided the voice for the cartoon characters Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck?
-Mel Blanc
Which English dramatist was killed in a tavern brawl today in 1593?
-Christopher Marlowe
Founded today in 1656, what is the senior regiment of the British Army?
-The Grenadier Guards
31 May
Born today in 1872, which British designer gave his name to a 'ludicrously impractical or elaborate machine'?
-William Heath Robinson
Which German city faced an aerial bombardment from 1,000 planes today in 1942?
-Cologne
Which massive timekeeper began operations today in 1859?
-Big Ben
Born today in 1930, who directed and starred in the film 'Play Misty For Me?'
-Clint Eastwood
Released today in 1991, which film featured the characters Buffalo Bill, Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter?
-'The Silence of the Lambs'