1 September
Born today in 1923, who was the only undefeated world heavyweight boxer?
-Rocky Marciano
Today in 1972, who became the first American world chess champion when he beat Boris Spassky?
-Bobby Fischer
Actress Yvonne de Carlo was born today in 1924. Name the 137-year-old character she played in a cult TV series.
-Lily Munster in 'The Munsters'
Name the Sun King of France, who died today in 1715 after the longest reign in European history.
-Louis XIV
Painter Franz Hals died today in 1666. What was his nationality?
-Dutch
2 September
What conflagration began today in 1666 in a baker's shop?
-The Great Fire of London
Which heart-throb actor was born in Beirut today in 1964?
-Keanu Reeves
Born today in 1927, which pianist had hits with 'Side Saddle' and 'Roulette'?
-Russ Conway
Today in 1963, shooting began on which film starring Kenneth Williams as Captain Fearless and Bernard Cribbins as Midshipman Albert Poop-Decker?
-'Carry On Jack'
Which plaintive love song was published today in 1924 and featured in the film 'Rose Marie'?
-'Indian Love Call'
3 September
Which Irish actor gave his first performance as Macbeth in a controversial production at London's Old Vic today in 1980?
-Peter O'Toole
Born today in 1940, who received an Oscar nomination for her role as 'Shirley Valentine'?
-Pauline Collins
Who played the title role in 'Remington Steele', first seen on British TV today in 1983?
-Pierce Brosnan
Today in 1939, who announced that Britain was at war with Germany?
-Neville Chamberlain
Today in 1976, Viking II relayed the first pictures of which planet's surface?
-Mars
4 September
What television first was achieved by Kenneth Kendall today in 1955?
-He was the first newsreader to appear on screen
Today in 1962, the Beatles began their first recording session at which studios?
-Abbey Road
Which American swimmer won his seventh Olympic Gold medal today in 1972?
-Mark Spitz
Suleiman the Magnificent, who died today in 1566, was Sultan of which country?
-Turkey
Today in 1976, ABBA reached the top of the UK pop charts with 'Dancing Queen'. Name two of the four members of the group.
-Agnetha, Benny, Bjorn, Anni-Frid, 'Frida'. (They named the group from their initials)
5 September
Born today in 1935, who plays Mike Baldwin in 'Coronation Street'?
-Johnny Briggs
Born today in 1937, who co-wrote the TV comedy series 'Porridge' with Ian La Frenais?
-Dick Clement
Chat show host Russell Harty was born today in 1934. Which singer and actress once assaulted him 'on air'?
-Grace Jones
Which British fighter pilot, portrayed by Kenneth More in the film 'Reach for the Sky', died today in 1982?
-Sir Douglas Bader
Maureen Connolly became the youngest ever winner of the US Tennis Championships today in 1951. What was her nickname?
-Little Mo
6 September
Which London cricket ground was used as a test venue for the first time today in 1880?
-The Oval
Britain's first neighbourhood watch scheme was set up today in 1983. In which city?
-London
Where did King Charles II hide following the Battle of Worcester today in 1651?
-Up an oak tree
Born today in 1958, who was the lead singer of the pop group Bad Manners?
-Buster Bloodvessel (real name Douglas Trendle)
Hendrik Verwoerd was assassinated today in 1966. He was Prime Minister of which country?
-South Africa
7 September
Which Irish author, the subject of the film 'My Left Foot', died today in 1981?
-Christy Brown
Who became the heroine of the Longstone Lighthouse today in 1838 when she helped to rescue sailors in a storm?
-Grace Darling
Who became the first non-white leader of South Africa's Anglicans today in 1986?
-Desmond Tutu
American painter Anna Mary Moses was born today in 1860. What was her nickname?
-'Grandma' Moses
Born today in 1533, who was known as 'The Virgin Queen'?
-Elizabeth I
8 September
English playwright Jack Rosenthal was born today in 1931. To which actress is he married?
-Maureen Lipman
Born today in 1925, which zany comedian made his name on radio before moving into films?
-Peter Sellers
Founded today in 1886, which is South Africa's largest city?
-Johannesburg
Which Stevie Wonder hit reached the top of the UK pop charts today in 1984 and stayed there for six weeks?
-'I Just Called to Say I Love You'
Whom did actress Angharad Rees marry today in 1973?
-Christopher Cazenove
9 September
Born today in 1941, which singer had sixties hits with 'My Girl' and '-Sitting on the Dock of the Bay'?
-Otis Redding
Which talented 18-year-old tennis player defected to the West today in 1975?
-Martina Navratilova
Admitted to the Union today in 1850, which is the Golden State?
-California
English novelist James Hilton was born today in 1900. Name the imaginary paradise he created in his book 'Lost Horizon'.
-Shangri-La
Name the architect of the 'Long March' who died today in 1976.
-Mao Tse-Tung
10 September
Who organised a canine show to promote his dog biscuits and died today in 1938?
-Charles Cruft
Traitor Vidkun Quisling was sentenced to death today in 1945. What was his nationality?
-Norwegian
Who became the youngest Formula 1 motor racing world champion today in 1972?
-Emerson Fittipaldi
Who played Simon Templar in TV's 'The Return of the Saint', first screened today in 1978?
-Ian Ogilvy
In which European city did the world's first motorway open today in 1921?
-Berlin
11 September
Actor Herbert Lom was born today in 1917. Which character did he play in the 'Pink Panther' films?
-Chief Inspector Dreyfus
Born today in 1885, the son of a coalminer, who wrote 'Lady Chatterley's Lover'?
-D.H. Lawrence
What football trophy was stolen from a Birmingham shop today in 1895?
-The F.A. Cup
Which feminine British organisation was founded today in 1915 at Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch?
-The Women's Institute
Born today in 1917, Ferdinand Marcos was President of which country?
-The Philippines
12 September
Which American President married today in 1953 and had a reputation as a notorious philanderer?
-John F. Kennedy
Which London landmark was erected on the Embankment today in 1878?
-Cleopatra's Needle
Today in 1960, what compulsory vehicle test came into force for all vehicles over two years old?
-The M.O.T.
Actor William Boyd died today in 1972. Which cowboy hero did he play in films and on TV?
-Hopalong Cassidy
Born today in 1888, who sang 'Thank Heaven For Little Girls' in the film 'Gigi'?
-Maurice Chevalier
13 September
What was the nickname of actor Valentine Dyall, who made his stage debut today in 1930?
-'The Man in Black'
Which England footballer was accused of stealing a bracelet today in 1970?
-Bobby Moore
Born today in 1944, which actress starred in the film 'The Deep'?
-Jacqueline Bisset
The TV drama 'Van Der Valk' was first seen today in 1972. In which city was it set?
-Amsterdam
Born today in 1894, who wrote the play 'An Inspector Calls'?
-J.B.Priestley
14 September
Written today in 1814, what is the American national anthem?
-'The Star Spangled Banner'
What golfing first was achieved by Tom Morris today in 1868?
-The first recorded hole-in-one
Today in 1901 who became the youngest American President?
-Theodore Roosevelt
Novelist James Fenimore Cooper died today in 1851. Which of his novels was made into a film starring Daniel Day-Lewis?
-'The Last of the Mohicans'
Completed today in 1741, which work by Handel features the 'Hallelujah Chorus'?
-'The Messiah'
15 September
Which 'soaraway' newspaper first appeared today in 1964?
-The Sun
Agatha Christie was born today in 1890. In which fictional English village does her elderly sleuth Miss Marple live?
-St. Mary Mead
What military vehicle was first used by the British army today in 1916?
-The tank
Born today in 1921, which author of humorous stories wrote the 'Doctor' books'?
-Richard Gordon
Today is Battle of Britain Day, commemorating the famous aerial battle fought in which year?
-1940
16 September
Which famous Christmas song was copyrighted today in 1857?
-'Jingle Bells'
German physicist Daniel Fahrenheit died today in 1736. On the temperature scale named after him, what is the boiling point of water?
-212F
Which famous ship set sail from Plymouth today in 1620?
-Mayflower
Born today in 1927, which actor made his name playing a detective in a dirty raincoat?
-Peter Falk
What 'double' change in the postal system occurred today in 1968?
-First and second class stamps were introduced
17 September
Born today in 1901 who sailed round the world in his yacht 'Gypsy Moth IV'?
-Sir Francis Chichester
Name the last Stuart monarch of England, who died today in 1701?
-James II
The first long-playing records were demonstrated today in 1931, but at what speed did they play?
-33 1/3 rpm
Which airborne attack took place today in 1944 and was code-named Operation Market Garden?
-The Battle of Arnhem
In which city did the Olympic Games open today in 1988?
-Seoul
18 September
Name the Irish author of the play 'Juno and the Paycock', who died today in 1964.
-Sean O'Casey
Which renowned lexicographer and wit was born today in 1709?
-Dr. Samuel Johnson
Born today in 1905, which actress said,'I vant to be alone'?
-Greta Garbo
Today in 1879, the illuminations of which northern town were switched on for the first time?
-Blackpool
Which legendary rocker, the virtual founder of heavy metal, died today in 1970?
-Jimi Hendrix
19 September
Born today in 1922, which Czech long distance runner won two gold medals in the Helsinki Olympics?
-Emil Zotopek
Today in 1893, which nation became the first to give women the vote?
-New Zealand
Which TV sitcom about a manic hotelier first appeared today in 1975?
-'Fawlty Towers'
What dance craze record by Chubby Checker reached Number One in the US pop charts today in 1960?
-'The Twist'
Born today in 1932, who played the Reverend Mervyn Noote in the sixties TV comedy 'All Gas and Gaiters'?
-Derek Nimmo
20 September
Born today in 1927, which jazz musician is married to Cleo Laine?
-Johnny Dankworth
First seen today in 1984, which TV sitcom features the characters Cliff and Clair Huxtable?
-'The Cosby Show'
Born today in 1934, which Italian actress was jailed for tax evasion?
-Sophia Loren
Composer Jean Sibelius died today in 1869. What was his nationality?
-Finnish
Born today in 1869, which comedian was known as 'The Prime Minister of Mirth'?
-Sir George Robey
21 September
Which TV quiz show, hosted by Bamber Gascoigne, first appeared today in 1962?
-'University Challenge'
Born today in 1866, who wrote the science fiction novels 'The Time Machine' and 'The War of the Worlds'?
-H.G. Wells
Who became the first member of the British Royal Family to be banned from driving today in 1987?
-Viscount Linley (for speeding)
Today in 1949, England's football team lost at home to a foreign country for the first time. Who were their opponents?
-Ireland
Born today in 1931, who played J.R. in TV's 'Dallas'?
-Larry Hagman
22 September
Which Bond film, starring Sean Connery and Honor Blackman as Pussy Galore, was premiered today in 1964?
-'Goldfinger'
Born today in 1791 which English physicist appears on the back of a Bank of England £20 note?
-Michael Faraday
Who was the first leader of the trade union Solidarity, founded today in 1980?
-Lech Walesa
Which irascible TV and radio star set a world record for kissing today in 1978?
-James Whale (he kissed 4049 girls in 8 hours. His record has since been beaten!)
Born today in 1915 who played Leonard Swindley in 'Coronation Street' before finding greater fame as Captain Mainwaring in 'Dad's Army'?
-Arthur Lowe
23 September
Born today in 1943, who had a hit in the UK pop charts with 'Begin the Beguine'?
-Julio Iglesias
First seen today in 1955, which TV cop show featured Sergeant Joe Friday?
-'Dragnet'
Name the inventor of psychoanalysis, who died today in 1939.
-Sigmund Freud
Discovered today in 1846, which is the fourth largest planet in the solar system?
-Neptune
Which TV show invited contestants to 'open the box' for the first time today in 1955?
-'Take Your Pick'
24 September
Born Vera Jayne Palmer, which blonde actress married for the third time today in 1964?
-Jayne Mansfield
Born today in 1936, who created the Muppets?
-Jim Henson
Which reclusive billionaire was born in Texas today in 1905?
-Howard Hughes
Released today in 1993 which film stars Harrison Ford as Dr Richard Kimble?
-'The Fugitive'
Today in 1983, which song provided Culture Club with a Number One UK chart hit?
-'Karma Chameleon'
25 September
Which Sherlock Holmes story about a fearsome dog was first published today in 1888?
-'The Hound of the Baskervilles'
Which actress and 'Darling Bud' was born in Swansea today in 1969?
-Catherine Zeta Jones
Bishen Bedi was born today in 1946. In which sport did he achieve fame?
-Cricket
In which country did the secret tribal organisation, the Mau Mau, carry out its first major cattle attack today in 1952?
-Kenya
Who reached Number One in the UK pop charts today 1965 with 'Make it Easy on Yourself'?
-The Walker Brothers
26 September
Which Sondheim-Bernstein musical, based on 'Romeo and Juliet', was premiered on Broadway today in 1957?
-'West Side Story'
Launched today in 1934, what was the largest liner of her time?
-The Queen Mary
Today in 1974, Kenneth More played Father Brown on TV for the first time. Who created the character?
-G.K.Chesterton
Name the author of the 'Dr. Dolittle' books, who died today in 1947.
-Hugh Lofting
Today in 1960, which Caribbean politician made the longest ever speech at the United Nations?
-Fidel Castro (The speech lasted 4 hours and 29 minutes)
27 September
Who made her TV debut on 'Ready Steady Go' today in 1963, singing a Lennon and McCartney song 'Love of the Loved'?
-Cilla Black
Born today in 1907, who founded London's Mermaid Theatre?
-Bernard Miles
Who was the engineer on the Stockton-Darlington railway, opened today in 1825?
-George Stephenson
Whose murder did the Warren Commission report on today in 1964?
-John F.Kennedy's
In the contest for deputy leader of the British Labour Party, today in 1980, who did Denis Healey defeat?
-Tony Benn
28 September
Which patriotic English song was first performed today in 1745?
-'God Save the King/Queen'
American author Kate Wiggins was born today in 1856. She wrote a story about Rebecca Randall, who lived on which farm?
-Sunnybrook
Which Pope died today in 1978 after just 33 days in office?
-Pope John Paul I
Which battle ended today in 490BC and gave its name to a very long race?
-Marathon
Played by Richard Chamberlain, which medic made his TV debut today in 1961?
-Dr. Kildare
29 September
Which terpsichorean TV show made its first appearance today in 1950?
-'Come Dancing'
Born today in 1935, which rock'n'roller is known as 'The Killer'?
-Jerry Lee Lewis
Born today in 1810, which novelist was the first to write a biography of Charlotte Bronte?
-Elizabeth Gaskell
Which record breaking athlete and Tory MP was born today in 1956?
-Sebastian Coe
Which Soviet politician caused a stir by banging his shoe on the table at the UN today in 1960?
-Nikita Khrushchev
30 September
Angie Dickinson was born today in 1931. In which TV series did she star as Sergeant 'Pepper' Anderson?
-'Police Woman'
Today in 1967, who became the first DJ to be heard on Radio 1?
-Tony Blackburn
Which 'moody' actor was killed in a car crash today in 1955?
-James Dean
In which cult TV programme did the Tracy brothers make their debut today in 1965?
-'Thunderbirds'
Born today in 1935 who had fifties chart hits with 'A Certain Smile' and 'Winter Wonderland'?
-Johnny Mathis