Special Sub-Topic: World Firsts Click Here To Play: World Firsts

In what year was the first ever Women's Golf Tournament?

1811. On 9 January 1811 in a small Scottish town, the first ever Women’s Golf Tournament took place between local players! It is believed that Mary, Queen of Scots, played at the same course at Musselburgh in 1567!

Which country has the world's oldest airline?

The Netherlands. In 1919 KLM, Royal Dutch Airlines, began, making it the oldest scheduled airline in the world with a continuous history. The first flight, on 17 May 1920, was from from Amsterdam to London.

In what year was the first state lottery in England held?

1567. In 1567, Queen Elizabeth I organised the first English state lottery with prizes including cash, plates and tapestries. Over 400,000 tickets were offered for sale!

Which country introduced the first car registration plates?

France. In 1893 the world's first car registration plates were introduced in France.

In what year did the first pedestrian in Britain die after being hit by a car?

1896. The first pedestrian to die after being hit by a car in Britain was Bridget Driscoll. In 1896 she panicked at the sight of an oncoming car and froze. The car was travelling at a speedy four miles per hour!

What nationality was the winner of the first Hot-Air Balloon race?

American. Held in 1906, the first hot-air balloon race, in Yorkshire, was won by an American, Frank Lahm, who was a member of the military.

What nationality was the inventor of the paperclip?

Norwegian. Johan Vaaler, a Norwegian, invented the paperclip in 1899 and patented the design in Germany as Norway had no patent laws!

In what year was the first telescope demonstrated?

1608. In October 1608 a Dutch spectacle maker, Hans Lippershey, assembled and demonstrated the first telescope, but it is believed he was probably not the first person to assemble a telescope!

In what year was the first electrocution of a condemned man in an electric chair?

1890. William Kemmler, who killed his lover with an axe, was electrocuted in 1890 in New York, the first person ever to be executed by electrocution.

What was the nationality of the 'patenter' of carbon paper in 1860?

British. In 1860, 'carbonated paper' was patented by Ralph Wedgewood of London, even though carbon paper had been invented by an Italian in 1806.

Was the windshield wiper invented by a woman?

y. Mary Anderson was granted a patent for a window cleaning device in November 1903. Her invention was intended to improve the vision of drivers during bad weather. The windsheld wiper was a standard piece of equipment on all American cars by 1916.

Who was the original Barbie doll named after?

Barbara Handler. In 1959, Ruth Handler invented the Barbie doll and named her after her daughter. The Ken doll was named after Ruth's son!

Did a woman invent the original 'pyrotechnic' flare?

n. Martha Coston patented her husband’s idea for a pyrotechnic flare after he died. She developed the idea and called it 'Night Signals' as it allowed ships to communicate at night. The US Navy bought the patent rights.

Who invented the first video home security system?

Marie Brown. The first video home security system was patented in December 1969. The inventor, Marie Brown, used television surveillance.

Did a dentist invent the first golf tee?

n. Dr George Grant was a keen golfer who was also interested in the physics of golf. He wanted to improve the game and as a result he patented an improved golf tee - the world's first 'patent' for a golf tee!