William McGonagall -The World's Best Bad Poet?

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. Born of rather poor Irish parents, what unusual middle name was William McGonagall given? Ruby Topaz Diamond Emerald

2. The McGonagal family moved to several sites in Scotland before settling in Dundee while William was still a boy. He later followed his father into his trade, which was...? Distillery Worker Handloom Weaver Bagpipe Maker Butcher

3. It was in June of 1877 that McGonagall decided that poetry was destined to become his life work. Which of these was his first published poem? An Address to the Rev. George Gilfillan The Railway Bridge of the Silvery Tay An Ode to the Queen (Victoria) Adventures of King Robert the Bruce

4. In addition to his Poetic muse, McGonagall was also possessed of ambitions towards acting success, with Shakespeare being his favourite author. Which of these roles was his first public appearance on stage? Hamlet Othello Richard III Macbeth

5. McGonagall dreamed of becoming Poet Laureate and when Alfred Lord Tennyson died, he walked all the way to Balmoral Castle to perform for Queen Victoria hoping to be considered for the post. Unsurprisingly he was turned away, but who did get the honour? Alfred Austin William Wordsworth William Morris Algernon Swinburne

6. On the occasion of his first public appearance in Glasgow in 1888, McGonagall recited, among other works, his poem "Tel-el-Kebir". This performance was compared in the press to the work of which other poet? Robert Burns Alfred, Lord Tennyson Walt Whitman Samuel Coleridge

7. In later years the great poet rejoiced in the title of 'Sir' William McGonagall. But to which order did he ascribe his knighthood? Knight of the White Elephant of Burmah Knight of the Thistle Commander of the Order of St. Andrew Knight Companion of the Imperial Russian Eagle

8. Thinking that perhaps Britain offered too small a scope for a poet of his genius, McGonagall resolved to visit the United States. How long did he stay in New York before writing home to a friend in Dundee, begging him "to take me home from out of this second Babylon"? 2 weeks 5 weeks 4 weeks 3 weeks

9. McGonagall died 29th September 1902 at 5 South College Street. In which Scottish city? Dundee Edinburgh Glasgow Perth

10. A 1974 film, "The Great McGonagall", featured Spike Milligan as McGonagall, but who filled the role of Queen Victoria? Peter Sellers Miriam Margolyes Judi Dench Patricia Routledge