Legendary Englishfolk Trivia Quiz

Answer: William Shakespeare

Shakespeare, who is best known for his plays and his sonnets, had three children with his wife, Anne Hathaway. Susanna was the oldest child, born in 1583. Hamnet and Judith were twins. Sadly, Hamnet died aged 11. Susanna and Judith had four children between them, but none survived into adulthood; Shakespeare has no direct descendants alive today.

Answer: Theresa May

May became Prime Minister in 2016 following the resignation of David Cameron. She attempted to guide the UK through Brexit, but ultimately failed to reach an agreement. She was replaced by Boris Johnson.

Answer: Gareth Southgate

Southgate took on the England manager job in 2016. He took the team to the semi finals of the 2018 World Cup, losing to Croatia. In 2021 he took England to the European Championship Final, where they lost to Italy on penalties. In 2024 he took them to another European Championship Final, losing to Spain.

Answer: Elizabeth I

Elizabeth I reigned from 1558-1603. She gave a famous speech in which she said, "I know I have but the body of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king." This morale boosting speech showed strong and decisive leadership. In 1558, the Spanish Armada attacked England. The English, led by Sir Francis Drake, successfully defended England.

Answer: Michael Caine

Caine had a long and distinguished career as an actor, appearing in more than 100 films including "The Italian Job" and "Zulu". He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting actor for these two films. In "Hannah and her Sisters" he played the role of Elliot and in "The Cider House Rules" he played Dr Wilbur Larch. He received 6 further nominations for Academy Awards throughout his career.

Answer: Florence Nightingale

Nightingale was a nurse and nurse manager during the Crimean War. She significantly improved hygiene standards and therefore improved survival rates among wounded soldiers. She was one of the first in the medical profession to understand the importance of handwashing before treating her patients. After the Crimean War, she started a nursing school at St Thomas' Hospital in London.

Answer: Oliver Cromwell

Cromwell was a prominent figure of the movement against the monarchy during the 1640s. He joined the Parliamentary Army, and by 1645 he had been appointed as Commander of the New Model Army. The Parliamentary Army won a decisive victory, and in 1649, the monarchy was overthrown. He led a controversial campaign against Ireland that still leaves a bitter taste today with many Irish people.

In 1653 he became Lord Protector. He was known as a strict Puritan and his policies conformed to his religion. He is known to have not celebrated Christmas.

Answer: Emily Davison

Davison was a passionate campaigner for the Suffragette Movement in England. She was known for direct action including use of bombs. In 1913 she walked on to the track during the Epsom Derby and was struck by the King's horse, Anmer. She died two days later from a fractured skull.

There are many theories about her actions, though it is most commonly believed that she was attempting to place a suffragette flag on the horse.

Answer: David Attenborough

Attenborough is seen as a national treasure in the UK. He is widely known for his broadcasting career, particularly in nature. "Planet Earth" immersed viewers in habitats around the world, showcasing the ups and downs of the animal kingdom.
"The Blue Planet" focused on the oceans, giving viewers an insight into life under the sea.

Answer: Princess Diana

Princess Diana was in a taxi in Paris when the vehicle was followed by Paparazzi. The taxi driver tried to speed away from them, but in doing so crashed inside a tunnel which left Diana with fatal injuries.

Diana was known for her activism and her beauty and was known as "The People's Princess". Her legacy lives on through her sons, William and Harry.