A Bunch of Roses Trivia Quiz

Answer: Woburn Abbey

Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire, now famous for its safari park, was founded in 1145 by Hugh de Bolebec as a Cistercian monastery. Edward VI granted the Abbey to Sir John Russell, the first Earl of Bedford, in 1547. William Russell was the fifth Earl and first Duke.

The 14th Duke of Bedford died in June 2003, being succeeded by his son Andrew. 'Woburn Abbey' is a fragrant rose having copper-orange to yellow flowers.

Answer: Perdita

In Shakespeare, Leontes is the husband of Hermione, whom he suspect of having an affair with his friend, Polixenes. Hermione gives birth to a daughter, Perdita, who Leontes disowns. An intriguing tale, well worth reading. In '101 Dalmatians', Perdita and Pongo are the parents of the original 15 puppies. The 'Perdita' rose is white with a tinge of apricot.

Answer: Financial Times

The Financial Times (no connection to The Times broadsheet newspaper), was launched in London in 1888. Pink paper has been used continuously since 1893, and the FT is now printed in 18 cities worldwide. The 'Financial Times Centenary' is a large-flowered dark pink rose.

Answer: Nefertiti

Nefertiti and Amenhotep were the parents of Ankhesenamun who married Tutankhamun. The 'Queen Nefertiti' rose has yellow petals tinged with pink.

Answer: Breathless

The Corrs are a family group from Dundalk, Republic of Ireland. Members are Jim, Caroline, Sharon and Andrea. 'Breathless' was their first UK Number One in July 2000. 'Talk on Corners' was the best-selling album of 1998. 'Breathless' is a slightly-fragranced cerise rose.

Answer: Galaxy

The Galaxy, Alhambra and Sharan models are the result of a joint venture between Ford, Seat and Volkswagen respectively. 'Galaxy' is a dark red variety of rose.

Answer: Hannah Gordon

Born in Edinburgh in 1941, Hannah Gordon played Virginia Bellamy in 'Upstairs, Downstairs', James Mason's daughter in the 1969 film 'Spring and Port Wine' and more recently fronted the TV art competition show 'Watercolour Challenge'. The 'Hannah Gordon' rose has white blooms with a light red edge.

Answer: St Cecilia

St Cecilia (feast day 22nd November) is commemorated in poem by John Dryden and in music by Handel. The rose named after her varies in colour from apricot-pink to white. St Isidore (of Seville) is the patron saint of computers, computer users and the Internet. St Clare is patron of embroiderers, eye disorders and television. St Martha is the patron saint of cooks, housewives and servants.

Answer: scepter'd isle

The full passage from 'Richard II'; Act 2, Scene 1 reads:

This royal throne of kings, this scepter'd isle,
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
This other Eden, demi-paradise,
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war,
This happy breed of men, this little world,
This precious stone set in the silver sea,
Which serves it in the office of a wall,
Or as a moat defensive to a house,
Against the envy of less happier lands,
This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.

'Scepter'd Isle' is a pale pink variety of rose.

Answer: The Mayor of Casterbridge

Lucetta Le Sueur changed her name to Templeman on arrival in Casterbridge to project herself as an English lady. Whilst living in Jersey, the Frenchwoman had been cast as a 'loose woman'. Abel Whittle is the recipient of Michael (the eponymous character)Henchard's 'verbal abuse and humiliation'. The 'Mayor of Casterbridge' is a pale pink rose with a light fragrance.