A Very English Acrostic Trivia Quiz

Answer: Eleven

Cricket is believed to have originated in England in the 16th century, though there are many explanations given for the actual origins of the sport. It then spread across the world as the British set up colonies in different regions. Major sporting teams continue to be from the former British colonies. Over the years, the game has developed newer formats to keep up with the times.

The three main formats are Test Cricket which is played over five days, One Day Cricket in which each side faces 50 overs, and the shorter Twenty20 format where each side faces 20 overs in an innings.

Answer: London

Cockney is a dialect of English that was mostly spoken by the working class in London. The dialect is known for its rhyming slang. For example, "apples and pears" means stairs and "china plate" means "mate".

Answer: India

The British East India Company first came to India to establish trade links in the early 17th century. By the mid 18th century, the group's ambitions had resulted in them governing large swathes of the country. In 1857, one of the largest organized rebellions took place against the Company, after which the British Crown directly took control of ruling India. Twenty years later, Benjamin Disraeli, the then British Prime Minister, had Queen Victoria proclaimed as the Empress of India. This title was held by the British monarchy till India achieved independence in 1947.

Indonesia was largely a Dutch colony known as the Dutch East Indies.

Answer: Zoo

The London Zoo is located on the northern border of Regent's Park. Established in 1826, it is considered the oldest scientific zoo in the world. It also holds other distinctions like being the world's first public aquarium and first children's zoo.

Answer: Ascot

The Ascot Racecourse is located in the town of the same name in Berkshire, England. It was founded by Queen Anne in the early 18th century and thus continues to have close association with the British Royal Family. The Royal Ascot is a prestigious race meeting held at the course annually.

The Ascot is a style of tie with wide pointed wings named after the racecourse. It is traditionally made of pale grey silk.

Answer: Bangers and Mash

Bangers and mash consists of sausages and mashed potatoes. The sausage may be made of pork, beef, or lamb. The dish is then usually covered in onion gravy. According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, the term bangers for sausages came into use during World War I. Due to food shortages, sausages came to be made with a higher percentage of water resulting in them popping or exploding when cooked.

Answer: Enid Blyton

Enid Blyton first published a book of poems called "Child Whispers" in 1922. She then went on to write many successful book series for young children. These included books set in boarding schools like "Malory Towers" series and "St. Clare's" series; mysteries like the "Secret Seven" and "Famous Five", and fantasy books like "The Faraway Tree" and "The Wishing Chair".

She remains one of the best selling children's authors. However, in recent times, her work has received flak for propagating racial and gender stereotypes.

Answer: Tea

The English were introduced to tea through trade with China. It was initially thought of as a medicinal drink. Tea became so popular in the country that the English had it cultivated in their colonies in India and Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon). In 18th century England, tea began to be consumed with sugar and milk, a practice that is now popular across the world.

Answer: Heathrow

Established in 1929 as a small airfield, Heathrow is today one of the world's busiest airports. It is one of six airports connecting the city of London. The other five are London City Airport, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and Southend. Heathrow is the central hub for major airlines like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

Answer: Elizabeth

Elizabeth I was the daughter of Henry VIII. She ascended the throne in 1558 after the deaths of her half-siblings Edward VI and Mary I, who had both ruled for brief periods before her. Elizabeth I was the last monarch of the House of Tudor and reigned until her death in 1603. She never married and was known as the "Virgin Queen".

Elizabeth II assumed the role of monarch at the death of her father George VI. Reigning for over 70 years, she became the longest reigning British monarch and is also considered the longest ruling female head of state globally. The Queen was much admired both within the UK and outside. On her death, the throne passed to her eldest son, Charles III.