Common As Muck Trivia Quiz

Answer: Willow

Although willow trees are considered a traditional part of the British landscape, they were not introduced to Britain until early in the eighteenth century. Willow wood is favoured as it is light and doesn't splinter under the impact of a cricket ball.

The origins of the game of cricket are unclear. Although it dates back to at least the sixteenth century and possibly earlier, it gathered popularity in the late seventeenth century. The earliest recording of an inter-county cricket match is reported as being between Kent vs Surrey on 29th June, 1709. The first written rules were recorded in 1744.

Answer: Rupert

"Rupert Bear" first appeared in the Daily Express newspaper in 1920 and is still going strong today. He has also appeared in several of his own TV series.

Rupert Brooke (1887-1915). Although he is thought of as a war poet, the bulk of his poetry was published before World War I. He had limited battle experience. He died from septicaemia as a result of an infected mosquito bite, whilst en route to fight at Gallipoli.

Prince Rupert of the Rhine was a nephew of King Charles I and cousin to King Charles II and King James II. He was commander of the Royalist cavalry during the English Civil War. He spent some time as a buccaneer in the Caribbean before returning to England during the Restoration.

Answer: Cordelia

At the start of the play, Cordelia is King Lear's favourite daughter. However, because she is truthful, she refuses to partake in outrageous flattery of her father in order to win a larger share in the kingdom, King Lear disowns her.

Regan and Goneril are Cordelia's treacherous older sisters, and of course Ophelia is a character from "Hamlet".

Answer: Anya Seton

Anya Seton's real name was Ann Seton. She was born in New York in 1904 and died in 1990. She was noted for her historical novels. Some were completely fictional, but others, such as "Katherine", were fictionalised accounts of the lives of real people.

The other three names are pen names of Eleanor Hibbert, née Burford, who was born in London in 1906 and died in 1993. Jean Plaidy's fictionalised tales of the lives of British Royalty inspired me to love history in a way that school history lessons never did!

Answer: Spike

Is there any other name for a bulldog? Well, perhaps Butch, or Killer - Spike has also been billed under these names.

Fang is Hagrid's dog in the "Harry Potter" series, Freeway was the dog belonging to Jonathan and Jennifer in "Hart to Hart" and Roly was a poodle, one of the original cast members of the UK soap "Eastenders".

Answer: Adam Faith

Terry Nelhams was born in London in 1940. Although he released many singles, he is probably best remembered for the 1959 No. 1 hit single "What Do you Want?". His acting credits include the TV series "Budgie" (1970-1972) and the films "Stardust" (1974) and "McVicar" (1980). He underwent heart surgery in 1986 and died of a heart attack in March 2003.

Answer: Hill of Tara

The Hill of Tara is situated in County Meath. It is an important archaeological site, with finds dating back to the neolithic period. Those wishing to visit should not confuse it with Tara Hill, which is situated in Co. Wexford.

Answer: Dawn

Aurora's Greek counterpart was Eos. The Roman goddess of childbirth was Lucinia (Greek counterpart Ilithyia), Luna was the Roman goddess of the moon (Greek counterpart Selene). Hespera is the Greek goddess of the dusk - I couldn't find a Roman counterpart, but please enlighten me if you know of one.

Answer: Glory

"Glory" is loosely based on the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment, one of the first regiments to consist entirely of African Americans. Denzel Washington won the Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for this film.

Answer: Buffy The Vampire Slayer

WILLOW is Buffy's best friend throughout the series.
RUPERT Giles is Buffy's "Watcher", a type of mentor.
CORDELIA is a high school acquaintance of Buffy and Willow.
ANYA is an ex-vengeance demon who has returned to human form.
SPIKE is a charismatic vampire and sometime love interest of Buffy.
ADAM is the name of the "big bad" in season four and "FAITH" is another Slayer. (Two for the price of one in that clue!)
TARA is Willow's love interest from seasons four to six.
DAWN is Buffy's intensely annoying younger sister, introduced in season five.
GLORY is the "big bad" of season five. She is a former god who has been cast out of her hell dimension and into the earthly one.