Smuggling, Shipwrecks, Dolphins and Ponies Quiz

Answer: Romney Marsh

The Romney Marsh region is famous for its sheep, which have been exported all over the world. The region covers around 260 square kilometres.

Answer: Tamzin Grey

Tamzin is first introduced in 'Wish for a Pony'. In later years, Monica Edwards was unhappy with this title and wanted to rewrite it, however, her publishers did not wish her to do this.

Rissa is Tamzin's best friend, while Lindsey Thornton features in the 'Punchbowl Farm' series.

Answer: Mary Stanford disaster

The Mary Stanford lifeboat disaster happened in 1928, when the author was a teenager. The lifeboat put out to sea to assist a small ship which had been involved in a collision. Sadly all of the crew died after the boat capsized.

Foot and mouth featured in a second book in the series, while a potential rabies scare was featured in 'Storm Ahead'.

The author's father was the vicar who presided over the mass funeral that was held for the lifeboat crew.

Answer: Martello Towers

Over 100 Martello Towers were built around the British Isles as part of a defence network. Most towers were built under the supervision of General Twiss. Many towers (including the one featured in Monica Edwards' books) still exist. The design is of a round, squat tower with two floors and they could garrison up to 15 troops.

Answer: Foot and mouth disease

Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious illness which affects cloven-hoofed animals including sheep, pigs and cattle. There was an outbreak of this disease in 1953 which may be the inspiration for this novel, which was printed in 1954. Foot and mouth is still a serious issue for English farmers with outbreaks in 2001 and 2007.

In 'No Entry' Tamzin and her friends assist the Merrow family on their farm.

Answer: Yes

One of Tamzin's closest friends is the ferryman, Jim Deck. It is hinted in many books that Jim takes part in more than one illegal activity. In 'Summer of the Great Secret' Rissa and Tamzin accidentally become involved in one of Jim's smuggling operations.

Answer: Yes

The 'Cinque Ports' were given great freedom in their day-to-day activities, including the reduction of taxation. In turn, they were expected to act as a front line of defence if called upon by the Crown. King Edward I gave the ports the right to import goods without having to pay duty - perhaps this led to the smuggling industry?

Answer: Oil pollution

In this novel, Tamzin and her friends try to save birds from the effects of oil pollution. They set up a clinic to nurse as many of the seabirds back to health as they can.

Answer: France

While this book was published in 1955, it highlights the problems of over-fishing and its effect on fishing fleets. Interestingly, the first of the 'Cod Wars' flared up between England and Iceland in 1958.

Answer: Rye Harbour

Many of the buildings described in the Romney Marsh book still exist and can be visited.

Winchelsea was one of the 'Cinque Port' towns and is close to Rye. Rye Harbour is a small village about 1.5 miles from Rye itself. Dunsford is the name given to Rye in the books.

Hastings is featured regularly in the books and is where Roger and Merryon attend school.