Ross-on-Wye Trivia Quiz

Answer: Sandstone

The Market House was originally built in the early 1650s and has been used as the town library. It now houses a visitor centre with interesting historical information. Markets are still held twice weekly on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Answer: Noele Gordon

Noele Gordon appeared in "Crossroads" (1964), a fictional Midlands motel renowned for its flimsy sets. Pat Phoenix and Violet Carson both appeared in "Coronation Street" and Gretchen Franklin in "EastEnders". None of them has any connection with Ross to my knowledge.

Answer: John Kyrle

John Kyrle is well remembered in Ross with the local secondary school and a pub (among other places) named after him. He was a public benefactor and was responsible for bringing water and public amenities to the town and is referred to as a good example in Pope's work. John Masefield is associated with Ledbury, also in Herefordshire but was born much later.

Answer: St Mary

The church of St Mary the Virgin was founded in the 13th century and its spire is the first thing most people see when approaching the town from any direction.

Answer: Richard Hammond

Yes, it's the 'Hamster' himself. Clarkson lives in Oxfordshire, and no-one knows who 'The Stig' is, so I can't offer suggestions as to where he might live.

Answer: Royal Forest of Dean

The Forest of Dean is another place well worth a visit, with wild boar and deer to be seen, if you are lucky. You will undoubtedly see sheep, as they have the right to roam, under ancient rights dating back to Norman times. The other choices are nowhere near but are forests in England.

Answer: Marc Bolan

Marc Bolan was the lead singer of T-Rex, but never actually lived in the house. Brian Connolly was in Sweet and Noddy Holder was the former lead singer of Slade. David Bowie needs no further information.

Answer: Goodrich

Goodrich is one of the castles of the Welsh Marches, the much disputed area between England and Wales. It dates back to the 12th century and the keep, in particular, is well preserved. The other castles are all reasonably local to the town.

Answer: Dennis Potter

Dennis Potter was born in the Forest of Dean and died in Ross in 1994 only a few days after his wife's death. He is well-known for plays such as "Pennies from Heaven" and "The Singing Detective" which showed the characters singing along to famous songs as part of the action.

Answer: Plague

The cross is known as The Plague Cross or The Corpse Cross. The bodies of plague victims were buried in a communal grave, at night, in an attempt to prevent the spread of disease. The area was involved in the English Civil War, with Goodrich Castle being under siege. I am not aware of any major fire or flood disasters, although the Wye does flood regularly.