A Journey Around Lancashire Trivia Quiz

Answer: Preston

Preston became a city in 2002 as part of the celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee. It is also home to the University of Central Lancashire.
One of its notable sons is Nick Park, Oscar winner and creator of Wallace and Gromit. The robot dog in the Wallace and Gromit film "A Close Shave" was called Preston.

Answer: Bacup

Bacup is a funny little town (in a nice way). The Coconut Dancers are a traditional English dance troupe who beat the bounds of the town accompanied by the local silver band on Easter Sunday. Other claims to fame of Bacup include being the filming location of a number of TV shows including parts of "The League of Gentlemen", "Juliet Bravo", "Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit" and "Hetty Wainthrop".

Answer: Camelot

Camelot theme park has been in operation since 1983. It has had a troubled financial history which has included a management buy out and entering receivership in 2009. It closed in 2012.

Answer: The Quakers

"As we travelled, we came near a very great hill, called Pendle Hill, and I was moved of the Lord to go up to the top of it; which I did with difficulty, it was so very steep and high. When I was come to the top, I saw the sea bordering upon Lancashire. From the top of this hill the Lord let me see in what places he had a great people to be gathered." - George Fox: An Autobiography
George Fox was the founder of The Quaker movement and Pendle is commemorated by their religious and spiritual study and contemplation centre in the United States being named for the hill.

Answer: Blackpool

What can I say about Blackpool that won't get me sued for libel? It's not really my cup of tea, however, The Empress Ballrooms make a great music venue and feature in a DVD by The White Stripes. Blackpool Opera House is in The Jimi Hendrix Experience video which includes footage from a concert in 1967.

Answer: Gragareth

Gragareth is locked in a battle with Green Hill about which is the highest point in the county. It has a height of 627 metres which makes it one metre lower that Green Hill. However, the argument lies in the fact that Green Hill's summit is right on the border of Lancashire and Cumbria, both hills have their backers but Gragareth is undisputably in Lancashire so normally wins the argument.

Answer: Morecambe

Morecambe and Wise were the leading British comedy duo from the early 1960s until Eric's death in 1984. Their Christmas specials were mandatory viewing and attracted big name guests including The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, Elton John, The Beatles and Tom Jones.
Eric Morcambe died in 1984 after performing in a show with his friend Stan Stennant. He made six encores before shouting "That's your lot!" to the audience and leaving the stage. He reportedly joked, "Thank goodness that's over" in the wings before collapsing and dying of a heart atack. He was 58.

Answer: River Ribble

The River Ribble is around 75 miles long and starts near the appropriately named Ribblehead Viaduct which is at the foot of the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks (please see my quiz "A Journey Around Yorkshire"). Its lower reaches were originally dredged so that Preston formed a port but have since silted up.

Answer: Crosby

Quite literally I am in "Another Place", the name of an art installation by acclaimed artist Antony Gormley. In my view it is absolutely amazing. Each figure is around six feet high and stands looking out to sea, they are dotted around the beach so that some are in the process of being covered by water or standing in the sand depending on the state of the tide.

Some are buried in the sand up to their chests. The beauty of it is that each time you visit it will be entirely different due to the tide and weather. Of course there are those who dislike it including local water sports enthusiasts who cite the danger of the semi-submerged statues.

Answer: Aigburth, Liverpool

Old Trafford Cricket Ground is completely separate from the football ground where Manchester United play being about half a mile away. In 2011 it was undergoing major redevelopement. It is unusual in that the pavillion lies parallel to the wickets which means the club members get a terrible view.

The wickets are also alligned east/west which means the batsmen get the sun in their eyes during the late afternoon. It is also regarded as the wettest of all the test grounds in England. Apart from that it's perfect. The Aigburth Ground in Liverpool was described by Sir Donald Bradman as one of his favourite grounds in the world.