Down Memory Lane Trivia Quiz

Answer: The Monument

The Monument was designed by Robert Hooke and Christopher Wren between 1671 and 1677. It is a Doric column with 311 steps which lead to a viewing platform at the top. A flaming urn made from copper sits atop the viewing platform which signifies the Great Fire. The Monument is exactly 202 feet high and is situated 202 feet from where the fire started in Pudding Lane.

Answer: The House at the Back

Sir George Downing bought some land in 1684 and developed a row of 15 townhouses. These townhouses were designed by Sir Christopher Wren. The Countess of Lichfield lived in a nearby mansion which bordered St. James's Park. The mansion, known as "The House at the Back", was combined with one of the townhouses and another cottage to become what we know today as 10 Downing Street.

The British Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer both have their official residence in Downing Street, London.

Answer: Drury Lane

The Theatre Royal in Drury Lane is not to be confused with the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden, which was renamed The Royal Opera House, or the Theatre Royal in Haymarket which is called The Haymarket. Theatre Royal in Drury Lane was rebuilt in 1794 and is believed to be one of the most haunted theatres in the world. Theatrical productions have included "Oklahoma!", "South Pacific", "42nd Street", "Miss Saigon", "Oliver" and "Shrek the Musical". Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber bought the theatre in 1999.

Answer: Oxford Street

Oxford Street was formerly called Tyburn Street as the route was used by prisoners from Newgate Prison who were to be hanged at the Tyburn gallows. The Earl of Oxford bought and developed the land in the 18th century and turned the area into a hive of entertainment venues. Today, the street is home to many fashionable stores and is a major tourist attraction.

Answer: True

'Peticote Lane' was well known even back in the 17th century for clothing, weaving and lace making. Situated in the East End of London, the area has survived many upheavals including the Great Plague in 1665 and the Blitz during World War II. The market is still popular in the 21st century and if you spend long enough with the street vendors, you will be learn "ter rabbit and pork like a true Londoner!".

Cockney rhyming slang (rabbit and pork = talk)

Answer: August

Notting Hill carnival is a street festival held over the August bank holiday weekend. Its history dates back to the late 1950s when racial unrest and street riots took place between families from the West Indies and white extremists. Claudia Jones, originally from Trinidad, founded the carnival in 1959 following the racial riots.

Answer: 84 Charing Cross Road

"84 Charing Cross Road" was a 1970 book by Helene Hanff. The story told of a long distance friendship which developed between an American woman who was collecting British classics, and the British book seller who had a shop at 84 Charing Cross Road. The real Charing Cross Road in London is still a place to go if you want to purchase second hand or specialist books. This includes one of the world's largest book stores called Foyles, established by William and Gilbert Foyle in 1903.

Answer: Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

It is believed that the original pub was built around 1538 but was burned down during the Great Fire of London in 1666. It was rebuilt a year later in 1667. The pub still stands today and is popular with both locals and tourists. It is full of character; small rooms with fireplaces, nooks and crannies, dark wooden beams and flagstone floors.

Answer: 146 Harley Street

Harley Street in London has been well known as a location for many private medical practices since the 19th century. Lionel Logue was an accomplished speech therapist who worked with patients suffering from shell shock following the Great War. He moved to England with his family in 1924 where he worked with, and then became friends with King George VI until his death.

Answer: Piccadilly

Piccadilly is believed to have been named after Robert Baker, a tailor who made broad collars in the 16th and 17th century called piccadills. The Ritz hotel was owned by a Swiss hotelier called César Ritz, who opened the hotel in 1906. It became quintessentially British when the Palm Court started serving afternoon tea.

The menu has included "cucumber sandwich with cream cheese, dill and chives on caraway seed bread" followed by "freshly baked raisin and plain scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve". Followed of course by a nice cup of rosie lea.