London Quiz | London | 10 Questions

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Sometimes referred to as 'Old Father' which river flows through London?

Answer: Thames

The Thames is the longest river in England and the second longest in the United Kingdom. In the past it was important for trade, but now it is mainly used for sightseeing boats and rowing.

2. There is a big clock tower on the Houses of Parliament building. What is the name of the bell in the clock?

Answer: Big Ben

Most people call the clock tower 'Big Ben' but it is actually the name of the bell itself. Much trouble has been had over the years with cracks in the bell. In 2017 it fell silent for a while so that renovations could be carried out on the whole tower.

3. There are a large number of black birds at the Tower of London. Do you know what kind of birds they are?

Answer: Ravens

There is a legend that if the ravens leave the Tower the Kingdom will fall. However, it is unlikely that they will leave as they are kept well fed by the Yeomen of the Guard, also known as Beefeaters, who guard the tower.

4. There is an arts area on the bank of the river where The Festival Hall, The National Theatre and the Globe Theatre may be found. Is it situated on the south bank?

Answer: Yes

The Festival Hall was erected in 1951 on the south bank as part of the celebrations of the 'Festival of Britain', which was put on to cheer people up a bit after the second world war. It is a venue for music and dance. In 1963 the National Theatre was erected and the first production there was Shakespeare's "Hamlet".

The Globe Theatre was first built in 1599 by Shakespeare's company. The present one was built in 1993, and is an as true as possible recreation of the original.

5. What is the name of the Queen's London residence?

Answer: Buckingham Palace

The Palace first originated as Buckingham House which was built in 1703. It was first transformed into Buckingham Palace in the 1820s by John Nash for King George IV. It was not used as the residence for the monarch until the time of Queen Victoria. Buckingham Palace is in the centre of London and surrounded by two royal parks.

6. Who is the hero on the tall column in Trafalgar Square?

Answer: Lord Nelson

The hero is Lord Nelson who was a brilliant naval strategist and an inspirational leader. He lead the British to victory in several battles during the Napoleonic Wars and was shot and killed at the Battle of Trafalgar.

7. In 1958 a bear from darkest Peru arrived in London by train. He was wearing a label which said 'Please look after this bear. Thankyou'. What is the name of the railway station where he arrived?

Answer: Paddington

The bear was adopted by the Brown family and called 'Paddington' after the station where they found him. He went on to have a very successful career, starring in books, movies and TV.

8. Where can the famous poets' corner, where many famous poets are interred or commemorated with a memorial, be found?

Answer: Westminster Abbey

The first poet interred there was Geoffrey Chaucer. Also to be found are Ted Hughes, Elizabeth Gaskell, Edmund Spenser. Lord Byron died in 1824, but was not given a memorial in Westminster Abbey until 1964. This was because he had a dissolute lifestyle which was not approved of.

9. How many lions are on guard in Trafalgar Square?

Answer: Four

These lions, which surround Nelson's column, were sculpted by Edwin Landseer who was more known as a painter. They are a popular feature in the square, much climbed on and photographed.

10. The Royal Opera House is the home of both the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet. It is situated in the Covent Garden area which for many years was a wholesale market. What kind of produce was sold there?

Answer: Fruit and Vegetables

Covent Garden Fruit and Vegetable Market had been important in London life since 1670. In modern times it became impossible for it to function in such a built up area and in 1974 it was removed to the area of Nine Elms, which is north of the river. The Covent Garden area was then redeveloped as a tourist area with shops, restaurants and craft stalls.

There are also many buskers to be seen. The Opera House which has stood there throughout all these changes underwent a large programme of renovation in the year 2000, as part of the millennium celebrations.

Source: Author Serenesh

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor agony before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

London Trivia Quiz

Here are a few questions about my home town. I hope you enjoy the quiz.

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