England's History - the 19th Century Quiz

Answer: 1890s

Construction to the bridge started in 1886 but it took eight years to build. Connecting the London boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Southwark across the River Thames, it was designed as part suspension bridge and part bascule. Designed Sir Horace Jones, it is one of London's most iconic landmarks along the Thames, as well as the London Eye, Greenwich Flood Barrier and the O2 Arena.

(Question by Rockette: Plodd)

Answer: 1880s

The first victim of Jack the Ripper was prostitute, Mary Ann Nichols, otherwise known as Polly. Polly was last seen in the early hours of August 31st, 1888, and her body was found by a taxi driver along a narrow street called Buck's Row. Her throat had been slit and her body mutilated. Jack the Ripper was never caught, although there have been several theories about his identity.

(Question by Rockette: Plodd)

Answer: 1820s

Roman Catholics in Britain had suffered discrimination (and worse) since the Tudor times when King Henry VIII split from Rome and set up the Church of England. By the early 19th century the issue of Catholic Emancipation had become a serious and difficult political issue, particularly in relation to the British government's handling of Ireland since the Act of Union formed the United Kingdom in 1800. The Roman Catholic Relief Act, 1829 was introduced by the Prime Minister, the Duke of Wellington; it repealed the effects of earlier legislation such as the Test Acts and included provisions such as allowing Catholics to sit in the Houses of Parliament.

(Question by Rockette: Fifiona81)

Answer: 1800s

The Battle of Trafalgar might have taken place in the waters off the coast of Spain, but it remains a massive event in UK history as it confirmed British naval supremacy, dealt a serious blow to Napoleon's aim of invading Britain and inflicted serious casualties and losses on the French and Spanish navies. Unfortunately, it also cost Britain dearly because of the loss of the heroic commander Admiral Lord Nelson, who was killed during the thick of the battle while standing on the deck of his flagship HMS Victory. The battle is commemorated in the name of Trafalgar Square in central London, which also contains the prominent landmark and memorial Nelson's Column.

(Question by Rockette: Fifiona81)

Answer: 1810s

Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814) and Emma (1815) were all written by the English novelist, Jane Austen. Born in Steventon, Hampshire in 1775, Austen's works portrayed the women of her era, and their burning desire to find a rich husband to maintain their economic security in life. She brought us the well-known heroines Lizzy Bennet, Fanny Price, Emma Woodhouse, Catherine Morland, Anne Elliot and the Dashwood sisters.

(Question by Rockette: Plodd)

Answer: 1830s

William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, became Prime Minister in 1834. He was commonly known as Lord Melbourne, the mentor to the newly crowned Queen Victoria. His private life was more publicised than his political career due to his wife, Lady Caroline Lamb, having an affair with the poet, Lord Byron. Lord Melbourne died in 1848 but his legacy lives on through the naming of the Australian city, Melbourne, after him.

(Question by Rockette: Plodd)

Answer: 1850s

Queen Victoria assumed the throne upon the death of her uncle, William IV, on June 20, 1937. She married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha on February 10, 1840. Alas, he was not popular with the public and there were Parliament debates about his status. It was not until seventeen years later, in 1857, that he would be granted the title of Prince Consort.

(Question by Rockette: mlcmlc)

Answer: 1840s

The "Penny Black" was introduced on May 1st, 1840, although it wasn't actually valid until May 6th of the same year. As the name suggests it cost one penny and was black. It also had a picture of the head of Queen Victoria on it, starting the tradition of putting the monarch's image on all British postage stamps. The purpose of the stamp was to simplify the incredibly complicated and expensive system of rates and charges for postage. On its launch, it allowed any letter weighing half an ounce or less to be sent any distance across the country for the one penny charge.

(Question by Rockette: Fifiona81)

Answer: 1870s

Webb was born in Shropshire in 1848, and made his successful swim on 24th August 1875. He left from Dover and arrived at Calais just under twenty-two hours later. Not satisfied with this achievement, Webb went on to make a career out of record breaking swimming events. Eventually, this cost him his life as he drowned in 1883 at Niagara Falls.

(Question by Rockette: rossian)

Answer: 1860s

Elizabeth Garrett Anderson (1836-1917) began her medical career as a nurse in Middlesex Hospital in 1860. She tried there to expand her knowledge, but eventually protests from the male students resulted in her departure. She left with an honours certificate.

When she tried to enrol in several medical schools, they all refused to admit her. She finally began her training as a doctor through the Society of Apothecaries. In 1865 she obtained her license to practice medicine after taking the exam. The Society of Apothecaries promptly changed their regulations to disallow women.

(Question by Rockette: mlcmlc)