Historical Miscellany Trivia Quiz

Answer: William Rufus

A "new" theory (see Hugh Ross Williamson's "Historical Enigmas", reprinted by Penguin in 2000 as "Who was the Man in the Iron Mask and other Historical Mysteries") suggests that Rufus, a patron of Cathar troubadours from the south of France, could have "given" himself in a ritualistic self-sacrifice linked to the Cathar and Druidic belief that in times of crisis the king must give his blood for his land. Years of poor harvests and a general feeling of unease were recorded by period chroniclers. It is further interesting to note that William Rufus' nephew died in a similar manner the preceeding year: did he die trying to save his sovereign from having to participate in the ritual?

Answer: James Tyrell, Constable of Guisnes

A re-evaluation of period sources suggest that the Princes were likely murdered on Henry's orders. When Henry entered London he proclaimed (in a decree aimed to legitmise his seizure of the throne) a litany of Richard's supposed crimes and denounced them: surprisngly he omitted the Princes, Richard's supposed most dastardly act. Where they still alive perhaps?

Richard had nothing to fear from them because he had ensured they had been declared illegitimate. After his victory Henry needed, for political reasons, to re-instate the legitimacy of the Prince's familial claim to the throne. At this point they became a distinct liability and a possible rallying point for the remaining Yorkists. Exeunt the Princes. For more info on this subject I suggest reading Williamson's book (see Q.1 answer).

Clarence was another of his supposed victims, though again Williamson says the blood trail leads to Henry. Stanley was the name of the man who defected on Bosworth Field, bringing his troops over to Henry Tudor. Rumour has it that it was Stanley who plucked the crown from a rose bush and gave it to Henry. Henry would later execute him for high treason (his links to the Yorkists in French exile were too srong).

Answer: Cicero!

Cicero provided intellectual support for the anti-Caesarian faction and had sided with Pompey. He was, however, not trusted to keep his mouth shut and he had proved a bit of a grumbler before Pharsalus so the conspirators decided to surprise him: a fact he complained about bitterly in his letters afterwards.

Answer: David Riccio

Apparently, Darnley (Mary's husband) was worried about losing the throne to Mary's unborn child, so he orchestrated the brutal murder of her Italian secretary, Riccio, hoping the horror of it would cause her to lose her child. Riccio was stabbed some 57 times. Anyone who has ever been to Holyrood and seen the room where it happened will tell you that it sends a shiver down your spine.

Answer: Commonwealth

Cromwell was a good general but a poor statesman; and his son was even less worthy. The Commonwealth was doomed to fail, and Charles II returned, by invitation, to the rejoicing of all.

Answer: India

The Duke's brother was a British East India Company executive who landed him the job of fighting the various aggressive indigenous princes and their French advisors.

Answer: Robespierre

Robespierre's foes bandaged his shattered jaw together, convicted him in a kangaroo court and executed him. Saint Just fell with him. Both were responsible for the executions of Danton and his friend Camille.

Answer: Magenta and Solferino

The founder, a Swiss, was present and witnessed the horrible carnage as France and Piedmont fought Austria for control of Italy.

Answer: My Loyalty is my Honour

Loyal they may have been, but loyal to an unspeakable evil.

Answer: Catherine de Medici

The film "La Reine Margot" depicts the day's events quite well. A bloody moment in history!