Jerusalem, England, or "Dark satanic mills" Quiz

Answer: Sir Hubert Parry

Charles Hubert Parry was commissioned to compose a tune for Blake's text by Robert Bridges, the Poet Laureate. The purpose was to boost support for Britain's war efforts in WWI, and new patriotic music was one measure to help with this. Parry wrote the tune in March of 1916, and it became popular very quickly.

Elgar reorchestrated Parry's composition in 1922. Vaughan Williams is another English composer, but had nothing to do with "Jerusalem". Pauline Hall was Norwegian, and wrote music of an entirely different kind.

Answer: Jesus Christ

The name of Jesus is never mentioned, but "the holy lamb of God" and "the countenance divine" leave little room for doubt. The idea that Jesus came to England is not something Blake just thought up for himself, but alludes to the unknown years of Jesus, i.e. from childhood until his ministry began. Constantine did, in fact, visit Britain in AD 305 and 306. Brutus is, in this context, the mythical Trojan hero of the "Brut" tradition, who supposedly founded Britain, and lent his name to it.

Answer: The industrial revolution

The industrial revolution led to many things, not least mass migration to urban areas, where many people lived and worked under poor conditions. Blake observed this, and was appalled. He also felt that industrialisation, with the spread of towns and cities into the countryside, as well as pollution, was detrimental to the country.

Answer: The Royal Ulster Constabulary

There are many more, such as the trade unions, christian socialists, public schools, naturists, the women's suffrage movement, and still others. One controversial grouping is the British National Party, a far-right party, which some see as racist, if not fascist.

The Royal Ulster Constabulary used to be the police force in Northern Ireland (since 2001 the Police Service of Northern Ireland).

Answer: Wales

This business of national anthems is tricky, especially as there is no relevant legislation, at least not in the UK, and therefore no authority to appeal to. Even "God Save the Queen" (or the King) is only a de facto anthem. In Scotland, the leading contender as of 2014 seems to be "Flower of Scotland" (Roy Williamson, 1965), but there are others.

In Wales, though, "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau" has, according to a number of sources, attained a firm status as a national anthem. For instance, it is used at the opening of the Welsh Assembly.

Answer: Last night of the Proms

The idea of a series of concerts performed over eight weeks of summer, culminating in a big one, is probably not uniquely British, but the "Henry Wood Promenade Concerts presented by the BBC", or "the Proms", are seen as definitely British. Although the ones in the Royal Albert Hall in London are the best known, there are Proms in other cities as well. I watched the Last Night 2013 from the Albert Hall, and "Jerusalem" came towards the end, followed only by "God Save the Queen" and then an impromptu singing of "Auld Lang Syne". Goosebump moment!

Answer: Arrows of desire

The bow is of "burning gold", the spear is not accompanied by an adjective at all, and it is "mental fight". A sword is mentioned as well. All this talk of fighting has been read in different ways, and has been associated with fights for freedom, equality, identity, women's suffrage, escape from poverty, and much else, with or without violence.

Other interpretations also have been put forward.

Answer: Opinion is divided

In the BBC documentary "Jerusalem - An Anthem for England" (2005), one Canon Saward (no first name given) is against having it sung in church, because the words refer to something that isn't true (Jesus visiting England). Rev. Paul Walker, on the other hand, says if people want to sing it, no problem. Whether it's a hymn is also debatable.

Some say it does not call on God, and therefore is no hymn. Nevertheless, it is sung in many churches, notably in Westminster Abbey on 29 April, 2011. That was a wedding, and if you don't know whose, look it up!

Answer: Milton A Poem

This is a bit confusing, but it's true. "Milton" is a long poem, composed over several years (1804-1810), while the "Jerusalem...." is a prophetic book composed between 1804 and 1820. Both books were illustrated by Blake himself, who was a very fine artist. In fact, Blake the painter and illustrator may be just as well known today as Blake the poet and author.

Answer: Monty Python's Flying Circus

This is from season 1, episode 8, "Full Frontal Nudity", which was first aired on 7 December, 1969. The sketch involves a bride and groom wanting to buy a bed, from a group of shop attendants who seem not quite right in the head. Eventually, three attendants are singing, as well as the bride and groom, the fourth attendant standing with a bag over his head.