Famous English People Trivia Quiz

Answer: Florence Nightingale

Born in 1820, Florence Shore was named from her place of birth, Florence, in Italy. Returning to England, Florence was educated by her father, taking the surname of Nightingale, her father having inherited the estate of his great uncle, Peter Nightingale. After touring Europe as a young woman, Florence started to train as a nurse in 1844, despite some opposition from her family.

Florence Nightingale is best remembered for her work as a nurse during the Crimean War. Having read reports of the conditions that the sick and wounded soldiers were being treated in, Florence - with a team of nurses and Catholic nuns - travelled to the Crimea to. Upon her arrival, Florence found that many soldiers were dying from lack of medicines, and unsanitary conditions. In addition, Florence also found the medical staff overworked, neglecting the care of those being treated.

Whilst working in the Crimea, Florence began formulating her ideas on nursing which would later be used. Her work there reduced the death rate from nearly 50% to around 2% within a year. It was whilst working in the Crimea, Florence gained the nickname, "The Lady With the Lamp" for her constant checks on the welfare of the soldiers as the recovered.

After the Crimean War, Florence returned to England where she began work training nurses and formulating guidelines for nursing. She also helped popularise William Playfair's Pie Chart system to show mortality rates using the Polar Pie Chart system.

Part of her contribution to nursing still exists today in the "Nightingale Pledge", a pledge taken by all those training to become a nurse, named in honour of Florence Nightingale's work in nursing care.

Answer: Winston Churchill

Born in 1874, Winston Churchill is one of the UK's most famous people and politicians. The son of Lord Randolph Churchill and Jennie Jerome, an American socialite. Churchill himself was born two months prematurely at Blenheim Palace - owned by the Dukes of Marlborough - the ancestral home of the Spencer family to which his father was a member.

As a child, Churchill lived in Ireland, where it is said he became interested in the military. Eventually, Churchill joined the British Army, serving overseas, including South Africa during the Boer War where he was captured. After his dramatic escape, Churchill returned to the army for a short while before returning to England

Once in England, Churchill decided to follow his father into politics, becoming the MP for Oldham in the 1900 General Election. In addition, Churchill also began a writing career. Whilst First Lord of the Admiralty in World War I, Churchill was one of those responsible for the Gallipoli landings. After the failure of the landings, Churchill was demoted, returning briefly to the army to command a battalion of the Scots Guards on the Western Front.

Although Churchill returned to politics after World War I - for a time being Chancellor of the Exchequer - Churchill spent much time in the political wilderness. It was only his advocating re-armament due to the rise of Germany under Adolf Hitler in the 1930s, that brought him back to the forefront, setting him on a path that would eventually lead his to become Prime Minister in 1940 after the resignation on Neville Chamberlain.

After the Second World War, Churchill's government was defeated in the 1945 General Election, only for Churchill to become Prime Minister again from 1951 to 1955.

As an author, Churchill was a prolific writer and historian, being awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1953 for his work. In addition, Churchill was a keen amateur artist using the alias of Charles Morin, and painted landscapes in an impressionist style.

Having retired from politics, Churchill later life was plagued by ill health, Churchill eventually passing away in 1965. In recognition of his service, Churchill was given a state funeral before being buried at his request in the Spencer family plot at St Martins Church, Bladon in Oxfordshire.

Answer: Helen Sharman

Born in 1963, Dr Helen Sharman grew up in Grenoside, a suburb of Sheffield in South Yorkshire. After being educated in the Grenoside Infant and Junior School, Helen moved to Greenhill, attending the Jordanthorpe Comprehensive. After gaining a BSc in chemistry from the University of Sheffield and a PhD from the University of London, Helen was employed as a chemist for Mars Incorporated and a research and development technician for GEC.

It was when Helen heard a radio advertisement for a British astronaut to take part in an Anglo-Soviet Union space mission, that she applied for the position. In 1989, Helen was selected after undergoing a process to evaluate who would be the best candidate for the position. For the next 18 months Helen underwent training at the Russian space facility at Star City.

Despite the project nearly being cancelled for lack of funds, Helen - along with two Russian cosmonauts - was launched into space on the 18th May 1991 in a Soyuz TM-12. After docking with the Mir Space Station, Helen took part in experiments involving medicine and agriculture.

Despite being shortlisted for two other space flights, Helen never returned to space. Helen later went on to promote science and release an autobiography entitled "Seize the Moment". In addition, Helen also wrote a book for children entitled, "The Space Place.

Another aspect of her later career saw Helen become a presenter on both television and radio. Helen also has worked for the National Physical Laboratory and Imperial College London. In addition. Helen was also awarded the OBE in 1993.

Answer: Francis Drake

Sir Francis Drake born in 1540 in the market town of Tavistock, Devon. However, as Drake's actual birth wasn't recorded at the time, some believe he was born around 1544. Drake's family fled Devon during the Prayer Book Rebellion of 1549 and settled in Kent, Drake became an apprentice to the master of a barque used to transport goods to France.

At the age of 23, Drake joined forces with his second cousin, Sir John Hawkins, making a number of trips to the Americas. It was there Drake first encountered the Spanish fleet after he and Hawkins were trapped at San Juan de Ulúa (Veracruz). Later, in 1572, Drake attacked the port of Nombre de Dios from where the Spain transported silver and gold from Peru to be shipped to Spain.

Between 1577 and 1580. Drake became the second person to command a circumnavigation of the world by sea, attacking Spanish ships in along the Pacific west coast. Although Drake set sail with a small group of ships, only his ship The Golden Hind - originally named The Pelican - survived the journey. For his exploits, Elizabeth I had Drake knighted on board The Golden Hind in 1581.

When war broke out between England and Spain, Drake set off on an expedition to attack Spanish colonies in the Americas in 1585. Two years later in 1587, Drake led a force of ships attack the Spanish fleet in the ports of Cadiz Corunna, delaying Spain's plans to invade England until the following year.

When the Spanish Armada set sail in 1588, Drake - under the command of Lord Howard of Effingham - attacked the fleet, harrying it as it sailed up the English Channel. Whilst the Spanish fleet was at anchor off Calais, Drake and Howard sent fire ships amongst the ship causing them break anchor, fleeing in disarray. After the Battle of Gravelines, the remaining Spanish ships were forced to sail around the British Isles, losing more ships.

In 1589, Drake unsuccessfully launched a counter attack on the Spanish fleet in order to sink the Spanish navy's remaining ships. This began to mark the decline of Drake's career. In 1596 - whilst on a campaign against Spainish colonies in the Americas - that Drake fell ill with dysentery, eventually passing away. As per his request, Drake was buried at sea in a lead coffin.

Although Drake is seen as a hero, he was not without controversy. Branded little more than a pirate by the Spanish, Drake was also involved in slave trading. In addition, Drake commanded ships that carried men that carried out the Rathlin Island Massacre under the command of Sir John Norrey. As a result of the massacre, around 600 soldiers and civilians were killed by Norrey's men.

Answer: Margot Fonteyn

Margot Fonteyn was born in Reigate, Surrey in 1919. Christened Margaret Evelyn Hookham, Margot took the name Margot Fonteyn early in her career. Margot began taking ballet classes at the age of four with her older brother. At the age of eight she moved with her parents to China, studying ballet under the Russian teacher, George Goncharov.

Returning to London at the age of 14, Margot continued to pursue her career, joining the Vic-Wells Ballet School - now the Royal Ballet School - in 1933, rising quickly through the ranks to take on principal roles, "Giselle", "The Sleeping Beauty" and "Swan Lake". By 1939, Margot had become a Prima Ballerina with the company.

During the 1940s and 1950s, Fonteyn regularly performed with Robert Helpmann and Michael Somes. However, the most famous partnership Margot formed was with Rudolf Nureyev, first performing with him in 1962 in "Giselle". The partnership lasted until Margot retired in 1979.

After her retirement, Margot moved to Panama to look after her husband Robert Arias who had been shot by a political rival in 1964. Margot met Arias whilst he was a diplomat stationed in London. Their relationship though was dogged by rumours that Arias was having affairs with other women. In addition, Arias had been linked to a political coup attempt in 1959. Documents released by the British Government in 2010 should that Margot herself had some knowledge and involvement with Arias' plans.

Margot helped fund Arias' care both before and after her retirement. However, as a result Margot was left without a pension when she retired. Shortly after her husband passed away in 1989, Margot was diagnosed with cancer, passing away in 1991. As per her request her ashes were buried in a cemetery overlooking the Panama Canal.

Answer: Charles Dickens

Born in Portsmouth in 1812, Charles Dickens' early life influenced much of his writing an author. Whilst young, Dickens was forced to work in a factory after his father got into debt and was imprisoned in a debtors' gaol in Southwark.

Despite lacking formal education, Dickens became a prolific author, publishing novels, short stories and editing a weekly journal. In addition, Dickens travelled frequently on tours, reciting his work. Furthermore, Dickens was a great campaigner for social rights, including children and education.

Dickens first success was the novel, "The Pickwick Papers", published in instalments before being released as a book. This was penned under his pseudonym of "Boz" which he first used as a parliamentary journalist.

"Oliver Twist" became Dickens second novel, published in serial form between 1837 to 1839. The story focused upon a young, orphaned boy named Oliver and his adventures from a workhouse, though to him joining a gang of thieves. Eventually Oliver finds a home with Mr Brownlow who cared for Oliver when he had been wrongly arrested for pick pocketing.

Apart from his own experiences, Dickens also use places he had lived in - or close by - such as the Medway Towns, Hoo Peninsular and London as settings for his novels. For many years, Dickens had a holiday home in Broadstairs called the Fort House, now known as Bleak House. In addition, Dickins had a Swiss Chalet built at his home in Gads Hill where he also wrote some of his novels. This chalet is now in a private garden in Rochester.

In his later life, Dickens was a passenger on a train involved in what became known as the Staplehurst Rail Crash. The train in which Dickens was travelling in was derailed, falling into the River Beult. Unhurt in the incident, Dickens assisted in comforting the survivors and dying. At the subsequent inquiry into the crash, Dickins was absent, covering up the fact he was travelling with his mistress, Ellen Ternan, and Ellen's mother.

The crash was said to have affected Dickens' health. In the following years after the train crash, Dickens suffered from ill health, passing away five years to the day after the train crash on the 9th of June, 1870.

Many of Dickens' stories have been adapted for stage, screen and television including "Oliver Twist". In addition, Dickens' surname has entered the English language with the term Dickensian, relating to things as described in Dickens novels such as working and living conditions. In addition, it is also used as a term for writing in the style of Dickens.

Answer: Adele

Adele Laurie Blue Adkins was born in Tottenham, North London in 1988, her mother raising her after Adele's father left when Adele was two. As a child Adele became interested more in singing than reading a book. After briefly moving to Brighton when Adele was nine, she and her mother moved back to London.

Between 2004 and 2006, Adele attended the BRIT (British Record Industry Trust) School in Croydon. Although crediting the school with helping her career, at the time Adele was more interested in A&R, hoping to help other musicians in the record industry.

In 2008, Adele released her first album entitled "19" her age Adele was when wrote and recorded the majority of the songs featured on the album. This was a theme that continued with her following albums "21" and "25".

Over the years, Adele has won a number of awards including Grammy's, BRIT Awards, BMI Awards and Ivor Novello awards. In addition, Adele also won an Oscar for Best Original Song for "Skyfall" from the "James Bond" film of the same name.

In addition, Adele has performed at a number of charity concerts, as well as donating money to such organisations as Mencap, MusiCares and SAND through concerts she has performed at.

Answer: Christopher Wren

Christopher Wren was born in 1632 in the village of East Knoyle, Wiltshire. At the time, Wren's father was a rector of the parish, but later became Dean of Windsor.

A sickly child, Wren was educated at home by his father, along with a private tutor and the Rev. William Shepherd. Although little is known of Wren's early life academic wise, but at the age of 18, Wren entered Wadham College, Oxford. Whilst there, Wren studied Latin, along with the works of Aristotle.

In addition, Wren formed a friendship with the Warden of Wadham, John Wilkins. It is this association with Wilkins that led Wren to also study mathematics and science. Furthermore, Wren also worked on anatomical studies, having been encouraged by William Holder who was married Wren's older sister Susanna.

After graduating from Oxford, Wren was made a fellow of All Souls College, Oxford. Later he moved to London having been appointed Professor of Astronomy at Gresham College. It was whilst in London. Wren became part of a group that eventually led to the formation of the Royal Society which was granted a Royal Charter by Charles II in 1600.

Noted for his work as the architect of St. Pauls' Cathedral, Wren actually started work designing the cathedral to replace the then existing cathedral before the Great Fire of London in 1666. Although that cathedral was in a state of disrepair at the time of the fire, Wren seized the chance to submit his early designs for a replacement cathedral.

Although his early designs for the new cathedral were rejected, Wren was appointed the King's Surveyor of Works in 1669. As part of this appointment, Wren oversaw the rebuilding of 51 churches destroyed in the Great Fire of London. In addition, his revised plans for the new St. Pauls' Cathedral were accepted.

Other notable buildings that Wren designed - or acted as a surveyor on - were the monument commemorating the Great Fire of London, the Greenwich Naval and the Greenwich Royal Observatory.

Although notable for his work in architecture, anatomy, astronomy, mathematics and science, Wren was successfully elected as a Member of Parliament four times. However, twice after being elected to parliament, his results were declared void.

Despite being hampered by ill health as a child, Wren passed away at the age of 90 in 1723. Interred in St Pauls' Cathedral, part of the epitaph on Wren's tomb reads " 'Reader, if you seek his memorial - look around you".

Answer: Elizabeth I

Born in 1533, Elizabeth was the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. At the age of two and a half, Anne was executed on the orders of Henry VIII on charges of adultery, treason and incest. Despite Henry having divorced his first wife, Catherine of Aragon - thus making Elizabeth his heir presumptive - Elizabeth was declared an illegitimate child. With the birth of her brother -the future Edward VI - Elizabeth found herself placed in his household, being cared for by a succession of Lady Mistresses (governesses).

When Edward VI ascended the throne, Elizabeth came under the care of Thomas Seymour and Henry VIII'S widow Catherine Parr. Seymour became enamoured with Elizabeth, acting improperly in the company. When Catherine Parr passed away. Seymour plotted to marry Elizabeth in the hope Edward VI would make Elizabeth his heir. Ultimately, Seymour's actions and conduct would lead to him being arrested for treason. Although Elizabeth was implicated in Seymour's plans, she was declared innocent.

Upon Edward's death, he named neither Elizabeth or their sister Mary as his heir. Instead, he named Lady Jane Grey - Edwards cousin. Lady Jane Grey ultimately was deposed by Mary and eventually executed for treason.
Under Mary's reign, Elizabeth again found herself under suspicion, this time of being involved in plots to other throw Mary. Despite these charges being not proven, Elizabeth still found herself imprisoned in the Tower of London. Later Elizabeth placed under house arrest in Woodstock in a lodge under the custody of Sir Henry Bedingfeld. After what proved to be a false pregnancy and ill health, Mary I was forced to name Elizabeth her heir. Upon the death of Mary I, Elizabeth ascended the throne in 1558.

Despite having many suitors - and even alleged lovers - Elizabeth I never married. This raised the question as to whom would succeed Elizabeth when she passed away. Queen of Scots - Elizabeth's cousin - had a claim to the thrown of England herself. A series of errors of judgements, along with rumours that Mary was involved in Catholic plots against Elizabeth led to Mary's downfall and subsequent execution. Without an heir, Elizabeth I made Mary's son James VI of Scotland - later James I - Elizabeth's death.

Elizabeth I, however, left a legacy which saw England's fortunes rise a world power in a time of colonial expansion in the Americas. In addition, England grew strong military under Elizabeth, repelling invasion attempts by Spain. Her legacy was further enhanced by her ruling by consent, working with her parliaments. In addition, she was relatively tolerant in religion, and her reign saw the re-establishment the Church of England.

Answer: Isaac Newton

Born on the 25th December, 1642 - under the Julian Calendar - Isaac Newton was to become famous for his theories surrounding light and gravity.

Newton was born prematurely in the Lincolnshire village of Woolsthorpe-by-Closterworth, a few months after his father had passed away. When age three, Newton's mother remarried and left Newton in the care of his grandmother. When he had turned 12, Newton began his education at King's School, Grantham. This came to a temporary halt when his stepfather passed away - his mother taking Newton out of school to ran the family a farm. Newton hated farming, but fortunately his old headmaster persuaded Newton's mother to allow Newton to return to school.

Graduating from Kings School, Newton continued his education at Trinity College, Cambridge, initially paying his way as a valet before being awarded a scholarship. At Trinity, the young Newton wrote in his notebook a series of Quaestiones quaedam philosophicae (certain philosophical questions) on mechanical philosophy. In addition, Newton worked upon a generalised binominal theorem that later became part of calculus.

With the Great Plague of 1665, Newton returned to Woolsthorpe, working on his theories on optics, calculus and gravity. Upon his return to Trinity in 1667, Newton was made a Fellow of Trinity. Newton's own religious views caused some difficulty since Fellows of Trinity were expected to be ordained as priests. Intervention by Charles II saw Newton avoid this rule, having been given a royal dispensation from Charles II.

Newton's best know work is "Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica", is cited as one of the key works in physics. In the three books Newton had published that made up what is commonly known as "Pricipia" Newton set out his theories on gravity and motion. In addition, he expanded his theories on optics and light.

In addition, Newton is also noted for building the first practical reflecting telescope. Furthermore, Newton had an interest in biblical chronology, writing a number of religious tracts to the philosopher John Locke on the subject. Newton also experimented with alchemy when not studying mathematics.

In his later years, Newton became the warden, then master of the Royal Mint, dealing with counterfeit money that came into circulation after the Great Recoinage of 1696. In addition, Newton served two terms as a Member of Parliament, as well as becoming the President of the Royal Society.

After Newton passed away in 1727, his hair was examined and found to contain traces of mercury. In 1693, Newton suffered a nervous breakdown after his relationship with Nicolas Fatio de Duillier - a Swiss mathematician - ended. It is thought that exposure to Mercury during his experiments with alchemy helped contribute to Newton's ill health.