Forbidden Planet Trivia Quiz

Answer: The village was commandeered by the MoD

In November 1943 the Ministry of Defence commandeered the village of Tynham for shelling target practice. 252 people left their homes, taking with them only personal possessions as they believed that once the war was over they would be back. That never happened, as in 1948 the Ministry compulsorily purchased the village.

At first there was no access at all, mainly because of the danger of unexploded shells. Later the army began to allow the villagers access once or twice a year, usually at Christmas for a service in the church, which somehow remained undamaged, and to tend the graves of relatives.

In recent years the village has been open to the public for some weekends in the summer, but only if the army ranges in which it stands are not being used for firing practice. Most of the buildings are now ruined, but the church remains, as does the school house.

These buildings now house a museum and exhibits about the life of the village before it was commandeered.

Answer: North Yorkshire

Situated close to Harrogate in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, RAF Menwith Hill allows no public access at all to the area. The land was acquired by the Government, and the station, which was leased to the United States, started operating in 1954.

As well as intercepting communications it also has a missile warning system. Although under the command of the RAF most of the staff there come from the United States Air Force. Various protests and peace camps have taken place around the site from the 1960s through to the present day.

It seems unlikely though that the land will ever be returned to public access.

Answer: White's

White's is the oldest gentlemens club in London. It is also the most exclusive. You cannot gain access without an invitation from a member, and even then you needed to be male. It is believed that, as at 2013, the only woman other than for employees, to set foot into the hallowed halls is Queen Elizabeth II.

It has had a chequered history. Whilst always having had an exclusive membership it was, in the 18th century, also well known for gambling. The building, which dates back to the 1600s, is Grade I listed.

It offers members bedrooms for the night, a private dining room, a library and billiards room, and private meeting rooms. The food is said to be superb, majoring on British game and fish. There is a rumour that, even though there is a vegetarian option, only three vegetarian meals were ordered in a seven year period. Notable members include Prince Charles. British Prime Minister David Cameron resigned his membership because of the refusal to admit women.

Answer: Vatican Secret Archives

Whilst there is no public access to the actual Vatican Archives, scholars can access documents that are over 75 years old, and peruse them in the reading room. The archives themselves were set up over 500 years ago with the purpose of protecting important documents from both the elements, and from the eyes of people who should not see them.

They contain correspondence between various Popes and Heads of State, such as King Henry VIII. Some of the documents are over 1,000 years old, and were it not for the archives would probably not have been preserved.

They are housed in many rooms, spread over several floors. Many of the older rooms, such as the Chigi Rooms are beautifully decorated with frescos to walls and ceilings. These contain many of the oldest documents, mainly consisting of diplomatic correspondence between Popes and various papal legates all over the world.

Answer: Japan

The Ise Shrine, which is actually around 100 separate shrines, is the most sacred site in Japan. There is absolutely no public access. Only priests and priestesses are allowed inside. It is said to house a sacred mirror called Yato no Kagami. This is one of the most important Japanese religious items, and security for it may be part of the reason for the denial of public access.

The site is surrounded by a high fence, and only rooftops can be seen over it. In accordance with the Shinto belief in death and rebirth the shrine is demolished and rebuilt every twenty years, although always in the same style.

Answer: BT Tower

When it was opened in 1966, the Post Office Tower, as it was then known, was the tallest building in London. It was a communications centre, but the upper floors featured public viewing areas, and the 34th floor was a revolving restaurant giving panoramic views over London.

It quickly became one of the most popular dining spots in the city. It closed to the public in 1980 and all public access to the tower ceased in 1981. This was said to be for security reasons. Although corporate events have been held there the restaurant has remained closed to the general public ever since.

There were reports that it would open again for the 2012 Olympics, but these plans were quietly dropped. The tower remains in use as a major communications hub.

Answer: Club 33

Club 33 hides behind a door close to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Walt Disney wanted somewhere to entertain visiting celebrities and dignitaries, and the club opened in 1967. It is the only place in Disneyland that serves alcohol. Membership is by invitation only, and is not cheap.

It is rumoured to have a $25,000 initiation fee and $10,000 per year membership. The list of members is also secret, although Elton John and Tom Hanks are reputed to be among the current members. In 2012, one hundred carefully chosen people were invited to join, and these were the first invitations sent out in over a decade.

Answer: A secret metro system

Metro 2, as it has been dubbed, is rumoured to have four lines connecting various KGB and government offices, and a government only airport at Vnukovo. There is also said to be a city capable of holding 30,000 people somewhere along the lines. It was allegedly built by Stalin.

It is plausible that it does exist. Demolition of a hotel close to the Kremlin revealed a previously unknown tunnel, and various people who claim to have worked on the building of the lines have been interviewed at various times.

The Russian authorities however refuse to confirm or deny the existence of it, so it remains an enigma.

Answer: Iran

Located at Pasargadae, Iran, the tomb of Cyrus the Great of Persia is now a World Heritage Site. He reigned from approximately 576 to 530 BC. The exact date of the start of his reign is not known, it could have been two years earlier or later. He expanded his empire by conquering neighbouring states, but is well known for his tolerance with regard to the religions and customs of the people he conquered.

He died in battle in 530 BC. His tomb was visited by Alexander the Great, who is said to have found a golden bed, gold drinking vessels and a gold coffin inside. None of these relics exist today. Iran has some beautiful buildings of great antiquity, but unfortunately their isolation from the western world means that very few people are able to visit and appreciate these.

Answer: Nevada

Most of the conspiracy theories that abound about Area 51 centre on UFOs and whether or not there is an actual spaceship and alien life form hidden there. Officially it is known as the Nevada Test and Training Range and is an outpost of Edwards Air Force Base. Certainly the work done there is top secret, and there is no public access. Warning signs around the area state that the use of deadly force is authorised. Evidence suggests that it has been used for the testing of experimental weapons and aircraft. For many years the CIA would not even publicly acknowledge the existence of Area 51. That changed in 2005 when, in response to a Freedom of Information request, some documents relating to the history and use of the base were declassified.