I almost can’t believe that this is my seventh Christmas quiz. When I started my blog way back in 2017 I wasn’t sure I could maintain a weekly publication, but here I am now writing blog number 325!
Happy Christmas and thank you so much for subscribing.
Here are the questions. They are all based on blogs published during 2023 and the answers are at the end of today’s edition.
1. This great 19th century philanthropist gave his name to good quality housing specifically designed for London’s ‘working poor’. Born in America, he was so admired by Queen Victoria that, when he died, she arranged for his body to be returned home on a British battleship. Who was he?
2. ‘Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio: a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy …’
Where is this window commemorating Shakespeare’s plays?
3. This window can be found at St Margaret Lothbury. What Livery Company has the lovely motto True Hearts and Warm Hands?
4. Look at these formidable boilers …
… and the massive pumping engine they service …
What world famous London landmark did they once help to operate?
5. The eyes of the man represented in this bust clearly indicate blindness …
He is commemorated in the church of St Giles-without-Cripplegate where he was buried in 1674. Who is he?
6. They are ‘two people’ but ‘only one artist’. Their new gallery opened on 1st April 2023. Who are they?
7. This innocuous tiled corridor was known as ‘Dead man’s walk’. Where is it?
8. This ceremonial staff, inscribed with his title ‘Surveyor to the Fabric’, belonged to a man whose work as an architect created much of the way the City looks today, over 300 years after his death. Who was he?
9. This mark is chiselled into the base of the church tower of St Alban Wood Street …
This one is on the Cheapside face of St Mary-le-Bow …
What do they signify?
10. What Livery Company is represented by this coat of arms?
11. This lady represents Science …
Nearby other ladies represent Fine Art, Agriculture and Commerce. Where are they?
12. This sundial is on a building that was once a Protestant church, then a Methodist Chapel, next a Jewish synagogue and is now a Mosque …
Where is it?
13. This watchtower was once used by brave crews who, when spotting danger to life, rushed to the rescue. Where is it and who were they?
14. These figures in the old churchyard of St John Zachary in Gresham Street represent a trade and profession that once flourished in nearby Fleet Street. What was it? And who do the figures represent?
15. This statue stands in the river opposite The Grapes pub in Limehouse. Who is the sculptor?
16. It’s believed that the Romans brought these animals to Britain and this one left its mark on a 2,000-year-old tile. What kind of animal was it?
17. This book was published in 1623, seven years after Shakespeare’s death. It’s a collection of 36 of his works and was brought together by two of his friends, John Heminge and Henry Condell. What is it commonly known as?
18. This is the oldest Catholic church in England and was once located on a vast estate owned by the Bishop of Ely. Where is it?
19. Represented in beautiful stained glass in the church of St Bartholomew the Less, who is the chap in the snazzy tights?
20. This bell, dating from the early 17th century and on display in the Holy Sepulchre church, has a morbid connection with Newgate Gaol. When and why was it rung?
The answers:
1. George Peabody (1795-1869). Read more about him here.
2. Southwark Cathedral. See more images here.
3. It’s the Worshipful Company of Glovers. Read more here about the St Margaret’s stained glass.
4. Tower Bridge. Read more here.
5. John Milton. He was not allowed to rest in peace – read more here.
6. Of course, it’s Gilbert and George.
7. Below the Old Bailey, the Central Criminal Court.
9. They are what is known as Bench Marks and indicate where the height above sea level has been calculated.
10. The Worshipful Company of Saddlers.
11. On Holborn Viaduct.
12. Brick Lane. The Latin roughly translates as ‘We are but shadows’. Read about more sundials here.
13. The firefighter crews based at the old Bishopsgate Fire Station.
14. The trade and profession was the newspaper industry. Commissioned by the Westminster Press Group in 1954, it represents the newspaper process with a newsboy (sales), printer and editor (or proprietor).
15. It’s a sculpture by Anthony Gormley and is one of a series entitled Another Time.
16. A Cat. Read all about a terrific new exhibition about Roman London here.
17. The First Folio. An original copy (and other fascinating Shakespeare related material) is on display at the Guildhall Art Gallery until 25th January 2024.
18. Ely Place.
19. Rahere, the founder of St Bartholomew’s.
20. In 1605, a wealthy merchant called Robert Dow made a bequest of £50 for a bellman from the church to stand outside the cells of the condemned at midnight, ring the bell, and chant as follows:
All you that in the condemned hole do lie, Prepare you, for tomorrow you shall die; Watch all and pray, the hour is drawing near, That you before the Almighty must appear; Examine well yourselves, in time repent, That you may not to eternal flames be sent: And when St. Sepulchre’s bell tomorrow tolls, The Lord above have mercy on your souls.
Read more about the church here.
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