On This Day in 1792: First Guillotine Erected in Paris
First Guillotine Erected in Paris in 1792

On this day in 1792, the first guillotine was erected on the Place de Grève in Paris, used to execute a highwayman. This device became infamous during the French Revolution.

General Knowledge Quiz

Test your knowledge with these questions:

  • Who won Oscars for both "Forrest Gump" and "Philadelphia"? Tom Hanks
  • Who was the author of "Pilgrim's Progress"? John Bunyan
  • What name is given to the final round on TV's "Countdown"? Countdown Conundrum
  • Who composed the Enigma Variations? Edward Elgar
  • In Indian cuisine, what is Naan? Leavened bread
  • What is a beaver's home called? Lodge
  • Which of the tropics is in the Northern hemisphere? Tropic of Cancer
  • What do Americans call an aubergine? Eggplant
  • What common farm animal was the Pagan symbol for wealth? Pig
  • Which motorway connects Liverpool with Hull across the Pennines? M62

Cryptic Quiz

The answer to the second clue is an anagram of the answer to the first clue:

Pickt after-article banner — collaborative shopping lists app with family illustration
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Wide Pickt banner — collaborative shopping lists app for Telegram, phone mockup with grocery list
  • The "Lone Star" state demands these compulsory financial contributions from its citizens: Texas taxes
  • A British Prime Minister likes the taste of this edible root of a tropical climbing plant: Yam
  • A European car manufacturer remains unbiased and impartial: Fair Audi
  • Would this ex-husband of Ava Gardner have been considered a worker in a skilled trade? Frank Sinatra
  • Something made from the heraldic term for silver would make a nice setting for this deep red vitreous silicate precious stone: Argent garnet
  • The portrayal of this tragic Shakespearean male role, getting a call for an encore from an English sporting hero of 1966? Hamlet
  • A single man may well enjoy a visit to this Highlands area in Scotland which includes Fort William: Lochaber
  • This well-known herb may well have been served up aboard this famous 16th century flagship: Basil on the Mary Rose
  • Saves goods from damage or destruction in the USA's "Sin City": Las Vegas salvages
  • In her day, would Queen Anne have been able to enjoy these Spanish snacks at her favourite racecourse? Tapas at Ascot

Answers for April 24

Questions:

  1. In which countries would you find the following wine growing regions: [a] Stellenbosch, [b] Mendoza Province, [c] Fraser Valley, [d] Pomerol and [e] Hunter Valley?
  2. Which is the largest land-locked county in England?
  3. Which 1982 single provided Madness with their only UK number one?
  4. On which racecourse is the Derby run?
  5. Including the cue ball, how many different colours are the balls in snooker?
  6. In which London landmark are the Crown Jewels stored?
  7. In Greek mythology, what is the name of the one-eyed giant encountered by Odysseus?
  8. What was ABBA's last UK number one in 1980?
  9. In the Harry Potter books, what was Lord Voldemort's birth name?
  10. Which group had a UK number one with "Belfast Child"?

Answers:

  1. [a] South Africa, [b] Argentina, [c] Canada, [d] France, [e] Australia.
  2. Shropshire.
  3. House of Fun.
  4. Epsom.
  5. Eight.
  6. Tower of London.
  7. Cyclops.
  8. Super Trouper.
  9. Tom Riddle.
  10. Simple Minds.