2026 Chinese GP – Mercedes – Kimi Antonelli – Qualifying. Image Wikimedia Commons
Today’s first question concerns the date May 5th. Each subsequent question builds on the previous one.
One
In Shangdu on 5 May 1260 Kublai was unanimously elected khan. An English poet later wrote a poem featuring Kublai Khan in which he changed Shangdu’s name to what?
Two
Water, water, every where, And all the boards did shrink; Water, water, every where, Nor any drop to drink.
The poet who wrote the poem mentioned in question one wrote another which includes the lines quoted above. Who was the poet, and what poem does the quote come from?
Three
A song released by a British American rock band in November 1968 has a creature from the poem mentioned in question two as its title. In January 1969, this instrumental track provided the band with its only UK number one hit in their more than fifty years of performing. Name the song and the band?
Four
A track by the above-mentioned band, which is from their Rumours album, is the only one written by all five band members at that time. It has been used on the BBC since 1978 as a theme tune for a sports programme. That sport is now covered in the UK by Channel 4, but they have kept the same theme. What is both the relevant track and sport?
Five
Following on from above a question about Formula One. In the 2026 F1 World Championship two races were cancelled during April because of the international situation. What circuits, and where are these circuits, were effected by these cancellations?
See Question Three. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, 1974. Image Wikimedia Commons
The first question concerns today, May 4th. The rest follow a theme related to the first.
One
On 4 May, Napoleon landed on an island to begin his first exile. What island and in what year?
Answers: Elba; 1814.
Napoleon escaped Elba in February 1815 and embarked on his ‘Hundred Days’ before ultimately being defeated at Waterloo and exiled to Saint Helena.
The first question related to ‘exile’ so we will continue with that theme for the remainder.
Two
Which band released the double album Exile on Main St on this day in 1972?
The Rolling Stones.
This double album was the band’s tenth studio album and was recorded at various locations including Mick Jagger’s country house in England and a villa in the south of France, which was rented by Keith Richards.
Three
After eight years in a labour camp and a year of internal exile, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn was finally permitted to receive cancer treatment in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in 1954. Which 1966 Solzhenitsyn novel specifically depicts this period?
Answer: Cancer Ward.
Cancer Ward, a semi-autobiographical novel by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, explores the moral responsibility of those implicated in Stalin’s Great Purge. The story, set in a Tashkent hospital in 1955, follows a group of patients, including the protagonist Oleg Kostoglotov, who reflect on their roles and the lasting impact of Stalinism. Kostoglotov ultimately realises that healing after Stalin is impossible, likening the situation to cancer. Aleksandr Isayevich Solzhenitsyn (1918–2008) was a Soviet and Russian author and dissident renowned for exposing Soviet political repression, particularly the Gulag system. Awarded the 1970 Nobel Prize in Literature, his work The Gulag Archipelago challenged the Soviet state and sold millions. Born into a devout Orthodox family, he initially embraced atheism and Marxism–Leninism. Arrested during WWII for criticising Stalin, he served eight years in the Gulag, leading to his conversion to Orthodox Christianity. Released during the Khrushchev Thaw, he published One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich in 1962. Exiled in 1974, he settled in the U.S. before returning to Russia in 1994.
Four
Dante Alighieri, known as Dante, poet, writer and philosopher who was the author of Divine Comedy was, in the early 14th century, exiled from his native city for life. What was that city?
Answer: Florence.
Dante Alighieri, while serving as Florence’s city prior in 1300, was accused of corruption by the Black Guelphs. Still in Rome in 1302, he was considered an absconder by Florence. Dante refused to pay the fine, believing in his innocence and having his assets seized. Condemned to perpetual exile, he risked execution if he returned. In 2008, Florence rescinded his sentence.
Five
Five music questions spread over the past fifty years?
King Crimson’s song Exiles was featured on their 1973 album …’ Tongues in Aspic. What word completes the album title?
Irish singer Enya’s song Exile was from her 1988 album Water…. What four letters complete the album’s one-word title?
Exile, a track from the 1997 album also titled Exile, was performed by a man considered a pioneer of electronic music. Who was this singer?
Exile featured on Slayer’s 2001 album … Hates Us All. What word is missing from the start of the album name?
In 2020, Bon Iver featured on whose song Exile?
Answers
Larks. Larks’ Tongues in Aspic was the full title of King Crimson’s 1973 album.
Mark. Watermark was the 1988 album by Enya.
Gary Numan. Numan was the 1997 exile who was a pioneer of electronic music.
God. Slayer’s Exile came from God Hates Us All (2001).
Taylor Swift. The Exile featuring Bon Iver was by none other than Ms Swift, who Wikipedia describes as ‘the highest-grossing live music artist, the wealthiest female musician, and one of the best-selling music artists of all time’.
May the Fourth Be With You
Star Wars Day is celebrated annually on May 4, originating from the pun ‘May the Fourth be with you’. Though not officially declared by Lucasfilm, it began in 1977 and has since been embraced by fans, Lucasfilm and Disney as a celebration of the Star Wars franchise.
See Question Three. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, 1974. Image Wikimedia Commons
The first question concerns today, May 4th. The rest follow a theme related to the first.
One
On 4 May, Napoleon landed on an island to begin his first exile. What island and in what year?
The first question related to ‘exile’ so we will continue with that theme for the remainder.
Two
Which band released the double album Exile on Main St on this day in 1972?
Three
After eight years in a labour camp and a year of internal exile, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn was finally permitted to receive cancer treatment in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in 1954. Which 1966 Solzhenitsyn novel specifically depicts this period?
Four
Dante Alighieri, known as Dante, poet, writer and philosopher who was the author of Divine Comedy was, in the early 14th century, exiled from his native city for life. What was that city?
Five
Five music questions spread over the past fifty years?
King Crimson’s song Exiles was featured on their 1973 album …’ Tongues in Aspic. What word completes the album title?
Irish singer Enya’s song Exile was from her 1988 album Water…. What four letters complete the album’s one-word title?
Exile, a track from the 1997 album also titled Exile, was performed by a man considered a pioneer of electronic music. Who was this singer?
Exile featured on Slayer’s 2001 album … Hates Us All. What word is missing from the start of the album name?
Today’s five questions centre on American singers who were all born on May 3rd. The title’s relevance to the content is unharmonious.
One
Who is this person described by Encyclopædia Britannica as…
Born in 1919 in New York.
An iconic American singer-songwriter who honed skills on the five-string banjo.
Wrote or co-wrote standards like Where Have All the Flowers Gone, If I Had a Hammer, and Turn, Turn, Turn.
Answer: Pete Seeger.
Pete Seeger (1919–2014) was an iconic American singer-songwriter and activist who championed folk music and inspired the 1960s revival. He co-founded the Almanac Singers, wrote folk standards, popularised hootenannies, and remained active in environmental causes despite being blacklisted. He received numerous honours, including the National Medal of Arts.
Two
These three clues originate from points in the relevant Wikipedia article. Who is this describing?
Born 3 May 1934 in New Jersey.
Solo artist and lead singer known for his powerful falsetto voice.
First number one was Sherry in 1962.
Answer: Frankie Valli.
Frankie Valli, born Francesco Stephen Castelluccio, is an American singer known for his powerful falsetto and lead role in the Four Seasons. He achieved 29 top-40 hits with the group, nine solo, and was inducted into multiple halls of fame. Valli received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025.
Three
Encyclopædia Britannica reveals the following about this artiste, who is it?
Born on 3 May 1903 in Washington.
One of the best-selling singers in history with sales numbers varying between: 300 million, 500 million, or even 1 billion, depending on source.
Oscar winning actor who famously went to Morocco.
Answer: Bing Crosby.
Bing Crosby (1903–1977) was a pioneering American singer and actor, influential in the 20th century. He made over 70 films — including the ‘Road to’ series — recorded 1,600 songs, and won an Oscar for Going My Way. Crosby innovated radio recording, co-owned the Pittsburgh Pirates, and was a global cultural icon, notably associated with Christmas.
Four
Some points taken from a Wikipedia article, but who being described…
Born in Texas on 3 May 1951
Uses a stage name but birth surname is Geppert
Debut album won five Grammy Awards including Song of the Year for Sailing
Answer: Christopher Cross.
Christopher Cross, an American singer-songwriter, gained fame with his debut album, winning five Grammys, including Record and Album of the Year for Sailing. Though his popularity declined in the 1980s, he continued releasing albums and touring. In 2018, he formed Freedonia, releasing two albums and an EP.
Five
Identify this person from these points taken from their Encyclopædia Britannica article…
Born in South Carolina on 3 May 1933.
Singer who is known for powerful vocals.
Their innovative album Live at the Apollo (1963) was in the charts for 66 weeks.
Answer: James Brown.
James Brown, known for his ability to “scream” on key and to blend multiple vocal styles together, was one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century. Brown also broke new ground with his landmark ‘live and in concert‘ album Live at the Apollo (1963), which stayed on the charts for 66 weeks.
The Great American Songbook
The Great American Songbook is a loosely defined canon encompassing significant 20th-century American jazz standards popular songs and show tunes.
Portrait of Leonardo da Vinci (c. 1515–1518), attributed to Francesco Melzi. Royal Collection, United Kingdom. Image Wikimedia Commons
Here are five questions all connected to today, May 2nd.
One
Leonardo da Vinci, artist, architect and engineer, died on this day. In what century, and in what country, did he die?
Answer: 16th century; France.
He died on 2 May 1519 aged 67, Clos-Lucé, France. Leonardo da Vinci, an Italian Renaissance artist and inventor, epitomised the humanist ideal with his diverse talents in painting, sculpture, architecture, and engineering. His insatiable curiosity and mastery of observation fuelled his artistic and scientific pursuits, making him a true Renaissance man. Invited by King Francis I, Leonardo spent the last three years of his life in France, where he continued to work on unfinished paintings and scientific studies, and created his last series of artworks, Visions of the End of the World, showcasing his mastery of expression and imagination. Leonardo died at Cloux and was buried in the palace church of Saint-Florentin, though his grave is now lost.
Two
The King James Version of the Bible was published. In what decade was this, or as second prize, what century?
Answer: 1610s; 17th century.
The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, published in 1611 under King James I, was a revision of the Protestant Bible in English, addressing perceived corruption in existing translations. Approved in 1604, 47 scholars, divided into six companies, worked on the translation at Westminster, Oxford, and Cambridge. The KJV sought to be scholarly, nonpartisan, and faithful to the original languages, aiming to popularise the Scriptures. It became the standard English Bible from the mid-17th to early 20th century, influencing English literary style. Authorised for the Church of England, it remains favoured by many Christian fundamentalists.
Three
Anne Boleyn was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Who was her predecessor as Queen and who succeeded her?
Answer: Catherine of Aragon; Jane Seymour.
Anne Boleyn (c. 1501 or 1507 – 19 May 1536) was Henry VIII’s second wife and mother of Elizabeth I. Her marriage and execution were pivotal in the English Reformation. Educated in Europe, Anne resisted Henry’s advances until he sought an annulment from Catherine of Aragon to marry her. This led to the Church of England’s break from Rome. Anne married Henry secretly in 1532, officially in 1533, and was crowned queen. Despite giving birth to Elizabeth, she failed to produce a male heir. Accused of adultery and treason, she was executed in 1536. Posthumously, she became a Reformation martyr, inspiring cultural works. Henry married Jane Seymour eleven days after Anne’s execution.
Four
On this day, a De Havilland Comet became the first jetliner to carry fare-paying passengers. The flight took place in what year and departed from where, with its destination being where?
Answer: 1952; London to Johannesburg.
The de Havilland DH.106 Comet, the first commercial jet airliner, debuted in 1952. After fatal accidents due to metal fatigue, it was redesigned. The Comet 4 series, launched in 1958, served until 1981. Adapted for military roles, the Nimrod variant operated until 2011, highlighting its lasting impact.
Five
Born in 2015, who on their eleventh birthday is third in line of succession to the British throne? Secondly, who is the highest ranked non-titled person to currently appear on the line of succession?
Answer: Princess Charlotte of Wales; Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Portrait of Leonardo da Vinci (c. 1515–1518), attributed to Francesco Melzi. Royal Collection, United Kingdom. Image Wikimedia Commons
Here are five questions all connected to today, May 2nd.
One
Leonardo da Vinci, artist, architect and engineer, died on this day. In what century, and in what country, did he die?
Two
The King James Version of the Bible was published. In what decade was this, or as second prize, what century?
Three
Anne Boleyn was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Who was her predecessor as Queen and who succeeded her?
Four
On this day, a De Havilland Comet became the first jetliner to carry fare-paying passengers. The flight took place in what year and departed from where, with its destination being where?
Five
Born in 2015, who on their eleventh birthday is third in line of succession to the British throne? Secondly, who is the highest ranked non-titled person to currently appear on the line of succession?
Six questions on random topics, each beginning with one of these words: Who, What, When, Where, Why and How.
Who
Who is the title character of The Lord of the Rings?
Answer: Sauron.
Sauron, the main antagonist in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, seeks to rule Middle-earth using the One Ring. He is depicted as a wholly evil being, comparable to Dracula and Balor of the Evil Eye.
What
What prompted the change in NASA’s 1967 mission designation AS-204 and what was the new designation?
Answer: Fatal cabin fire; Apollo 1.
Initially designated AS-204 and later renamed Apollo 1, the first planned crewed mission of the Apollo programme ended in tragedy when a cabin fire during a launch rehearsal killed all three crew members Gus Grissom, Ed White and Roger B. Chaffee. The fire, caused by an electrical ignition and exacerbated by flammable materials and a high-pressure oxygen atmosphere, led to a 20-month suspension of crewed flights while safety measures were implemented.
When
When did Marco Polo journey to China? (The century will do)
Answer: 13th century.
Venetian merchant and explorer Marco Polo travelled through Asia along the Silk Road between 1271 and 1295, spending 17 years in China. His detailed accounts of the Mongol Empire and China, including his experiences in the emperor’s lands, provided Europeans with a comprehensive look into the Eastern world. Polo’s writings inspired future explorers like Christopher Columbus and influenced European cartography. His book, Il milione, is a classic of travel literature.
Where
Where does ‘Mr. Smith’ go in an early James Stewart movie?
Answer: Washington.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, a 1939 film by Frank Capra, depicts Jefferson Smith, an idealistic youth leader, battling corruption in the U.S. Senate. The film’s portrayal of political corruption angered real-life legislators, leading to calls for its banning and accusations of being anti-American and communist.
Why
Why was Dennis Tito in the news in May 2001?
Answer: He paid to go into space (the world’s first ‘space tourist’).
Dennis Tito is an American engineer and entrepreneur. During mid-2001, he became the first space tourist to fund his own visit to space, when he spent nearly eight days in orbit as a crew member of ISS EP-1, a visiting mission to the International Space Station. This mission was launched by the spacecraft Soyuz TM-32, and was landed by Soyuz TM-31. Dennis Tito, after paying $20 million, became the first space tourist, joining the Soyuz TM-32 mission to the International Space Station in 2001. Despite initial criticism from NASA, Tito spent over a week in space, conducting experiments and later testifying before Congress on commercial spaceflight.
How
How many championships are required to be won in one year to achieve a Grand Slam in golf, and what are these championships?
Answers: Four; US Masters; US PGA Chamionship; US Open Championship; and The Open Championship.
Masters Tournament, held the week ending on the 2nd Sunday in April – hosted as an invitational by and played at Augusta National Golf Club. 2026 saw the 90th edition of The Masters.
The 2026 PGA Championship will be the 108th edition of the PGA Championship, scheduled for May 14–17 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, a suburb west of Philadelphia.
The 2026 United States Open Championship will be the 126th edition of the U.S. Open, the national open golf championship of the United States. It will be held from June 18–21, 2026 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York. It will be the sixth Open hosted at the club.
The 2026 Open Championship, officially the 154th Open Championship, is a golf tournament to be played from 16–19 July 2026 at Royal Birkdale Golf Club. It will be the 11th Open held at the club. — Wikipedia, various articles on each championship.
Who currently (April 2026) is the principal occupant of the Quirinal Palace (pictured), and what is that person’s office?
Answer: Sergio Mattarella, the President of the Italian Republic.
The Quirinal Palace, the main official residence of the President of the Italian Republic, is located on the Quirinal Hill in Rome. It has served as a residence for popes, kings and presidents. Mattarella was elected on 31 January 2015, and re-elected on 29 January 2022.
What
What song gave Tom Jones his first UK number one single and his debut US hit, where it peaked at number ten.
Answer: It’s Not Unusual.
Released in 1965, It’s Not Unusual became a chart-topper in the UK, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart. It also marked his first US hit, peaking at number ten; it further climbed to number three on Billboard’s easy listening chart. Initially rejected by the BBC in the UK due to Jones’ image, the song gained popularity on pirate radio. In the US, Jones performed it three times on The Ed Sullivan Show.
When
When Mary Lennox was sent to Misselthwaite Manor to live with her uncle everybody said she was the most disagreeable-looking child ever seen.
The above sentence opens what English classic children’s story and who wrote it?
Answers: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
The Secret Garden, a classic English children’s novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, was first published in 1911. It has been adapted for stage and film.
Where
Where are lemurs endemic?
Answer: Madagascar.
Lemurs are a diverse group of primates endemic to Madagascar, with around 100 extant species. They are social, nocturnal, and primarily arboreal, exhibiting a range of sizes and diets. Despite their importance for research and conservation efforts, many lemur species are endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.
Why
Why was Darwin, in Australia’s Northern Territory, extensively rebuilt twice during the twentieth century? (NB Two answers as it was rebuilt on two separate occasions.)
Answers: (First rebuild) World War II Japanese air raids; (Second rebuild) Cyclone Tracy.
On 19 February 1942, 188 Japanese warplanes attacked Darwin, killing at least 243 people and causing significant damage. This was the first of many air raids on Darwin and was the most serious attack on Australia during wartime. Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin on 25 December 1974, killing 71 people and destroying over 70% of the city. The Darwin Reconstruction Commission oversaw the city’s rebuilding with modern materials and techniques.
How
How old, according to television’s Smallville, was Lex Luther when he became bald?
Answer: Nine.
I’ve been bald since I was nine. I’m used to people judging me before they get to know me. — Lex Luther, Pilot episode Smallville
Lex Luthor, introduced in the pilot as the son of billionaire Lionel Luthor, is sent to Smallville by his father to manage the local fertiliser plant. As a child, he’s caught in the first meteor shower, which leaves him completely bald but also grants him perfect health.
Quizology.Online 