Queen Victoria, Coronation portrait by George Hayter. Image Wikimedia Commons
The first four questions are connected to today’s date, 20 June. The fifth is not date-related but is connected to the post title.
One
In 1789, French Deputies of the Third Estate found themselves locked out of their meeting hall. Nearby, they regrouped indoors and swore an oath promising not to separate until a written constitution was established. This oath, named after their location, became known as the what, and who was the French king at the time?
Two
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1967, this actor made their stage debut in London. They played five different roles in Sir David Hare’s The Blue Room and then transferred the play to New York, where they made their Broadway debut. Also credited as a producer of 2015’s The Family Fang, who is this actor?
Three
On this date, American racing driver Barney Oldfield achieved the feat of becoming the first driver to cover a mile in a minute. This incredible speed translates to 60 miles per hour or 96.56 kilometres per hour. In what year did Oldfield accomplish this?
Four
On this day, Victoria became queen of the United Kingdom. Her succession followed the death of her predecessor. Who was her predecessor and what was their relationship to Victoria?
Five
The theme song for the The Savage Seven, a 1968 biker film, was performed by what rock group?
Today’s first question is about a pioneering ‘first’, the rest follow a theme of ‘firsts’ rather than the letters of ’first’.
One
On this day in what year did Valentina V. Tereshkova become the first woman in space, and on what spacecraft did she travel?
Answers: 1963; Vostok 6.
On this day in 1963, Valentina V. Tereshkova, a Soviet cosmonaut, made history as the first woman to travel in space. She launched into orbit aboard Vostok 6 completing 48 orbits in just 71 hours. To date, she is the only woman to have flown in space solo and is the youngest, being 26 years of age at the time of Vostok 6.
Two
Who won the first of his three Wimbledon singles titles in 1934, and in what other sport was he a world champion?
Answers: Fred Perry; Table tennis.
Fred Perry was a British tennis and table tennis player, achieving significant success in both sports. In table tennis, he became the World Champion in 1929. Perry began his tennis career aged 21, seven years after taking up the sport. He won 10 Majors in tennis, including eight Grand Slam singles titles and two Pro Slam singles titles, as well as six Major doubles titles. Perry was the first player to achieve a ‘Career Grand Slam’ by winning all four singles titles, completing this feat at the 1935 French Championships at age 26. He remains the only British player to do so. Perry won three consecutive Wimbledon Championships from 1934 to 1936 and was the world amateur No. 1 during those years. Perry also played a crucial role in Great Britain’s Davis Cup victories from 1933 to 1936. Disillusioned with the Lawn Tennis Club of Great Britain’s class-conscious nature, he turned professional in 1936, moved to the United States, and became a naturalised U.S. citizen in 1939. After retiring, he founded the Fred Perry clothing label in 1952 and worked as a tennis broadcaster for BBC Radio. Despite his contributions, Perry was not fully recognised by tennis authorities until later in life, but in 1984, a statue was unveiled at Wimbledon.
Three
In what year did the Wright Brothers achieve the first controlled, sustained flight of an engine-powered, heavier-than-air aircraft, and which of the brothers was the pilot?
Answer: 1903; Orville Wright.
The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, were American aviation pioneers credited with inventing the first successful airplane. They achieved the first controlled, sustained flight of an engine-powered aircraft, the Wright Flyer, on December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Their innovation was a three-axis control system, crucial for fixed-wing flight. Unlike others, they focused on pilot control over engine power. Their mechanical skills, honed through bicycle work, were pivotal in their success.
Four
Absolute primogeniture is a form of primogeniture in which gender is irrelevant for inheritance.
What country became the first modern European monarchy to adopt this system in 1980?
What two European monarchies still (June 2026) have male-preference primogeniture?
Answers.
Sweden.
Spain and Monaco (have male-preference primogeniture). Sweden adopted absolute primogeniture in 1980, displacing Prince Carl Philip for Princess Victoria. Other monarchies followed: Netherlands (1983), Norway (1990), Belgium (1991), Denmark (2009), and Luxembourg (2011). In 2011, the realms within the Commonwealth, with Queen Elizabeth II as a common monarch, agreed to adopt absolute primogeniture; it became effective in 2015.
Five
In The Lord of the Rings who is/are the first to leave the Company of the Ring?
Answer: Gandalf.
The Company of the Ring consists of nine members: Legolas (Elf), Gimli (Dwarf), Aragorn and Boromir (Men), Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin (Hobbits), and Gandalf (Wizard). Led by Gandalf, they begin their journey at the start of winter, travelling south through Eriador. After failing to cross the Misty Mountains, they enter the mines of Moria, where Gandalf falls battling a Balrog, allowing the others to escape.
Today’s first question is about a pioneering ‘first’, the rest follow a theme of ‘firsts’ rather than the letters of ’first’.
One
On this day in what year did Valentina Tereshkova become the first woman in space, and on what spacecraft did she travel?
Two
Who won the first of his three Wimbledon singles titles in 1934, and in what other sport was he a world champion?
Three
In what year did the Wright Brothers achieve the first controlled, sustained flight of an engine-powered, heavier-than-air aircraft, and which of the brothers was the pilot?
Four
Absolute primogeniture is a form of primogeniture in which gender is irrelevant for inheritance.
What country became the first modern European monarchy to adopt this system in 1980?
What two European monarchies still (June 2026) have male-preference primogeniture?
Five
In The Lord of the Rings who is/are the first to leave the Company of the Ring?
Maria Sharapova completed the Career Grand Slam after winning the 2012 French Open. Image Wikimedia Commons
Today’s answers are all single numbers — even the one that is a large number can be written as a single digit if you read the question carefully — and form part of a sequence.
One
How many of the eight planets in the solar system have one, and only one, natural satellite, and what are the names of this/these planet(s)?
Answer: 1. Earth.
Listing the eight planets in order from the nearest to the Sun: Mercury and Venus have no known moons. Earth has one known moon and is the only such planet. Mars has two; Jupiter, 115; Saturn, 292; Uranus, 29; and Neptune has 16.
Two
Maria Sharapova retired from tennis in 2020. Of the five Grand Slam Singles Championships she won, how many were at the French Open, and who, if any, was/were her defeated finalist(s)?
Answer: 2. Sara Errani; Simona Halep.
Maria Sharapova won the French Open in 2012, beating Sara Errani in the final, 6–3, 6–2; and in 2014, she defeated Simona Halep in the final, 6–4, 6–7(5–7), 6–4. Sharapova, a former Russian professional tennis player, achieved the career Grand Slam in singles and was ranked world No. 1 for 21 weeks. She won 36 WTA Tour-level singles titles, including five major titles, and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2025. Sharapova retired from tennis in 2020.
Three
How many siblings does King Charles III of Great Britain have, and what are they known as?
Answer: 3. Anne, Princess Royal; Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh.
King Charles III has three siblings: Anne, Princess Royal, who was born in 1950; Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, born in 1960; and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, born in 1964. Mountbatten-Windsor was previously known as Prince Andrew, Duke of York, but was stripped of his titles, royal styles and honours as a result of his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Four
The World Health Organisation estimates that approximately how many million people worldwide are bitten by snakes each year?
Answer: 5. (i.e. 5 million).
World Health Organisation estimates that annually, 5.4 million people are bitten by snakes, with 1.8 to 2.7 million envenomings. Snake bites result in 81,410 to 137,880 deaths and three times more amputations. Venomous bites cause paralysis, bleeding disorders, kidney failure, and tissue damage. Agricultural workers and children, especially, are severely affected.
Five
How many countries share a land border with Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye), and list them in alphabetical order?
If we make a start at the Black Sea to the north and go in a clockwise direction, they are Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Syria (Mediterranean Sea and then Aegean Sea), Greece, and Bulgaria.
Numbers Game
Today’s title referred to the answers all being a number, but these are five numbers from near the start of the Fibonacci sequence: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8,13, 21.
Today’s answers are all single numbers — even the one that is a large number can be written as a single digit if you read the question carefully — and form part of a sequence.
One
How many of the eight planets in the solar system have one, and only one, natural satellite, and what are the names of this/these planet(s)?
Two
Maria Sharapova retired from tennis in 2020. Of the five Grand Slam Singles Championships she won, how many were at the French Open, and who, if any, was/were her defeated finalist(s)?
Three
How many siblings does King Charles III of Great Britain have, and what are they known as?
Four
The World Health Organisation estimates that approximately how many millions of people worldwide are bitten by snakes each year?
Five
How many countries share a land border with Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye), and list them in alphabetical order?
All of today’s questions relate to the date, 3rd June.
One
Which country’s national flag is shown? From which state union did it gain independence in 2006?
Answer: Montenegro; Serbia and Montenegro** (or the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro).
Montenegro, located in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, has a population of 633,158 across 25 municipalities. It borders Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Albania, Croatia, and the Adriatic Sea, with Podgorica as its capital and Cetinje as its cultural centre. Historically inhabited by Illyrians, it became a semi-independent principality under the rule of the Prince-Bishops beginning in 1696 and gained independence in 2006. Montenegro has an upper-middle-income, service-based economy and is a member of several international organisations, pursuing EU membership since 2012.
Two
In 1965, Ed White became the first American astronaut to walk in space. Who was the first man and the first woman to walk in space? (Individually, not together.)
Answer: Alexei Leonov; Svetlana Savitskaya.
Extravehicular activity (EVA) involves astronauts performing tasks outside spacecraft, including spacewalks and moonwalks. Conducted by nations like Russia, the U.S., and China, EVAs require space suits for life support. Notable milestones include Alexei Leonov’s first spacewalk in March 1965, Neil Armstrong’s moonwalk in July 1969, and Svetlana Savitskaya’s first female spacewalk in July 1984. EVAs can be tethered or untethered, with untethered walks using the Manned Manoeuvring Unit in 1984 and SAFER in 1994.
Three
The United Kingdom had three kings in 1936, one of whom had been born on this day in 1865. Who was he?
Answer: George V.
George V reigned as King of the United Kingdom from 1910 to 1936. The second son of Prince Albert Edward, later King Edward VII, he unexpectedly became heir to the throne after the death of his elder brother, Prince Albert Victor. Upon George V’s death in January 1936, he was succeeded by his eldest son, Edward VIII, who abdicated later that year to marry Wallis Simpson. Edward was then succeeded by his younger brother Albert, who became King George VI.
Four
In 1844, the last pair of Great auks were killed by fishermen on Eldey Island. In what nation is Eldey Island?
The great auk (Pinguinus impennis), also known as the garefowl or penguin, is an extinct species of flightless alcid that first appeared around 400,000 years ago and was driven to extinction by human exploitation in the mid-19th century. It was the only modern species in the genus Pinguinus. It was not closely related to the penguins of the Southern Hemisphere, which were named for their resemblance to this species. — Wikipedia
Five
In 1973. the first crash of a supersonic passenger aircraft happened in France with the loss of fourteen lives. What aircraft crashed?
Answer: Tupolev Tu-144.
Nicknamed ‘Concordski’ by the press, the Tupolev Tu-144 is a Soviet supersonic passenger airliner designed by Tupolev that operated commercially from 1975 to 1983, including a passenger service between 1977–1978. It was the first commercial supersonic transport, first flew on 31 December 1968, ahead of Concorde. Produced by Tupolev, 16 units were made, conducting 102 commercial flights, with only 55 carrying passengers. It reached Mach 2 on 26 May 1970. Reliability issues, a 1973 crash, and high costs led to its withdrawal from passenger service in 1978. It served as a cargo aircraft until 1983 and was later used for space and research programs, making its final flight in 1999.
Flag of ? See question one. Image Wikimedia Commons
All of today’s questions relate to the date, 3rd June.
One
Which country’s national flag is shown? From which state union did it gain independence in 2006?
Two
In 1965, Ed White became the first American astronaut to walk in space. Who was the first man and the first woman to walk in space? (Individually, not together.)
Three
The United Kingdom had three kings in 1936, one of whom had been born on this day in 1865. Who was he?
Four
In 1844, the last pair of Great auks were killed by fishermen on Eldey Island. In what nation is Eldey Island?
Five
In 1973. the first crash of a supersonic passenger aircraft happened in France with the loss of fourteen lives. What aircraft crashed?
Images from an Exhibition at Lahore. The Illustrated London News, 1864. Image Victoria & Albert Museum.
These are all connected to today’s date, May 14th.
One
1842 saw the first publication of an illustrated weekly news magazine, named The Illustrated … News. The image is from a later edition. What city completed the name of this periodical?
Answer: London. The Illustrated London News
Founded by Herbert Ingram, The Illustrated London News debuted on 14 May 1842 as the first illustrated weekly news magazine. It published weekly until 1971, then less frequently, ceasing in 2003. The company, now Illustrated London News Ltd, remains a publishing and digital agency in London, preserving its archives.
Two
The United States’ first space station was launched on this date. In what year was this, and what was it called?
Answers: 1973; Skylab.
Skylab, the US’s first space station, was occupied for 24 weeks in 1973-1974. It was constructed from a repurposed Saturn V third stage and included an orbital workshop, solar observatory, and Earth observation capabilities. Skylab’s orbit eventually decayed and it disintegrated in the atmosphere on July 11, 1979 scattering debris across the Indian Ocean and Western Australia.
Three
In 2004, the then Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark married Mary Donaldson at Copenhagen Cathedral. The couple are now the king and queen of Denmark. On what island was the bride born?
Answer: Tasmania.
Mary, born Mary Elizabeth Donaldson in 1972 at Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, is the Queen of Denmark and wife of King Frederik X. They met at the 2000 Olympics and married in 2004, having four children together. Mary is a patron of over 30 charities and founded the Mary Foundation in 2007.
Four
The practice of holding a two-minute silence to remember the dead from the First World War began on 14 May 1918. In what port city of the then British Empire did it begin?
Answer: Cape Town, South Africa.
The Remembrance Day two-minute silence began in Cape Town in 1918, when Mayor Sir Harry Hands introduced a daily pause after the death of his son in the First World War. Organised with councillor Robert Rutherford Brydone, the ceremony halted traffic while buglers played the ‘Last Post’ and ‘Reveille’. The practice spread across the British Empire after Sir Percy FitzPatrick promoted it to King George V, who officially adopted the two-minute Armistice Day silence in 1919.
Five
Born Catherine Élise today in 1969 in Victoria. This actress won an award for her role as Katharine Hepburn and later played KGB agent Irina Spalko. Who is she?
Answer: Cate Blanchett.
Cate Blanchett, an Australian actress born Catherine Élise Blanchett on 14 May 1969 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, is 56 years old. Known for her multidimensional characters and wide range of roles, her breakthrough came playing a young Queen Elizabeth I in Elizabeth (1998). She later appeared in The Lord of the Rings series, The Aviator (2004), and Blue Jasmine (2013). Blanchett won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Katharine Hepburn in The Aviator and another for her performance in Blue Jasmine. She also portrayed Irina Spalko, the main antagonist in the 2008 film Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull.
Images from an Exhibition at Lahore (cropped). The Illustrated … News, 1864. Image Victoria & Albert Museum.
These are all connected to today’s date, May 14th.
One
1842 saw the first publication of an illustrated weekly news magazine, named The Illustrated … News. The image above is from a later edition. What city completed the name of this periodical?
Two
The United States’ first space station was launched on this date. In what year was this, and what was it called?
Three
In 2004, Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark married Mary Donaldson at Copenhagen Cathedral. The couple are now the king and queen of Denmark. On what island was the bride born?
Four
The practice of holding a two-minute silence to remember the dead from the First World War began on 14 May 1918. In what port city of the then British Empire did it begin?
Five
Born Catherine Élise today in 1969 in Victoria. This actress won an award for her role as Katharine Hepburn and later played KGB agent Irina Spalko. Who is she?
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.
