London Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

In 1993, remains of a Bronze Age bridge were found on the south bank of the River Thames. What year did archeologists date the bridge’s construction?

• 1750–1285 BC
• 4800–4500 BC
• 1078 AD
• 1863 AD

Correct Answer: 1750–1285 BC

Correct Answer Explanation: Archeologists discovered the remnants of a Bronze Age bridge on the south bank of the River Thames in 1993, which was radiocarbon dated to 1750–1285 BC.

What was the name of the Roman settlement that was founded in 47 AD?

• Lundenwic
• Londinium
• Tower of London
• Westminster Abbey

Correct Answer: Londinium

Correct Answer Explanation: The Roman settlement was named Londinium, which eventually evolved into the modern-day name London.

What year did the Anglo-Saxon settlement known as Lundenwic develop slightly west of the old Roman city?

• 47 AD
• 450 AD
• 500 AD
• 680 AD

Correct Answer: 500 AD

Correct Answer Explanation: Around the year 500, an Anglo-Saxon settlement known as Lundenwic emerged slightly west of the old Roman city of Londinium.

Who is credited with “refounding” London in 886?

• Queen Boudica
• Alfred the Great
• William, Duke of Normandy
• Edward the Confessor

Correct Answer: Alfred the Great

Correct Answer Explanation: The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records that King Alfred the Great “refounded” London in 886, after the Vikings had conquered the city. The Vikings had applied Danelaw over much of eastern and northern England, its boundary running roughly from London to Chester as an area of political and geographical control imposed by the Viking incursions formally agreed by the Danish warlord, Guthrum and the West Saxon king Alfred the Great in 886.

Which of these buildings was the first of many in England to be rebuilt in stone in the south-eastern corner of the city?

• Westminster Abbey
• Tower of London
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Buckingham Palace

Correct Answer: Tower of London

Correct Answer Explanation: After winning the Battle of Hastings, William, Duke of Normandy, had the Tower of London built as a way to intimidate the Londoners, the first of many stone castles in England.

The Black Death, a devastating plague, reduced London’s population by nearly a third in the mid-14th century. How much did London’s population grow by in the 12th Century?

• 18,000
• 82,000
• 100,000
• 225,000

Correct Answer: 82,000

Correct Answer Explanation: London’s population was estimated to be around 18,000 in 1100, and by 1300 it had grown to nearly 100,000, meaning the population had grown by 82,000 in the 12th Century.

Which of these is not a feature of the Cockney dialect?

• Th-fronting
• H-dropping
• R-dropping
• Using rhyming slang

Correct Answer: Using rhyming slang

Correct Answer Explanation: While Cockneys use rhyming slang, it is not a definitive feature of the Cockney dialect.

What was the name of the first underground electric line, which opened in 1890?

• London Underground
• The Tube
• The DLR
• City and South London Railway

Correct Answer: City and South London Railway

Correct Answer Explanation: The City and South London Railway, opened in 1890, was the world’s first underground electric line, and is now part of the London Underground network.

How many airports use the word London in their name?

• Four
• Five
• Six
• Eight

Correct Answer: Eight

Correct Answer Explanation: Eight airports use the word “London” in their names, although the majority of traffic passes through six of these.

What is the oldest rapid transit system in the world?

• The London Underground
• The New York Subway
• The Tokyo Metro
• The Paris Metro

Correct Answer: The London Underground

Correct Answer Explanation: Opened in 1863, the London Underground, often called the Tube, is the world’s oldest rapid transit system and the third-longest in the world.

What year was London’s first cable car opened?

• 1890
• 1987
• 2010
• 2012

Correct Answer: 2012

Correct Answer Explanation: London’s first and only cable car, the London Cable Car, opened in June 2012, connecting Greenwich Peninsula with the Royal Docks in the east of the city.

What was the name of the report commissioned by the London Stock Exchange that established a code of best practice for corporate governance?

• The Thames Report
• The London Report
• The Cadbury Report
• The City Report

Correct Answer: The Cadbury Report

Correct Answer Explanation: The Cadbury Report, commissioned by the London Stock Exchange in 1992, established a code of best practice that has served as a basis for reform of corporate governance around the world.

What is the name of the entertainment district in London that is located in Westminster?

• The West End
• The East End
• The City
• The Docklands

Correct Answer: The West End

Correct Answer Explanation: The West End is London’s primary entertainment and shopping district, drawing tourists and locals alike. It is located within the City of Westminster.

What year was the first cash machine installed in London?

• 1967
• 1981
• 2000
• 2012

Correct Answer: 1967

Correct Answer Explanation: The first cash machine, or ATM, was installed in London in 1967 at a branch of Barclays Bank in Enfield, north London.

What are the two financial districts in London?

• The City of London and Canary Wharf
• The City of London and West End
• The City of London and Covent Garden
• The City of London and The East End

Correct Answer: The City of London and Canary Wharf

Correct Answer Explanation: London’s financial industry is headquartered in the City of London and Canary Wharf, two key business districts in the city.

How many universities in London are part of the University of London system?

• Two
• Three
• Five
• Ten

Correct Answer: Five

Correct Answer Explanation: Five multi-faculty universities are part of the University of London system: City, King’s College London, Queen Mary, Royal Holloway, and UCL. There are also a number of smaller and more specialized institutions that are part of the system.

What is the name of the world’s oldest scientific zoo, located in London?

• London Zoo
• The Natural History Museum
• Kew Gardens
• The Royal Botanic Gardens

Correct Answer: London Zoo

Correct Answer Explanation: Located in Regent’s Park, London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo, with a long history of conservation and research.

What is the name of London’s most famous annual sporting event?

• The FA Cup Final
• The London Marathon
• The Wimbledon Tennis Championships
• The University Boat Race

Correct Answer: The Wimbledon Tennis Championships

Correct Answer Explanation: The Wimbledon Tennis Championships, held annually at the All England Club in Wimbledon, is a highly prestigious and well-known sporting event, known as the world’s oldest tennis tournament and the only major one played on grass.

What is the name of the street in London that has more bars and restaurants than any other street in the UK?

• Oxford Street
• Regent Street
• Piccadilly Circus
• Upper Street

Correct Answer: Upper Street

Correct Answer Explanation: Upper Street in Islington, extending north from Angel, is renowned for its vibrant dining and entertainment scene, boasting more bars and restaurants than any other street in the UK.

Which of these is not a Royal Park in London?

• Green Park
• Bushy Park
• Richmond Park
• Hyde Park
• Regent’s Park
• Greenwich Park

Correct Answer: Regent’s Park

Correct Answer Explanation: While Regent’s Park is a large and notable park in London, it is not one of the eight Royal Parks.

What is the name of the oldest toy store in the world?

• Harrods
• Selfridges
• Hamleys
• Liberty

Correct Answer: Hamleys

Correct Answer Explanation: Hamleys, established in 1760 with its flagship store on Regent Street since 1881, holds the title of the oldest toy store in the world.

What is the name of the street in London that is home to the largest concentration of retailers and department stores in the UK?

• Upper Street
• Oxford Street
• Regent Street
• Knightsbridge

Correct Answer: Oxford Street

Correct Answer Explanation: Oxford Street, London’s premier shopping destination, is the longest shopping street in the UK, featuring a wide range of retailers, department stores, and flagship stores, making it one of the busiest shopping areas in Europe.

What is the name of the oldest gay bar in London?

• The Cave of the Golden Calf
• Comptom’s
• Heaven
• G-A-Y

Correct Answer: The Cave of the Golden Calf

Correct Answer Explanation: The Cave of the Golden Calf, established in 1912 at 9 Heddon Street, was London’s first gay bar in the modern sense.

What is the name of the world’s longest-running play, performed in the West End since 1952?

• The Mousetrap
• The Phantom of the Opera
• Les Misérables
• The Lion King

Correct Answer: The Mousetrap

Correct Answer Explanation: Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has held the record for the longest-running play in the world since its opening in the West End in 1952.

Which of these is not a major music corporation headquartered in London?

• Warner Music Group
• Universal Music Group International
• Sony Music Entertainment
• EMI

Correct Answer: Sony Music Entertainment

Correct Answer Explanation: Sony Music Entertainment is not headquartered in London. The other three corporations are.

What is the name of the summer season of daily orchestral classical music that ends with the Last Night of the Proms?

• The Last Night of the Proms
• The Royal Albert Hall Concert Series
• The Barbican Arts Centre Concert Series
• The Proms

Correct Answer: The Proms

Correct Answer Explanation: The Proms, an eight-week summer season of daily orchestral classical music, is renowned for its diverse programming and culminates in the Last Night of the Proms, a grand finale celebration of British music.

What is the name of the world’s busiest indoor music venue?

• The O2 Arena
• Wembley Arena
• Brixton Academy
• The Hammersmith Apollo

Correct Answer: The O2 Arena

Correct Answer Explanation: The O2 Arena, located on the Greenwich Peninsula, is a major entertainment venue that consistently hosts a wide range of concerts and events, making it the busiest indoor venue in the world.

What is the name of the world’s largest collection of living plants?

• Kew Gardens
• The Royal Botanic Gardens
• The Natural History Museum
• London Zoo

Correct Answer: Kew Gardens

Correct Answer Explanation: Kew Gardens, located in southwest London, holds the title of the world’s largest collection of living plants, with a rich history of botanical research and conservation.

What is the name of the former stately home located on Hampstead Heath that hosts classical music concerts in the summer months?

• Kenwood House
• The Royal Albert Hall
• The Barbican Arts Centre
• The Southbank Centre

Correct Answer: Kenwood House

Correct Answer Explanation: Kenwood House, a beautiful stately home on Hampstead Heath, provides a stunning setting for classical music concerts during the summer months, offering a unique and picturesque experience for music lovers.

What is the name of the street in London that is known for its Bangladeshi restaurants?

• Brick Lane
• Chinatown
• Covent Garden
• Oxford Street

Correct Answer: Brick Lane

Correct Answer Explanation: Brick Lane, located in the East End of London, is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, particularly its concentration of Bangladeshi restaurants, offering a taste of authentic cuisine and vibrant cultural experiences.

What is the name of the annual event that celebrates the appointment of a new Lord Mayor of the City of London?

• The Notting Hill Carnival
• The Lord Mayor’s Show
• The Trooping the Colour
• The Chelsea Flower Show

Correct Answer: The Lord Mayor’s Show

Correct Answer Explanation: The Lord Mayor’s Show, a centuries-old tradition, celebrates the annual appointment of a new Lord Mayor of the City of London with a grand procession through the streets of the city.

What is the name of the museum in London that houses the world’s most extensive collection of portraits?

• The National Gallery
• The British Museum
• The National Portrait Gallery
• The Tate Modern

Correct Answer: The National Portrait Gallery

Correct Answer Explanation: The National Portrait Gallery, founded in 1856, is dedicated to showcasing portraits of significant figures from British history and culture, featuring a vast and comprehensive collection.

What is the name of the church in London whose bells are said to define a “true Cockney”?

• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Westminster Abbey
• Southwark Cathedral
• St Mary-le-Bow

Correct Answer: St Mary-le-Bow

Correct Answer Explanation: According to tradition, anyone born within earshot of the bells of St Mary-le-Bow church was considered a “true Cockney,” highlighting the significance of this church in London’s cultural identity.

What is the name of the university in London that was established by Royal Charter in 1836?

• Imperial College London
• University College London
• King’s College London
• The London School of Economics

Correct Answer: University College London

Correct Answer Explanation: University College London (UCL) was founded in 1836 by Royal Charter and is one of the founding colleges of the University of London.

What is the name of the London borough that is home to Europe’s largest medical school?

• Kensington and Chelsea
• Southwark
• Lambeth
• Westminster

Correct Answer: Lambeth

Correct Answer Explanation: The London borough of Lambeth is home to King’s College London School of Medicine, which is the largest medical school in Europe, making Lambeth a center for medical education and research.

Which of these is not a key event in London’s annual sports calendar?

• The FA Cup Final
• The London Marathon
• The University Boat Race
• The Ryder Cup

Correct Answer: The Ryder Cup

Correct Answer Explanation: The Ryder Cup is a major golf tournament that is not held annually in London.

What is the name of the first nursing school, founded in 1860 by Florence Nightingale?

• The Florence Nightingale School of Nursing
• The Royal College of Nursing
• King’s College London School of Nursing
• The St. Thomas’ Hospital School of Nursing

Correct Answer: The St. Thomas’ Hospital School of Nursing

Correct Answer Explanation: The first nursing school was established by Florence Nightingale in 1860 at St. Thomas’ Hospital, which is now part of King’s College London.

What is the name of the first public building in the world to be lit entirely by electricity?

• The Royal Opera House
• The Savoy Theatre
• The Albert Hall
• Buckingham Palace

Correct Answer: The Savoy Theatre

Correct Answer Explanation: The Savoy Theatre in London’s West End was the first public building in the world to be lit entirely by electricity in 1881, utilizing the incandescent light bulb developed by Sir Joseph Swan, a groundbreaking achievement in lighting technology.

What is the name of the UK’s largest pipe organ?

• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Westminster Abbey
• The Royal Albert Hall
• The Barbican Centre

Correct Answer: The Royal Albert Hall

Correct Answer Explanation: The Royal Albert Hall, a famous concert venue in London, boasts the UK’s largest pipe organ, a testament to its architectural grandeur and its role as a center for music and performance.

What is the name of the oldest tennis tournament in the world?

• The US Open
• The French Open
• Wimbledon
• The Australian Open

Correct Answer: Wimbledon

Correct Answer Explanation: The Wimbledon Tennis Championships, held annually at the All England Club in Wimbledon, is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, with a long and prestigious history.

Which of these is not a football club in the Premier League?

• Manchester United
• Liverpool
• Arsenal
• Tottenham Hotspur

Correct Answer: Manchester United

Correct Answer Explanation: Manchester United is a famous football club, but it is not based in London. The other three clubs are based in London.

What is the name of the world’s second largest street party?

• The Lord Mayor’s Show
• Notting Hill Carnival
• Trooping the Colour
• The Boishakhi Mela

Correct Answer: Notting Hill Carnival

Correct Answer Explanation: The Notting Hill Carnival, held annually on the late August Bank Holiday in London, is the world’s second largest street party, known for its vibrant music, colorful costumes, and lively atmosphere.

What is the name of the largest Sikh temple outside of India?

• The Neasden Temple
• The East London Mosque
• The Baitul Futuh
• The Southall Gurdwara

Correct Answer: The Southall Gurdwara

Correct Answer Explanation: The Southall Gurdwara, located in Southall, West London, is the largest Sikh temple outside of India, reflecting the significant presence of the Sikh community in London.

What is the name of the world’s largest department store?

• Harrods
• Selfridges
• Liberty
• Fortnum & Mason

Correct Answer: Harrods

Correct Answer Explanation: Harrods, located in Knightsbridge, London, is the world’s largest department store, renowned for its luxury goods, extensive selection, and iconic status in the city’s retail landscape.

What is the name of the museum in London that is housed in the former Bankside Power Station?

• The Tate Modern
• The British Museum
• The National Gallery
• The Tate Britain

Correct Answer: The Tate Modern

Correct Answer Explanation: The Tate Modern, a renowned art gallery in London, is housed in the former Bankside Power Station, a striking and repurposed industrial building that stands as a testament to the city’s architectural diversity.

What is the name of the oldest national broadcaster in the world?

• CNN
• BBC
• NBC
• CBS

Correct Answer: BBC

Correct Answer Explanation: The BBC, headquartered in London, is the world’s oldest national broadcaster, with a long history of providing news, entertainment, and cultural programming to the United Kingdom and beyond.

What is the name of the London borough that is home to the BBC’s Broadcasting House?

• Westminster
• Camden
• Islington
• Tower Hamlets

Correct Answer: Islington

Correct Answer Explanation: The BBC’s Broadcasting House is located in the London Borough of Islington, a central location that reflects the importance of the BBC in London’s media landscape.

What is the name of the UK’s domestic counter-intelligence service?

• MI6
• MI5
• SIS
• GCHQ

Correct Answer: MI5

Correct Answer Explanation: MI5 is the UK’s domestic counter-intelligence service, responsible for protecting national security from threats within the UK.

What is the name of the world’s busiest city airport system?

• The London Airport System
• The UK Airport System
• The Heathrow Airport System
• The Gatwick Airport System

Correct Answer: The London Airport System

Correct Answer Explanation: London’s airport system, encompassing a network of airports serving the city, is recognized as the busiest in the world, reflecting London’s status as a major global hub for air travel.

What is the name of the oldest operating theater in London?

• The Globe Theatre
• The Royal Opera House
• Drury Lane
• The London Coliseum

Correct Answer: Drury Lane

Correct Answer Explanation: Drury Lane, located in the West End of London, is the oldest operating theater in the city, with a rich history dating back to 1663, making it a significant landmark in London’s theatrical heritage.

What is the name of the largest 3-Michelin star restaurant in London?

• Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
• The Fat Duck
• The Waterside Inn
• Heston Blumenthal’s The Hind’s Head

Correct Answer: Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

Correct Answer Explanation: Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, located in Chelsea, London, is one of the largest 3-Michelin star restaurants in London, renowned for its exceptional cuisine and culinary excellence.

What is the name of the area in London that is known for its Chinese restaurants?

• Brick Lane
• Chinatown
• Covent Garden
• Oxford Street

Correct Answer: Chinatown

Correct Answer Explanation: Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant district with a concentration of Chinese restaurants, offering a variety of authentic cuisine and a taste of Chinese culture.

What is the name of the London borough that is home to the largest Hindu temple outside of India?

• Brent
• Harrow
• Southwark
• Tower Hamlets

Correct Answer: Brent

Correct Answer Explanation: Brent, a borough in northwest London, is home to the Neasden Temple, which was Europe’s largest Hindu temple until 2006, making Brent a significant center for the Hindu community in London.

What is the name of the largest entertainment venue in London?

• The O2 Arena
• Wembley Arena
• The Royal Albert Hall
• The Barbican Centre

Correct Answer: The O2 Arena

Correct Answer Explanation: The O2 Arena, located on the Greenwich Peninsula, is the largest entertainment venue in London, hosting a wide range of concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment productions.

What is the name of the line of trees that forms a tunnel on the western side of Wimbledon Common?

• The Horse Ride
• The Green Chain Walk
• The Capital Ring
• The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Walk

Correct Answer: The Horse Ride

Correct Answer Explanation: The Horse Ride, a picturesque tree tunnel on the western side of Wimbledon Common, is a popular walking route, offering a scenic and tranquil experience in London’s green spaces.

What is the name of the river that flows through London?

• The Thames
• The Severn
• The Trent
• The Mersey

Correct Answer: The Thames

Correct Answer Explanation: The River Thames, a major waterway that flows through London, is a defining feature of the city, playing a vital role in its history, transportation, and cultural identity.

What is the name of the oldest major and tournament in golf?

• The Masters Tournament
• The PGA Championship
• The US Open
• The Open Championship

Correct Answer: The Open Championship

Correct Answer Explanation: The Open Championship, often called simply “The Open,” is the oldest major and tournament in golf, with a long and prestigious history, attracting top golfers from around the world.

What is the name of the museum in London that is home to the tomb of the Unknown Warrior?

• The British Museum
• The National Gallery
• The Tower of London
• Westminster Abbey

Correct Answer: Westminster Abbey

Correct Answer Explanation: Westminster Abbey, a historic church in central London, is the resting place of the Unknown Warrior, a symbolic tribute to the unidentified soldiers who died in World War I, making it a significant place of remembrance and national pride.

What is the name of the oldest railway station in London?

• London Bridge
• King’s Cross
• Waterloo
• Paddington

Correct Answer: London Bridge

Correct Answer Explanation: London Bridge, a historic railway station in central London, is the oldest railway station in the city, playing a significant role in London’s transportation network.

What is the name of the largest retail destination in the world?

• Oxford Street
• The West End
• Harrods
• Selfridges

Correct Answer: Oxford Street

Correct Answer Explanation: Oxford Street, a major shopping street in central London, is recognized as the largest retail destination in the world, offering a wide range of shopping experiences and attracting visitors from all over the globe.

What is the name of the world’s second-busiest film production center?

• Hollywood
• Bollywood
• London
• New York City

Correct Answer: London

Correct Answer Explanation: London is a major center for film production, consistently ranking among the top film production centers globally, with a rich history of filmmaking and a vibrant film industry.

What is the name of the largest professional medical school in Europe?

• Imperial College School of Medicine
• UCL Medical School
• King’s College London School of Medicine
• St. George’s, University of London

Correct Answer: King’s College London School of Medicine

Correct Answer Explanation: King’s College London School of Medicine, located in the London Borough of Lambeth, is the largest professional medical school in Europe, with a prominent role in medical education and research.

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