15th October Quiz (Questions only)

1. In Italy, Spain and Portugal, the day after 4 October 1582 was 15 October 1582. Why were ten days skipped?

2. On 15 October 1815, a fallen emperor arrived at the remote Atlantic island where he would spend the rest of his life. Name the emperor and the island.

3. On 15 October 1917, an exotic dancer was executed by a French firing squad as a German spy. Name her stage name and her real name. What nationality was she?

4. A US sitcom starring a real-life married couple first aired on 15 October 1951. Name the show and the couple.

5. On the night of 15 to 16 October 1987, a powerful storm devastated southern England. Which BBC weatherman is remembered for telling viewers the evening before that there was no hurricane on the way?

6. On 15 October 1997, a jet-powered car broke the sound barrier, setting the first supersonic land speed record. Name the car and its driver.

7. On 15 October 2003, China launched its first astronaut into space. Name him and his spacecraft.

8. A Roman poet born on 15 October 70 BC wrote an epic poem about a Trojan hero who founded Rome. Name the poet and the poem.

9. A German philosopher born on 15 October 1844 wrote "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" and declared "God is dead". Who was he?

10. An English comic writer born on 15 October 1881 created a hopeless young gentleman and his brilliant valet. Name the author and both characters.