1. On 17 October 1777, a British general surrendered his whole army to the Americans in New York State, a turning point that brought France into the war (see your 17 December round). Name the general and the place.

2. On 17 October 1814, a huge vat burst at a brewery in London's St Giles, sending a wave of over a million litres of liquid through the streets and killing eight people. What is the disaster called?

3. On 17 October 1931, the gangster from your 11 August round was convicted. Of what crime?

4. On 17 October 1933, the scientist from your 18 April round arrived in the United States to escape the Nazis, and never returned to Germany. Who was he?

5. On 17 October 1956, Queen Elizabeth II opened the world's first full-scale nuclear power station to supply electricity to a national grid, in Cumbria. What was it called?

6. On 17 October 1973, Arab oil producers announced cuts in supplies and an embargo against countries supporting Israel, causing a worldwide oil crisis. Which organisation, from your 14 September round, were most of them members of?

7. On 17 October 1979, the nun from your 5 September round was announced as winner of which prize?

8. On 17 October 1989, just before a World Series game in San Francisco, a powerful earthquake struck the Bay Area. What is it called?

9. On 17 October 1907, the radio pioneer from your 25 April round opened the first regular commercial wireless telegraph service across the Atlantic. Which Irish town, from your 15 June round, had the European station?

10. The first Open Championship in golf was played on 17 October 1860. At which Scottish course?

11. The American playwright who married the actress from your 19 May round was born on 17 October 1915. Who was he, and what is his famous play about a travelling salesman?

12. An American actress born on 17 October 1918 became a famous Second World War pin-up, and starred in "Gilda". Who was she?

13. An American daredevil born on 17 October 1938 was famous for jumping over rows of buses on his motorcycle. Who was he?

14. An American rapper born on 17 October 1972 won an Oscar for "Lose Yourself". What is his stage name, and his real name?

15. A German writer born on 17 October 1813 wrote "Woyzeck" and "Danton's Death" before dying at only 23. Germany's most important literary prize is named after him. Who was he?

16. A Canadian actress born on 17 October 1948 played Lois Lane opposite the actor from your 25 September round. Who was she?

17. A South African golfer born on 17 October 1969, nicknamed "The Big Easy", won four major championships. Who is he?

18. The first African-American woman in space, from your 12 September round, was born on 17 October 1956. Who is she?

19. A Polish composer and pianist died in Paris on 17 October 1849. His heart was taken back to Warsaw and placed in a church there. Who was he?

20. An English poet and soldier died on 17 October 1586 from a wound received in battle in the Netherlands. According to legend, he gave his water bottle to a dying soldier, saying "Thy necessity is yet greater than mine". Who was he?