UK - Trivia, Quizzes, and Brain Teasers

A detail of a portrait of Queen Elizabeth I painted to commemorate the defeat of the Spanish Armada (depicted in the background).

She spoke multiple languages, defeated Spain’s powerful navy, and never accepted a marriage proposal. Discover more fascinating facts about Queen Elizabeth I and her reign.

Paddington at the Los Angeles premiere of 'Paddington' (2014).

‘Paddington in Peru’ required a prop passport, but Paddington Bear ended up with a real one.

The UK has more than its share of haunted homes.

From grand castles to more humble country manors, the UK’s centuries-old homes have seen plenty of occupants move in over the years. And some never moved out.

There are lots of UK place names—and plenty of surprises in store.

Pretending to be a ghost was a popular pastime in 19th century England. But in London's neighborhood of Hammersmith, it could also get you killed.

George Joseph Smith was very unlucky in marriage.

George Joseph Smith was widower three times over. His wives had a nasty habit of drowning in the bathtub.

From a weeping statue to painting that moves on its own, the stories behind these supposedly haunted pieces of art are downright spooky.

Peter’s poor wife did not have a good time.

‘Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater’ may not be the most kid-friendly nursery rhyme, as several interpretations of it involve murder.

Nuclear Bunker, Land Lying To The East Of Longridge Lane SK17 8AE

Now is your chance to own an important part of British history.

People had some interesting ideas about eels (top) and lamprey (bottom).

This excerpt from Ben Gazur’s book ‘A Feast of Folklore: The Bizarre Stories Behind British Food,’ out September 19 in the UK and November 19 in the U.S., dives into some unusual history.

Three views of the gold Roman-era bracelet discovered in a West Sussex field.

The rare golden bracelet was probably given to a soldier as a reward for bravery as Roman armies invaded England.

Arts and crafts can be fun and beneficial for your mental health.

Don’t underestimate the power of a productive crafting session.

What British mail was like around the time Ewart's postcard was mailed.

The recipient has been identified, but it’s still a mystery where the postcard has been all this time.

Was King George IV the real “Georgie Porgie”?

“Georgie Porgie, pudding and pie / Kissed the girls and made them cry.”

Jack Sprat could refer to two historical royals.

Although “Jack Sprat” may not be in the nursery rhyme limelight, the two theories behind its meaning—both of which involve royalty—are just as interesting as the origins of better-known rhymes.

The preserved hull of the Tudor warship ‘Mary Rose.’

King Henry VIII built the English Royal Navy around his favorite warship, the ‘Mary Rose,’ which sank under mysterious circumstances in 1545.

Andrew Jackson has been on the $20 for less time than you think.

America's seventh president has been on the $20 bill for less time than you might assume.

The portable forensics kits that modern investigators use were inspired by bare hands at the scene of a horrific murder of Emily Kaye, which occurred 100 years ago.

We can learn a lot from a letter written 300 years ago.

From money troubles to a forbidden romance, the life 27-year-old Ben Browne lived in 1719 London should sound relatable to today's young people.

Queen Elizabeth II sometimes went by Sharon.

When she was trying to fly under the radar, Queen Elizabeth II went by the name ‘Sharon.’

Scotland’s national animal is the unicorn. The reason isn’t because Scotland is a nation of unicorn lovers; rather, it’s thanks to the country’s bygone kings.