Randomised quiz

A potentially controversial person from our nation's history next, this statesperson was regarded by some as a crucial part of the move towards a constitutional government, whereas others have called them a dictator. They were born in Huntingdonshire (a part of Cambridgeshire) in the mid-1600s, they established themselves as a Member of Parliament during a turbulent time, and hostilities between Parliament and the reigning monarch, Charles I, resulted in the English Civil War. This person sided with the Parliament's forces and would climb the ranks throughout the skirmishes - they would return to politics during a brief gap in battles, but due to failed diplomacy, they would find themselves leading the forces against the Royalists in the Second English Civil War. It was during this second Civil War that King Charles I would be tried for treason and executed, and by the early 1650s the Commonwealth was established, a new constitution drafted and a protectorate with this person acting as "Lord Protector", a role that appeared to be somewhere between a modern Prime Minister and a Monarch. This would be a time of some prosperity for the nation, and after some time Parliament would actually offer him the crown - an honour they would decline.

The nation would only exist in this format for around 5 years, until this person's death when they would be buried at Westminster Abbey. After their death, the Protectorate would quickly decline and before long the monarchy would be re-established by a Royalist uprising, who as you may imagine did not look favourably upon this person. By order of King Charles II, this person was posthumously executed with their head displayed on a pike outside Westminster Hall.

Round 2 - How the song starts...

Given the opening lyric of a song, can you successfully identify the song? This will only count the first actual lyric of the song, so no "Woos" and "Yeahs" here!

Oh, what a night

1. Built sometime in the 1400s, this structure was occupied for just over 100 years
2. Its abandonment isn't fully understood, although disease and Spanish invasion may have contributed to it
3. It is now a UNESCO world heritage site...
4. ...as well as being considered one of the wonders of the world
5. Visitors will also get to enjoy the tropical mountain climates as well as the Urubamba River
6. If you are lucky you may even get a visit from a Llama while here
7. Visitors will most likely have to travel to the nearby city of Cusco, Peru, before embarking on their journey to this structure
8. It operated as a citadel with its remote location aiding its defence
9. In fact, the neighbouring mountains are almost as iconic as this structure - and will feature heavily in most photographs
10. Considered a lost city, it is perhaps the most iconic remnant of the Inca Empire

The first and only Welsh person to hold the seat of Prime Minister, this Liberal Party politician would help to see the nation through some of its toughest times, holding office from 1916 to 1922. They started their political career in local politics, being a champion of Welsh devolution, the disestablishment of the Church of England in Wales, equality for labourers and tenant farmers as well as reform of land ownership. By 1890 they had earned their seat in parliament, with a narrow victory in Caernarvon Boroughs - a seat they would hold for an impressive 55 years. They would serve in Henry Campbell-Bannerman's cabinet, as well as serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer under H.H. Asquith. They believed in assisting those in need, and their financial reforms led to the basis of the modern welfare state in the National Insurance Act of 1911.

War would break out and they would focus on strengthening the nation's finances, as well as forging agreements with trade unions to keep the nation ticking in such a turbulent time. They became Secretary of State for War by 1916, but  H.H. Asquith's popularity waned due to difficulties in the war and he was forced to resign. This would lead to our subject taking the seat of Prime Minister, supported by both conservatives and some liberals. They instituted changes to combat shortages and worked to bring the then-divided command of the allied forces under one single command - the war effort would turn in their favour and by November the war would be over. They maintained popular support in the upcoming election held immediately following the war, but their troubles were far from over. Heading into a depression, alongside the Irish War of Independence leading to the Irish Free State of 1921. They still managed to institute some education and housing reforms and difficult times lead to their resignation - they would continue to lead a faction of the Liberals but would never see office again. They would eventually ascend to peerage, earning the titles Viscount Gwynedd, of Dwyfor in the County of Caernarvon, with the title Earl of Dwyfor handed down to their descendants in turn.

Logo first used: 1951

Prior to 1917 and the establishment of the House of Windsor, what royal house did the Royal Family belong to?