J. L. BELL is a Massachusetts writer who specializes in (among other things) the start of the American Revolution in and around Boston. He is particularly interested in the experiences of children in 1765-75. He has published scholarly papers and popular articles for both children and adults. He was consultant for an episode of History Detectives, and contributed to a display at Minute Man National Historic Park.

Subscribe thru Follow.it





•••••••••••••••••



Saturday, February 27, 2010

Spot the Actual British Aristocrats!

Quiz time! Of the four names below, some were friends of Charles Lee, the British army lieutenant colonel who became the Continental Army’s second most celebrated general before flaming out.

And some are characters created by P. G. Wodehouse.

Can you sort these men into the proper categories?

  • Clotworthy “Tatty” Upton, formally Lord Templetown.
  • Capt. Primrose Kennedy of the 44th Regiment of Foot.
  • Godfrey “Biscuit” Brent, formally Lord Biskerton, heir to the Earl of Hoddesdon.
  • Arctic explorer Constantine Phipps, later Lord Mulgrave.
While you cogitate, take inspiration from this portrait of Sir Gregory Page-Turner in 1768, from the Manchester Art Gallery. Yes, like Wodehouse’s best novels, it’s a real Page-Turner. Answers on Sunday.

2 comments:

J. L. Bell said...

I must acknowledge my inspiration for this posting is Vast Public Indifference’s 18th-Century Connecticutian or Muppet? quiz.

GreenmanTim said...

The guffaws in this house inspired by this post have left me on the verge of incontinence. My father knows his Wodehouse, so I'll have to share the love with him as well. Carry on, J.L.!