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The name 'Harwich' is derived from an Old English term meaning 'safe harbor' due to its strategic coastal location.
Answer: False
Explanation: The name 'Harwich' originates from the Old English 'here-wic,' which translates to 'military settlement,' not 'safe harbor.'
Harwich received its charter in 1177, although evidence suggests a Roman presence predates this.
Answer: False
Explanation: Harwich received its charter in 1238, not 1177. However, there is indeed evidence of earlier settlement, including a possible Roman presence.
During the Hundred Years' War, Harwich successfully repelled a French raid led by Antonio Doria in 1339.
Answer: True
Explanation: On March 24, 1339, Harwich was the target of an unsuccessful raid by French forces under Antonio Doria, which the town successfully repelled.
In which English county is Harwich located?
Answer: Essex
Explanation: Harwich is geographically situated in the county of Essex, England.
What historical event occurred on the River Stour north of Harwich in 885?
Answer: Two battles took place.
Explanation: Historical records indicate that two battles occurred on the River Stour, north of Harwich, in the year 885.
Which nearby settlements are often collectively referred to as Harwich today?
Answer: Dovercourt and Parkeston
Explanation: In contemporary usage, Harwich is often referred to collectively with the contiguous settlements of Dovercourt and Parkeston.
What is the meaning of the name 'Harwich' according to its Old English origin?
Answer: Military Settlement
Explanation: The Old English origin of 'Harwich' is 'here-wic,' which translates to 'military settlement.'
When did Harwich receive its official charter?
Answer: 1238
Explanation: Harwich was granted its official charter in the year 1238.
Who led the French forces in the unsuccessful raid on Harwich during the Hundred Years' War in 1339?
Answer: Antonio Doria
Explanation: The French forces that unsuccessfully raided Harwich in 1339 during the Hundred Years' War were led by Antonio Doria.
Harwich International Port offers regular ferry services to Zeebrugge in Belgium.
Answer: False
Explanation: Harwich International Port currently offers regular ferry services to the Hook of Holland (Hoek van Holland) in the Netherlands, not Zeebrugge.
The Port of Felixstowe and Trinity House manage many of their operations from Harwich.
Answer: True
Explanation: Many operations of both the Port of Felixstowe and Trinity House are indeed managed from Harwich.
The Mayflower railway line serves Harwich, with two operational passenger stations.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Mayflower railway line serves Harwich with three operational passenger stations: Harwich International, Dovercourt, and Harwich Town.
The phrase 'Harwich for the Continent' was a marketing slogan used by the Great Eastern Railway to promote its European connections.
Answer: False
Explanation: The phrase 'Harwich for the Continent' was famously used by the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER), not the Great Eastern Railway.
A train ferry service operated between Harwich and Zeebrugge from 1924 to 1987, with a break during World War II.
Answer: True
Explanation: A train ferry service indeed connected Harwich and Zeebrugge from 1924 to 1987, with operations suspended during World War II.
Which ferry service is currently offered from Harwich International Port?
Answer: To Hook of Holland, Netherlands
Explanation: Harwich International Port currently provides regular ferry services to the Hook of Holland (Hoek van Holland) in the Netherlands.
How many operational passenger stations are there on the Mayflower railway line serving Harwich?
Answer: Three
Explanation: The Mayflower railway line serving Harwich has three operational passenger stations: Harwich International, Dovercourt, and Harwich Town.
Which railway company famously used the phrase 'Harwich for the Continent' in its advertisements?
Answer: London and North Eastern Railway (LNER)
Explanation: The London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) was renowned for using the marketing slogan 'Harwich for the Continent.'
John Constable's painting 'Harwich Lighthouse' was exhibited in 1863, the year the original lighthouses ceased functioning.
Answer: False
Explanation: John Constable's painting 'Harwich Lighthouse' was exhibited in 1820, while the original lighthouses ceased functioning in 1863.
Harwich's entire older part of the town, including Navyard Wharf, is designated as a conservation area due to its architectural heritage.
Answer: False
Explanation: The entire older part of Harwich, *excluding* Navyard Wharf, is designated as a conservation area.
The regular street plan and numerous small alleys in Harwich are indicative of its Roman origins.
Answer: False
Explanation: The regular street plan and small alleys in Harwich are indicative of its medieval origins, not Roman origins.
The Harwich Guildhall, built in 1769, is the only Grade I listed building in Harwich.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Harwich Guildhall, constructed in 1769, holds the distinction of being the sole Grade I listed building in the town.
The Great Eastern Hotel in Harwich was converted into the Harwich Town Hall after 1923 due to a decline in passenger numbers.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following its closure in 1923 due to declining passenger numbers, the Great Eastern Hotel was indeed converted into the Harwich Town Hall.
The Electric Palace Cinema in Harwich, built in 1911, is notable for being one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas still operational.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Electric Palace Cinema, constructed in 1911, is recognized as one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas that remains operational, retaining its original features.
The Harwich International Shanty Festival, established in 2006, is a biennial event celebrating the town's seafaring history.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Harwich International Shanty Festival, established in 2006, is an *annual* event, not biennial.
What does John Constable's painting 'Harwich Lighthouse' depict, and when was it exhibited?
Answer: One of the lighthouses in 1820.
Explanation: John Constable's painting 'Harwich Lighthouse' depicts one of the Harwich lighthouses and was exhibited in 1820.
What is the architectural status of the entire older part of Harwich, excluding Navyard Wharf?
Answer: It is designated as a conservation area.
Explanation: The older part of Harwich, with the exception of Navyard Wharf, is designated as a conservation area due to its significant architectural and historical value.
Which of the following is the only Grade I listed building in Harwich?
Answer: The Harwich Guildhall
Explanation: The Harwich Guildhall, built in 1769, is the only building in Harwich to hold a Grade I listing, indicating its exceptional national importance.
Who was the architect of the St. Nicholas parish church in Harwich, built between 1820 and 1822?
Answer: M G Thompson of Dedham
Explanation: The St. Nicholas parish church in Harwich, constructed in the early 1820s, was designed by M G Thompson of Dedham.
What happened to the Great Eastern Hotel in Harwich after 1923?
Answer: It was converted into the Harwich Town Hall.
Explanation: After its closure in 1923, the Great Eastern Hotel was repurposed and converted into the Harwich Town Hall.
Which of these architectural points of interest in Harwich is described as one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas still operational?
Answer: The Electric Palace Cinema
Explanation: The Electric Palace Cinema, built in 1911, is recognized as one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas in operation, retaining its original architectural integrity.
When was the Harwich International Shanty Festival established?
Answer: 2006
Explanation: The Harwich International Shanty Festival was inaugurated in 2006.
The Mayflower, which transported English Puritans to North America, is believed to have launched from Harwich, which is also the presumed birthplace of its captain, Christopher Jones.
Answer: True
Explanation: Harwich is considered the likely launch point for the Mayflower, and its captain, Christopher Jones, is presumed to have been born there.
Daniel Defoe, during his 1722 visit, described Harwich as a town primarily focused on gaiety and pleasure, with a small, unfortified harbor.
Answer: False
Explanation: Daniel Defoe described Harwich in 1722 as 'a town of hurry and business, not much of gaiety and pleasure,' noting its formidable fort and vast harbor, contrary to the statement.
Joseph Graham was a Royal Navy officer who oversaw the construction of warships at Harwich Dockyard during the 18th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: Joseph Graham was a commercial shipbuilder who contracted to build ships at the Harwich Dockyard when it operated as a semi-private concern, not a Royal Navy officer.
Christopher Newport, a privateer from Harwich, captained the expedition that founded Jamestown, Virginia.
Answer: True
Explanation: Christopher Newport, a privateer hailing from Harwich, led the expedition that established Jamestown, Virginia.
Samuel Pepys, the famous diarist, served as a Member of Parliament for Harwich.
Answer: True
Explanation: Samuel Pepys, the celebrated diarist, indeed represented Harwich as a Member of Parliament.
The local newspaper for Harwich, the Harwich and Manningtree Standard, is published weekly on Thursdays.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Harwich and Manningtree Standard, the local newspaper, is published weekly on Fridays, not Thursdays.
The motto on the Coat of Arms granted to Harwich Borough Council in 1943 is 'Fortis et Fidelis,' meaning 'Strong and Faithful.'
Answer: False
Explanation: The motto on the Coat of Arms granted to Harwich Borough Council in 1943 is 'Omnia Bona Bonis,' which translates to 'To The Good All Things Are Good,' not 'Fortis et Fidelis.'
Who was the presumed captain of the Mayflower, believed to be born in Harwich?
Answer: Christopher Jones
Explanation: Christopher Jones, the captain of the Mayflower, is presumed to have been born in Harwich.
Who was made Marquess of Harwich due to the Schomberg family's involvement in William of Orange's invasion?
Answer: Charles Louis Schomberg
Explanation: Charles Louis Schomberg was granted the title Marquess of Harwich in recognition of the Schomberg family's role in William of Orange's invasion.
What unusual natural feature on Beacon Hill did Daniel Defoe observe in Harwich in 1722?
Answer: A chalybeate spring that 'petrified' clay.
Explanation: Daniel Defoe noted an unusual chalybeate spring on Beacon Hill in 1722, which he observed 'petrified' clay, making it suitable for paving and building.
What was Joseph Graham's primary profession in relation to Harwich Dockyard?
Answer: Commercial shipbuilder
Explanation: Joseph Graham was a commercial shipbuilder who contracted to build ships at the Harwich Dockyard.
Who was Christopher Newport, known for his connection to Jamestown, Virginia?
Answer: A privateer from Harwich who captained the expedition that founded Jamestown.
Explanation: Christopher Newport was a privateer from Harwich who famously captained the expedition that led to the founding of Jamestown, Virginia.
Which political figure served as a Member of Parliament for Harwich?
Answer: Samuel Pepys
Explanation: Samuel Pepys, the celebrated diarist, held the position of Member of Parliament for Harwich.
Which Conservative politician has represented Harwich and North Essex since 2010?
Answer: Bernard Jenkin
Explanation: Bernard Jenkin, a Conservative politician, has served as the Member of Parliament for Harwich and North Essex since 2010.
Which of the following is a community-based radio station that broadcasts from The Harwich Quay?
Answer: Radio Mi Amigo
Explanation: Radio Mi Amigo is a community-based radio station that broadcasts from The Harwich Quay.
What is the motto on the Coat of Arms granted to Harwich Borough Council?
Answer: Omnia Bona Bonis
Explanation: The motto on the Coat of Arms granted to Harwich Borough Council is 'Omnia Bona Bonis,' meaning 'To The Good All Things Are Good.'