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Lancashire Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Lancashire: Geography, History, Economy, and Culture

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Lancashire: Geography, History, Economy, and Culture Study Guide

Geography and Demographics

Lancashire is primarily located in the South East of England, bordering London.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lancashire is located in North West England, bordering Cumbria, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and the Irish Sea, not the South East or London.

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Preston is recognized as both the largest settlement and the historic county town of Lancashire.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Preston is the largest settlement, the historic county town of Lancashire is Lancaster, not Preston.

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The current area of Lancashire is approximately 3,079 square kilometers, supporting a population of nearly 1.5 million people.

Answer: True

Explanation: The county of Lancashire spans an area of 3,079 square kilometers and has a population of 1,490,300 people, which is nearly 1.5 million.

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The western part of Lancashire is characterized by flat coastal plains like the Fylde, while its north-western coast is hilly and includes a national landscape area.

Answer: True

Explanation: The western part of Lancashire indeed features flat coastal plains such as the Fylde, and its north-western coast is hilly, including a section of Arnside and Silverdale, which is designated as a national landscape.

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The major rivers of Lancashire, including the Lune, Wyre, and Ribble, all flow eastward towards the North Sea.

Answer: False

Explanation: The major rivers of Lancashire, including the Lune, Wyre, and Ribble, all flow westward into the Irish Sea, not eastward towards the North Sea.

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Gragareth and Green Hill, both reaching approximately 628 metres, are the highest points in the ceremonial county of Lancashire.

Answer: True

Explanation: Gragareth and Green Hill, both approximately 628 metres (2,060 feet) high, are indeed the highest points in the ceremonial county of Lancashire, located in the far north-east.

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The North West Green Belt in Lancashire aims to promote urban development and the merging of settlements.

Answer: False

Explanation: The North West Green Belt in Lancashire aims to prevent urban sprawl and the merging of settlements, not to promote urban development.

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Which of the following counties shares Lancashire's northern border?

Answer: Cumbria

Explanation: Lancashire shares its northern border with Cumbria, as stated in the geographical description of the county.

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What is the largest settlement in Lancashire?

Answer: Preston

Explanation: Preston is recognized as the largest settlement within Lancashire.

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What is the approximate population of Lancashire?

Answer: 1,490,300 people

Explanation: The population of Lancashire is approximately 1,490,300 people.

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What is a prominent geographical feature of western Lancashire?

Answer: Flat coastal plains like the Fylde

Explanation: The western part of Lancashire is characterized by flat coastal plains, including the Fylde.

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In which direction do the major rivers of Lancashire (Lune, Wyre, Ribble) flow?

Answer: Westward into the Irish Sea

Explanation: The major rivers of Lancashire, including the Lune, Wyre, and Ribble, all flow westward into the Irish Sea.

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What is the approximate height of the highest point in the ceremonial county of Lancashire?

Answer: 2,060 feet

Explanation: The highest point in the ceremonial county of Lancashire, Gragareth or Green Hill, reaches approximately 628 metres, which is equivalent to 2,060 feet.

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What is the main purpose of the North West Green Belt in Lancashire?

Answer: To prevent urban sprawl and the merging of settlements.

Explanation: The main purpose of the North West Green Belt in Lancashire is to prevent urban sprawl and to stop settlements from merging with each other and with nearby conurbations.

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History and Administration

For local government, Lancashire operates solely as a non-metropolitan county divided into twelve districts, with no unitary authority areas.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lancashire's local government structure includes a non-metropolitan county divided into twelve districts, but it also comprises two unitary authority areas: Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool.

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The Lancashire Combined County Authority, established in February 2025, facilitates collaboration between Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council, and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Lancashire Combined County Authority, established in February 2025, is indeed a collaborative body involving Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council, and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

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Historically, Lancashire's boundaries were more extensive, including areas now part of Greater Manchester and Merseyside, but it also encompassed the eastern part of the Forest of Bowland.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historically, Lancashire's boundaries were more extensive, including parts of Greater Manchester and Merseyside. However, it did not include the eastern part of the Forest of Bowland; rather, it encompassed the Furness and Cartmel peninsulas of Cumbria and a portion of northern Cheshire.

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Lancashire was established in the late 13th century, and the Domesday Book of 1086 already recognized its full territorial extent.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lancashire was established around 1182, not the late 13th century. Furthermore, the Domesday Book of 1086 recorded much of the area as part of Yorkshire and Cheshire, not as a fully recognized county of Lancashire.

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In 1351, Lancashire gained a semi-independent judicial system when it became a county palatine, allowing it greater autonomy from the Crown.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1351, Lancashire indeed became a county palatine, granting it a semi-independent judicial system and greater autonomy from the Crown.

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The Industrial Revolution transformed Lancashire into a major center for shipbuilding and iron production, leading to a significant population decline by 1971.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Industrial Revolution, Lancashire became a major center for textile manufacturing and coal mining, not shipbuilding and iron production. Far from declining, its population significantly grew, reaching over 5 million by 1971.

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Roman towns in the area that would become Lancashire, such as Manchester and Lancaster, developed around existing market towns rather than forts.

Answer: False

Explanation: Roman towns in the area that would become Lancashire, including Manchester and Lancaster, developed around Roman forts, not existing market towns.

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The Domesday Book referred to the land between the River Ribble and Mersey as 'Inter Ripam et Mersam' and included it within the returns for Yorkshire.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Domesday Book referred to the land between the River Ribble and Mersey as 'Inter Ripam et Mersam,' but it included this area within the returns for Cheshire, not Yorkshire.

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After its establishment, Lancashire was divided into six hundreds, including Amounderness, Blackburn, and Salford.

Answer: True

Explanation: After its establishment, Lancashire was indeed divided into six hundreds: Amounderness, Blackburn, Leyland, Lonsdale, Salford, and West Derby.

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The administrative county of Lancashire, created in 1889, brought all county boroughs under the direct control of the county council.

Answer: False

Explanation: The administrative county of Lancashire, created in 1889, covered the greater part of the county, but several county boroughs remained outside the direct control of the county council.

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Following the 1974 local government reorganization, Liverpool and Manchester remained part of the ceremonial county of Lancashire.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the 1974 local government reorganization, Liverpool became part of Merseyside and Manchester became part of Greater Manchester; neither remained part of the ceremonial county of Lancashire.

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The 1974 Local Government Act transferred Widnes and Warrington from Lancashire to Merseyside.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 1974 Local Government Act transferred Widnes and Warrington from Lancashire to Cheshire, not Merseyside.

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After 1974, the non-metropolitan county of Lancashire incorporated areas from the West Riding of Yorkshire, such as Barnoldswick and Earby.

Answer: True

Explanation: After the 1974 reorganization, the non-metropolitan county of Lancashire did incorporate several areas from the West Riding of Yorkshire, including Barnoldswick and Earby.

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Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen became unitary authorities in 1998, taking on all local government functions in their respective areas.

Answer: True

Explanation: Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen became unitary authorities in 1998, meaning their councils perform all local government functions for their areas.

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As of the 2025 local election, the Lancashire County Council is controlled by the Labour Party.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of the 2025 local election, the Lancashire County Council is controlled by Reform UK, not the Labour Party.

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The ceremonial county of Lancashire primarily serves a symbolic role, with the Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff appointed to it.

Answer: True

Explanation: The ceremonial county of Lancashire primarily serves a symbolic and representative role, with the Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff appointed to it, rather than holding extensive administrative power.

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The Duchy of Lancaster, the private estate of the sovereign, administers *bona vacantia* within the County Palatine, receiving property of individuals who die without a will and whose ownership is undetermined.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Duchy of Lancaster, as the private estate of the sovereign, indeed administers *bona vacantia* within the County Palatine, receiving property of individuals who die without a will and whose legal ownership cannot be determined.

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Which two unitary authority areas are part of Lancashire's local government structure?

Answer: Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool

Explanation: Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool are the two unitary authority areas that form part of Lancashire's local government structure.

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When was the Lancashire Combined County Authority established?

Answer: February 2025

Explanation: The Lancashire Combined County Authority was established in February 2025.

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Which of the following areas was historically *not* included in Lancashire's boundaries?

Answer: The eastern part of the Forest of Bowland

Explanation: Historically, Lancashire did not include the eastern part of the Forest of Bowland, although it did encompass other areas now outside its current boundaries.

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When was Lancashire established as a county?

Answer: Around 1182

Explanation: Lancashire was established as a county around 1182.

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What significant change occurred in Lancashire's judicial system in 1351?

Answer: It became a county palatine with a semi-independent judicial system.

Explanation: In 1351, Lancashire became a county palatine, which granted it a semi-independent judicial system and greater autonomy from the Crown.

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According to the Domesday Book, how was the land between the River Ribble and Mersey referred to?

Answer: Inter Ripam et Mersam

Explanation: The Domesday Book referred to the land between the River Ribble and Mersey as 'Inter Ripam et Mersam'.

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Which of the following was *not* one of the hundreds into which Lancashire was divided after its establishment?

Answer: Furness

Explanation: After its establishment, Lancashire was divided into the hundreds of Amounderness, Blackburn, Leyland, Lonsdale, Salford, and West Derby. Furness was not one of these hundreds, though the Furness peninsula was historically part of Lancashire.

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What was the primary purpose of creating the administrative county of Lancashire in 1889?

Answer: To cover the greater part of the county, with some county boroughs remaining outside direct control.

Explanation: The administrative county of Lancashire was created in 1889 to cover the greater part of the county, while allowing several county boroughs to remain outside the direct control of the county council.

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Which major city, historically part of Lancashire, is now located in Merseyside?

Answer: Liverpool

Explanation: Liverpool, historically part of Lancashire, is now located in Merseyside following local government reorganizations.

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What happened to Widnes and Warrington during the 1974 local government reorganization?

Answer: They were transferred to Cheshire.

Explanation: During the 1974 local government reorganization, Widnes and Warrington were transferred from Lancashire to Cheshire.

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Which areas from the West Riding of Yorkshire were incorporated into the non-metropolitan county of Lancashire after 1974?

Answer: Barnoldswick and Earby

Explanation: After 1974, the non-metropolitan county of Lancashire incorporated areas from the West Riding of Yorkshire, including the urban districts of Barnoldswick and Earby, along with other parishes.

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When did Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen become unitary authorities?

Answer: 1998

Explanation: Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen became unitary authorities in 1998.

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Which political party controlled the Lancashire County Council as of the 2025 local election?

Answer: Reform UK

Explanation: As of the 2025 local election, the Lancashire County Council is controlled by Reform UK.

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What unique right does the Duchy of Lancaster exercise within the County Palatine of Lancaster?

Answer: The right to administer *bona vacantia*.

Explanation: The Duchy of Lancaster exercises the unique right to administer *bona vacantia* within the County Palatine, receiving property of individuals who die without a will and whose legal ownership is undetermined.

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Economy and Infrastructure

Dairy farming is prominent in the higher grounds of eastern Lancashire, while the lowlands are more suitable for sheep farming.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dairy farming and cheesemaking are prominent in the lowlands of eastern Lancashire, while the higher ground is more suitable for sheep farming.

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The Lancashire Coalfield was exclusively located within the modern-day boundaries of Greater Manchester.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Lancashire Coalfield was largely situated in modern-day Greater Manchester, but it also extended into Merseyside and parts of Lancashire, including areas around Ormskirk, Chorley, Burnley, and Colne.

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As of 2013, the tourism industry was the largest private sector industry in Lancashire.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of 2013, the largest private sector industry in Lancashire was the defence industry, not tourism, with BAE Systems having major facilities in Warton and Samlesbury.

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Lancashire is home to two nuclear power facilities: Springfields, operated by Westinghouse, and Heysham, operated by British Energy.

Answer: True

Explanation: Lancashire is home to the Springfields nuclear power plant, operated by Westinghouse, and the Heysham nuclear power station, operated by British Energy.

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The Lancashire Enterprise Zone, launched in 2012, is based solely at Blackpool Airport.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Lancashire Enterprise Zone, launched in April 2012, is based at the airfields owned by BAE Systems in Warton and Samlesbury, with an additional enterprise zone announced at Blackpool Airport in 2015, meaning it is not solely at Blackpool Airport.

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The M6 motorway is considered vital to Lancashire's economy, running north to south through the county.

Answer: True

Explanation: The M6 motorway, which traverses Lancashire from north to south, is indeed vital to the county's economy, facilitating transport and connectivity.

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Blackpool Airport currently offers commercial flights to various destinations.

Answer: False

Explanation: Currently, no airports within Lancashire offer commercial flights. Blackpool Airport, which previously had commercial operations, now serves flying schools, private operators, and the North West Air Ambulance.

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Which industries were major centers in Lancashire during the Industrial Revolution?

Answer: Textile manufacturing and coal mining

Explanation: During the Industrial Revolution, Lancashire rapidly industrialized, becoming a major center for textile manufacturing, particularly cotton, and coal mining.

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What type of farming is most suitable for the higher ground in eastern Lancashire?

Answer: Sheep farming

Explanation: The higher ground in eastern Lancashire is most suitable for sheep farming, while dairy farming and cheesemaking are prominent in the lowlands.

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Where was the Lancashire Coalfield primarily located?

Answer: Largely in modern-day Greater Manchester, extending into Merseyside and parts of Lancashire

Explanation: The Lancashire Coalfield was largely situated in what is now modern-day Greater Manchester, but it also extended into Merseyside and parts of Lancashire.

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As of 2013, what was the largest private sector industry in Lancashire?

Answer: Defence industry

Explanation: As of 2013, the defence industry was the largest private sector industry in Lancashire, with BAE Systems having significant facilities.

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Which company operates the nuclear power plant at Springfields, Salwick, in Lancashire?

Answer: Westinghouse

Explanation: The nuclear power plant at Springfields, Salwick, in Lancashire is operated by Westinghouse.

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What is the significance of the M6 motorway to Lancashire's economy?

Answer: It is vital for transport and connectivity, running north to south.

Explanation: The M6 motorway is vital to Lancashire's economy because it traverses the county from north to south, facilitating essential transport and connectivity.

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What is the current status of commercial flights from airports within Lancashire?

Answer: There are no airports within Lancashire offering commercial flights.

Explanation: Currently, no airports within Lancashire offer commercial flights; Blackpool Airport, for instance, now serves flying schools, private operators, and air ambulance services.

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Education and Culture

Lancashire primarily operates a comprehensive educational system, supplemented by a few state grammar schools.

Answer: True

Explanation: Lancashire primarily operates a comprehensive educational system, which is indeed complemented by four state grammar schools.

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The University of Manchester is one of the four universities located within Lancashire.

Answer: False

Explanation: The four universities located in Lancashire are Lancaster University, the University of Central Lancashire, Edge Hill University, and the Lancaster campus of the University of Cumbria. The University of Manchester is not listed among them.

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The Red Rose of Lancaster is a modern symbol created in the 20th century to represent the county's industrial heritage.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Red Rose of Lancaster is an ancient symbol, historically representing the House of Lancaster during the 15th-century Wars of the Roses, and serves as the county flower and heraldic badge, not a modern symbol of industrial heritage.

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The current Lancashire flag, featuring a red rose on a gold field, was designed by the Friends of Real Lancashire and registered in 2008.

Answer: True

Explanation: The current Lancashire flag, featuring a red rose on a gold field, was indeed designed by the Friends of Real Lancashire and registered with the Flag Institute in 2008.

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Old Trafford, the home of Lancashire County Cricket Club, is located within the ceremonial county of Lancashire.

Answer: False

Explanation: Old Trafford, the home of Lancashire County Cricket Club, is located in Trafford, which is part of Greater Manchester, not the ceremonial county of Lancashire.

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The Football League was founded in 1888 with six Lancashire clubs among its twelve founder members, and its current base is in Preston.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Football League was founded in 1888 with six Lancashire clubs among its twelve founder members, and its current base is indeed in Preston.

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The East Lancashire derby is contested between Blackpool and Preston North End.

Answer: False

Explanation: The East Lancashire derby is contested between Blackburn Rovers and Burnley. The rivalry between Blackpool and Preston North End is known as the West Lancashire derby.

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Lancashire wrestling is a traditional combat sport that significantly influenced the development of modern wrestling styles like freestyle and mixed martial arts.

Answer: True

Explanation: Lancashire wrestling is a traditional combat sport that significantly influenced the development of catch wrestling and its derivatives, including freestyle wrestling and mixed martial arts, spreading globally.

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Lancashire hotpot is a traditional dessert made with apples and pastry.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lancashire hotpot is a traditional casserole dish, typically made with lamb, not a dessert with apples and pastry.

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The 1961 film *Whistle Down the Wind*, set in Burnley, featured local Lancashire schoolchildren in its cast.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 1961 film *Whistle Down the Wind*, directed by Bryan Forbes and set in Burnley, notably starred local Lancashire schoolchildren.

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Queen Street Mill in Burnley is significant as the world's only surviving steam-driven cotton weaving shed.

Answer: True

Explanation: Queen Street Mill in Burnley holds historical significance as the world's only surviving steam-driven cotton weaving shed.

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Gawthorpe Hall in Padiham is a modern art gallery, not a historic house.

Answer: False

Explanation: Gawthorpe Hall in Padiham is a historic Elizabethan country house managed by the National Trust, not a modern art gallery.

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The Museum of Lancashire, dedicated to the county's history and culture, is located in Lancaster.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Museum of Lancashire, dedicated to the county's history and culture, is located in Preston, not Lancaster.

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The Ribble Steam Railway is a modern high-speed rail line connecting major cities in Lancashire.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ribble Steam Railway, located in Preston, is a heritage railway, not a modern high-speed rail line.

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Which of the following universities is *not* located in Lancashire?

Answer: University of Liverpool

Explanation: The universities located in Lancashire are Lancaster University, the University of Central Lancashire, Edge Hill University, and the Lancaster campus of the University of Cumbria. The University of Liverpool is not among them.

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What does the Red Rose of Lancaster symbolize?

Answer: The county flower and heraldic badge for Lancashire

Explanation: The Red Rose of Lancaster is the county flower and serves as the heraldic badge and flag symbol for Lancashire, historically representing the House of Lancaster.

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Who designed the current Lancashire flag, featuring a red rose on a gold field?

Answer: The Friends of Real Lancashire

Explanation: The current Lancashire flag, featuring a red rose on a gold field, was designed by the Friends of Real Lancashire and registered in 2008.

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Which cricket ground has been the home of Lancashire County Cricket Club since 1864?

Answer: Old Trafford

Explanation: Old Trafford, located in Trafford, has been the home cricket ground of Lancashire County Cricket Club since 1864.

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How many Lancashire clubs were founder members of the Football League in 1888?

Answer: Six

Explanation: Six Lancashire clubs were among the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888.

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Where is the Football League currently based?

Answer: Preston

Explanation: The Football League is currently based in Preston, Lancashire.

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Which two teams contest the East Lancashire derby?

Answer: Blackburn Rovers and Burnley

Explanation: The East Lancashire derby is contested between Blackburn Rovers and Burnley.

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What was the global influence of Lancashire wrestling?

Answer: It significantly influenced catch wrestling and its derivatives like freestyle wrestling and MMA.

Explanation: Lancashire wrestling significantly influenced the development of catch wrestling and its derivatives, such as freestyle wrestling, American folkstyle wrestling, theatrical professional wrestling, and mixed martial arts, spreading globally.

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Who was a notable local pioneer in folk song collection in Lancashire during the first half of the 19th century?

Answer: James Orchard Halliwell

Explanation: James Orchard Halliwell, a Shakespearean scholar, was a notable local pioneer in the collection of folk songs in Lancashire during the first half of the 19th century.

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Which major orchestra's foundation in 1857 was significantly contributed to by Lancashire's brass band culture?

Answer: The Hallé Orchestra

Explanation: Lancashire's vibrant brass band culture made an important contribution to the foundation and staffing of the Hallé Orchestra in 1857.

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Which of the following is a traditional Lancashire food, described as a casserole dish traditionally made with lamb?

Answer: Lancashire hotpot

Explanation: Lancashire hotpot is a traditional casserole dish, typically made with lamb, and is a well-known traditional food from the area.

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Which 1961 film, set in Burnley, notably starred local Lancashire schoolchildren?

Answer: Whistle Down the Wind

Explanation: The 1961 film *Whistle Down the Wind*, set in Burnley and directed by Bryan Forbes, notably starred local Lancashire schoolchildren.

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Which television broadcasters primarily cover the county of Lancashire?

Answer: BBC North West and ITV Granada

Explanation: The county of Lancashire is primarily covered by BBC North West and ITV Granada, both broadcasting from Salford.

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What is the historical significance of Queen Street Mill in Burnley?

Answer: It is the world's only surviving steam-driven cotton weaving shed.

Explanation: Queen Street Mill in Burnley is historically significant as the world's only surviving steam-driven cotton weaving shed, offering a unique glimpse into the industrial past.

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Which historic Elizabethan country house in Padiham is managed by the National Trust?

Answer: Gawthorpe Hall

Explanation: Gawthorpe Hall in Padiham is a historic Elizabethan country house managed by the National Trust.

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Where is the Museum of Lancashire located?

Answer: Preston

Explanation: The Museum of Lancashire is located in Preston.

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What type of attraction is the Ribble Steam Railway?

Answer: A heritage railway

Explanation: The Ribble Steam Railway, located in Preston, is a heritage railway that offers visitors a chance to experience historic train travel.

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