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South Kensington Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: South Kensington: History, Culture, and Notable Figures

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South Kensington: History, Culture, and Notable Figures Study Guide

Geographical Context and Demographics

South Kensington is a district located in the West End of Central London, within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, known for its cultural institutions.

Answer: True

Explanation: South Kensington is accurately described as a district in the West End of Central London, within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and is recognized for its cultural institutions.

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Real estate in South Kensington and its adjacent affluent centers like Knightsbridge and Chelsea is considered among the most exclusive globally.

Answer: True

Explanation: South Kensington, along with Knightsbridge and Chelsea, is indeed noted for having some of the most exclusive real estate worldwide.

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South Kensington became a cosmopolitan area after the First World War, attracting various expatriate communities.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the First World War, South Kensington evolved into a cosmopolitan district, drawing in diverse expatriate and refugee communities from across Europe and the Middle East.

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South Kensington has been nicknamed 'Paris's 21st arrondissement' due to its significant French community.

Answer: True

Explanation: The substantial French community and related institutions in South Kensington have led to its informal designation as 'Paris's 21st arrondissement'.

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The boundaries of South Kensington are considered arbitrary because they have evolved over time, influenced by the development of tube stops and other landmarks.

Answer: True

Explanation: The fluid nature of South Kensington's boundaries is attributed to their evolution, shaped by the establishment of tube stations and other significant landmarks within the historical Brompton area.

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A contemporary definition of South Kensington refers exclusively to the residential streets north of Cromwell Road.

Answer: False

Explanation: A contemporary definition of South Kensington encompasses the commercial area around the tube station, along with adjacent garden squares and streets like Onslow Square and Thurloe Square, not exclusively residential streets north of Cromwell Road.

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South Kensington is geographically bordered by Kensington Gore to the north and the winding Fulham Road to the south.

Answer: True

Explanation: The geographical boundaries of South Kensington are defined by Kensington Gore to its north and the winding Fulham Road, extending to streets leading to Sloane Square, to its south.

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The SW7 postcode exclusively covers South Kensington and does not extend into any other districts.

Answer: False

Explanation: The SW7 postcode, while primarily associated with South Kensington, also encompasses parts of the neighboring district of Knightsbridge.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as an adjacent affluent center to South Kensington with exclusive real estate?

Answer: Mayfair

Explanation: The source material identifies Knightsbridge, Chelsea, and Kensington as affluent centers adjacent to South Kensington with exclusive real estate, but does not mention Mayfair.

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What nickname has South Kensington acquired due to its significant French community?

Answer: Paris's 21st arrondissement

Explanation: Due to its substantial French community, South Kensington has earned the nickname 'Paris's 21st arrondissement'.

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Which of the following is NOT a general geographical boundary of South Kensington mentioned in the text?

Answer: Hyde Park to the east

Explanation: The general geographical boundaries of South Kensington include Kensington Gore to the north, Fulham Road to the south, and Gloucester Road to the west; Hyde Park is not specified as a direct border.

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Which neighboring district does the SW7 postcode also extend into, besides South Kensington?

Answer: Knightsbridge

Explanation: The SW7 postcode, while primarily covering South Kensington, also extends into the adjacent district of Knightsbridge.

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Historical Development and Infrastructure

The name 'South Kensington' was adopted in the early 18th century, long before the advent of railways, to distinguish it from North Kensington.

Answer: False

Explanation: The name 'South Kensington' supplanted the original name of Brompton in the late 19th century with the advent of railways, not the early 18th century.

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The 1851 Great Exhibition was held in Hyde Park and directly led to the purchase of land in South Kensington for arts and sciences institutions.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Great Exhibition of 1851, held in Hyde Park, was the catalyst for purchasing land in South Kensington to establish institutions dedicated to the arts and sciences.

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The area's original name, Brompton, was re-named 'South Kensington' in 1868 for public relations purposes after the arrival of the Metropolitan and District Railways.

Answer: True

Explanation: The re-naming of Brompton to 'South Kensington' in 1868 was indeed a public relations strategy following the expansion of the Metropolitan and District Railways into the area.

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A pedestrian tunnel was built from South Kensington tube station directly to the museums to prevent crowds from having to cross Exhibition Road.

Answer: False

Explanation: The pedestrian tunnel from South Kensington tube station was constructed to prevent crowds from having to cross Cromwell Road, not Exhibition Road, to access the museums.

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Brompton Road tube station, opened in 1906, was eventually shut down in 1934 due to underuse.

Answer: True

Explanation: Brompton Road tube station, which opened in 1906, was indeed closed in 1934 due to insufficient passenger traffic.

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During the First World War, the disused Brompton Road tube station served as a military command center.

Answer: False

Explanation: The disused Brompton Road tube station was utilized for military purposes by the 26th (London) Anti-Aircraft Brigade during the Second World War, not the First World War.

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South Kensington station is located at the junction of Old Brompton Road, Harrington Road, and Pelham Street.

Answer: True

Explanation: South Kensington station is indeed situated at the convergence of Old Brompton Road, Harrington Road, and Pelham Street, and is also near the arterial Cromwell Road.

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Traffic congestion was a minor issue in South Kensington, which was fully resolved by 2005.

Answer: False

Explanation: Traffic congestion was a significant issue in South Kensington, persisting until road layout improvements were implemented in 2012, not 2005.

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What significant event in 1851 prompted the purchase of land in South Kensington for institutions dedicated to arts and sciences?

Answer: The Great Exhibition

Explanation: The Great Exhibition of 1851 was the pivotal event that led to the acquisition of land in South Kensington for the establishment of arts and sciences institutions.

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In what year was the area originally known as Brompton re-named 'South Kensington'?

Answer: 1868

Explanation: The area originally known as Brompton was re-named 'South Kensington' in 1868, coinciding with the arrival of the Metropolitan and District Railways.

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Which of the following was the eventual fate of the Brompton Road tube station?

Answer: It was shut down in 1934 due to underuse.

Explanation: Brompton Road tube station was ultimately closed in 1934 due to insufficient passenger numbers.

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During which major conflict was the disused Brompton Road tube station utilized by the 26th (London) Anti-Aircraft Brigade?

Answer: The Second World War

Explanation: The disused Brompton Road tube station served a military role during the Second World War, specifically utilized by the 26th (London) Anti-Aircraft Brigade.

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Which of these thoroughfares is NOT explicitly mentioned as converging at or near South Kensington station?

Answer: King's Road

Explanation: Old Brompton Road, Harrington Road, Pelham Street, and Cromwell Road are mentioned as thoroughfares converging at or near South Kensington station; King's Road is not.

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Until what year was South Kensington significantly affected by traffic congestion?

Answer: 2012

Explanation: South Kensington experienced significant traffic congestion until road layout improvements were implemented in 2012.

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Cultural and Educational Institutions

The British Museum is one of the prominent cultural landmarks located in South Kensington, attracting a high number of visitors.

Answer: False

Explanation: While South Kensington is home to major museums, the British Museum is not listed among them; the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum are cited as prominent cultural landmarks in the area.

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Only three museums were founded in South Kensington following the Great Exhibition, with no other major institutions established at that time.

Answer: False

Explanation: Beyond the three major museums (Natural History, Science, Victoria and Albert), other significant institutions like the Royal Albert Hall, Royal School of Mines, Royal College of Music, and Royal College of Organists were also founded in South Kensington after the Great Exhibition.

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The French Institute and the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle are examples of institutions that highlight South Kensington's strong German presence.

Answer: False

Explanation: The French Institute and the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle are key institutions that underscore South Kensington's significant French community, not a German presence.

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Albertopolis is a modern development in South Kensington that includes institutions like the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Answer: True

Explanation: Albertopolis is a contemporary development in South Kensington that houses major institutions such as the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

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Which of these institutions is NOT mentioned as highlighting South Kensington's strong French presence?

Answer: The German Embassy

Explanation: The Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle, the French Institute, and the Alliance française are all mentioned as institutions highlighting South Kensington's French presence; the German Embassy is not.

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Religious Sites and Architecture

Holy Trinity Brompton, established in 1829, was the first church built in the Brompton area.

Answer: True

Explanation: Holy Trinity Brompton, founded in 1829, holds the distinction of being the first church constructed in the Brompton area.

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St Mary The Boltons was constructed in South Kensington between 1870 and 1871.

Answer: False

Explanation: St Mary The Boltons was constructed in South Kensington between 1849 and 1850, not 1870 and 1871.

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All Saints' Church in Ennismore Gardens became the Russian Orthodox Dormition Cathedral in 1978.

Answer: True

Explanation: All Saints' Church in Ennismore Gardens was indeed converted into the Russian Orthodox Dormition Cathedral in 1978.

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The Brompton Oratory is an architecturally imposing Roman Catholic church established in 1853.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Brompton Oratory, a Roman Catholic church established in 1853, is recognized for its imposing architectural style.

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St Paul's, Onslow Square, a place of worship in South Kensington, was consecrated in 1880.

Answer: False

Explanation: St Paul's, Onslow Square, was consecrated in 1860, not 1880.

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St Peter's, Cranley Gardens, has served as the Armenian cathedral in London since 1973.

Answer: True

Explanation: St Peter's, Cranley Gardens, has functioned as the Armenian cathedral in London since 1973.

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St Augustine's, Queen's Gate, built in 1877, was known as a 'Low church project'.

Answer: False

Explanation: St Augustine's, Queen's Gate, constructed in 1877, was characterized as a 'High church project', not a 'Low church project'.

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What was the name of the first church built in the Brompton area, established in 1829?

Answer: Holy Trinity Brompton

Explanation: Holy Trinity Brompton, established in 1829, was the first church constructed in the Brompton area.

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In what year was St Mary The Boltons constructed in South Kensington?

Answer: 1849

Explanation: St Mary The Boltons was constructed in South Kensington between 1849 and 1850.

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All Saints' Church in Ennismore Gardens became what in 1978?

Answer: The Russian Orthodox Dormition Cathedral

Explanation: In 1978, All Saints' Church in Ennismore Gardens was converted into the Russian Orthodox Dormition Cathedral.

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When was St Paul's, Onslow Square consecrated?

Answer: 1860

Explanation: St Paul's, Onslow Square, was consecrated in 1860.

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Since what year has St Peter's, Cranley Gardens, served as the Armenian cathedral in London?

Answer: 1973

Explanation: St Peter's, Cranley Gardens, has functioned as the Armenian cathedral in London since 1973.

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What type of religious project was St Augustine's, Queen's Gate, built in 1877?

Answer: High church project

Explanation: St Augustine's, Queen's Gate, built in 1877, was characterized as a 'High church project'.

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Commercial and Media Landscape

The only Royal Mail Post Office in South Kensington closed its operations in 2019.

Answer: True

Explanation: The sole Royal Mail Post Office in South Kensington ceased its operations in 2019.

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Donovan's song 'Sunny South Kensington' reflects the area's reputation as a hip part of London during the 1960s.

Answer: True

Explanation: Donovan's 'Sunny South Kensington' captures the area's image as a fashionable and vibrant part of London in the 1960s.

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Roman Polanski's 1965 film *Repulsion* was entirely filmed in South Kensington.

Answer: False

Explanation: Roman Polanski's 1965 film *Repulsion* was partly filmed in South Kensington, not entirely.

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Christie's auction house closed its South Kensington salesroom in 2017 due to a shift towards online presence and decreased sales.

Answer: True

Explanation: Christie's auction house closed its South Kensington salesroom in 2017 as part of a restructuring strategy, influenced by a decline in sales and a move towards online operations.

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Tim Waterstone opened his first Waterstones bookshop in 1982 on Old Brompton Road, which is now occupied by a Little Waitrose.

Answer: True

Explanation: Tim Waterstone's inaugural Waterstones bookshop, opened in 1982 on Old Brompton Road, is now the site of a Little Waitrose.

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Caffè Nero originated as a single coffee shop in Old Brompton Road in 1990, founded by Ian Semp.

Answer: True

Explanation: Caffè Nero began its operations as a single coffee shop on Old Brompton Road in 1990, founded by Ian Semp.

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When did the only Royal Mail Post Office in South Kensington close its operations?

Answer: 2019

Explanation: The sole Royal Mail Post Office in South Kensington ceased operations in 2019.

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Which artist's song 'Sunny South Kensington' reflects the area's reputation as a hip part of London during the 1960s?

Answer: Donovan

Explanation: Donovan's song 'Sunny South Kensington' is noted for reflecting the area's reputation as a fashionable part of London in the 1960s.

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Which Roman Polanski film, released in 1965, was partly filmed in South Kensington?

Answer: Repulsion

Explanation: Roman Polanski's 1965 film *Repulsion* included South Kensington as one of its filming locations.

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What type of automotive business operates a main dealership in Astwood Mews, South Kensington?

Answer: Morgan cars

Explanation: Morgan cars, a British manufacturer of hand-built sportscars, maintains a main dealership in Astwood Mews, South Kensington.

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When did Christie's auction house permanently close its South Kensington salesroom?

Answer: 2017

Explanation: Christie's auction house permanently closed its South Kensington salesroom in July 2017.

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What occupies the location of Tim Waterstone's inaugural Waterstones bookshop on Old Brompton Road today?

Answer: A Little Waitrose

Explanation: The site of Tim Waterstone's first Waterstones bookshop on Old Brompton Road is now occupied by a Little Waitrose.

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Who founded Caffè Nero as a single coffee shop in Old Brompton Road in 1990?

Answer: Ian Semp

Explanation: Caffè Nero was founded by Ian Semp as a single coffee shop on Old Brompton Road in 1990.

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Notable Residents and Their Contributions

Francis Bacon, a prominent Irish-born British artist, lived at 17 Queensberry Mews and 7 Reese Mews in South Kensington.

Answer: True

Explanation: The renowned Irish-born British artist Francis Bacon resided at 17 Queensberry Mews and 7 Reese Mews in South Kensington.

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Charles Booth, a pioneer in social research, resided at 6 Grenville Place in South Kensington.

Answer: True

Explanation: Charles Booth, a significant figure in social research, lived at 6 Grenville Place in South Kensington.

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Henry Cole, known as the inventor of the Christmas card, was the first director of the British Museum.

Answer: False

Explanation: Henry Cole, credited with inventing the Christmas card, was the first director of the South Kensington Museum (later the Victoria and Albert Museum), not the British Museum.

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Robert FitzRoy, commander of HMS Beagle, lived at 38 Onslow Square in South Kensington.

Answer: True

Explanation: Robert FitzRoy, the commander of HMS Beagle during Charles Darwin's voyage, resided at 38 Onslow Square in South Kensington.

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Alan A. Freeman, a record producer, lived on Cromwell Road in South Kensington from the 1970s to the 1990s.

Answer: False

Explanation: Record producer Alan A. Freeman lived at 57 Cromwell Road in South Kensington from the 1940s to the 1960s, not the 1970s to the 1990s.

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Dennis Gabor, Nobel Prize laureate and inventor of holography, resided at 79 Queen's Gate.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dennis Gabor, the Nobel Prize laureate recognized for inventing holography, lived at 79 Queen's Gate.

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John Lavery, an Irish painter, lived at 5 Cromwell Place in South Kensington.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Irish painter John Lavery resided at 5 Cromwell Place in South Kensington.

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Erna Low, a Vienna-born businesswoman, is credited with pioneering the concept of the package holiday.

Answer: True

Explanation: Erna Low, a businesswoman from Vienna, is recognized for her pioneering work in developing the concept of the package holiday.

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William Makepeace Thackeray, a celebrated novelist, lived at 36 Onslow Square in South Kensington from 1860 to 1867.

Answer: False

Explanation: William Makepeace Thackeray, the acclaimed novelist, resided at 36 Onslow Square in South Kensington from 1853 to 1860, not 1860 to 1867.

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George Wallis served as the first Keeper of the Fine Art Collection at the South Kensington Museum.

Answer: True

Explanation: George Wallis held the position of the first Keeper of the Fine Art Collection at the South Kensington Museum.

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Which Irish-born British artist lived at 17 Queensberry Mews and 7 Reese Mews in South Kensington?

Answer: Francis Bacon

Explanation: Francis Bacon, the distinguished Irish-born British artist, resided at 17 Queensberry Mews and 7 Reese Mews in South Kensington.

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Where did Charles Booth, a pioneer in social research, reside in South Kensington?

Answer: 6 Grenville Place

Explanation: Charles Booth, a pioneer in social research, lived at 6 Grenville Place in South Kensington.

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Henry Cole, the first director of the South Kensington Museum, is also known as the inventor of what?

Answer: The Christmas card

Explanation: Henry Cole, the first director of the South Kensington Museum, is also recognized for inventing the Christmas card.

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Which commander of HMS Beagle, famous for his voyage with Charles Darwin, lived at 38 Onslow Square?

Answer: Robert FitzRoy

Explanation: Robert FitzRoy, the commander of HMS Beagle during Charles Darwin's historic voyage, resided at 38 Onslow Square.

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During which decades did record producer Alan A. Freeman live at 57 Cromwell Road in South Kensington?

Answer: 1940s to 1960s

Explanation: Record producer Alan A. Freeman lived at 57 Cromwell Road in South Kensington from the 1940s to the 1960s.

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Dennis Gabor, the Nobel Prize laureate who invented holography, lived at which address in South Kensington?

Answer: 79 Queen's Gate

Explanation: Dennis Gabor, the Nobel Prize laureate and inventor of holography, resided at 79 Queen's Gate.

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Which Irish painter resided at 5 Cromwell Place in South Kensington?

Answer: John Lavery

Explanation: John Lavery, an Irish painter, lived at 5 Cromwell Place in South Kensington.

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Erna Low, a Vienna-born businesswoman, pioneered the concept of what in the travel industry?

Answer: The package holiday

Explanation: Erna Low, a businesswoman from Vienna, is recognized for her pioneering role in developing the concept of the package holiday.

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Between which years did novelist William Makepeace Thackeray reside at 36 Onslow Square in South Kensington?

Answer: 1853 and 1860

Explanation: William Makepeace Thackeray, the celebrated novelist, lived at 36 Onslow Square in South Kensington from 1853 to 1860.

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What was George Wallis's role at the South Kensington Museum?

Answer: First Keeper of the Fine Art Collection

Explanation: George Wallis served as the first Keeper of the Fine Art Collection at the South Kensington Museum.

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Significant Events

The Iranian Embassy siege took place in South Kensington in 1985 and lasted for ten days.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Iranian Embassy siege occurred in South Kensington in April and May 1980, not 1985, and lasted for six days, not ten.

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During the Iranian Embassy siege, all hostages were successfully rescued without any casualties by the British Special Air Service (SAS).

Answer: False

Explanation: While the British Special Air Service (SAS) successfully resolved the Iranian Embassy siege, one hostage was killed during the six-day event.

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When did the Iranian Embassy siege take place in South Kensington?

Answer: 1980

Explanation: The Iranian Embassy siege in South Kensington occurred in April and May 1980.

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How many hostages were killed during the six-day Iranian Embassy siege?

Answer: One

Explanation: During the six-day Iranian Embassy siege, one hostage was killed.

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Which British special forces unit resolved the Iranian Embassy siege?

Answer: Special Air Service (SAS)

Explanation: The British Special Air Service (SAS) was the unit responsible for resolving the Iranian Embassy siege.

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