In order to reduce negative impacts, it is desirable that pesticides be degradable or at least quickly deactivated in the environment. Such loss of activity or toxicity of pesticides is due to both innate chemical properties of the compounds and environmental processes or conditions. For example, the presence of halogens within a chemical structure often slows down degradation in an aerobic environment. Adsorption to soil may retard pesticide movement, but also may reduce bioavailability to microbial degraders.

What feature is wanted to assist with reducing negative impacts of pesticides?

that pesticides be degradable

How else can negative impacts of pesticides be reduced?

quickly deactivated in the environment

What is one way by which pesticides lose their efficacy?

presence of halogens

What may slow pesticide movement?

Adsorption to soil

What characteristic is desirable in soil for planting?

I'm not sure.

What makes microbes degrade?

I'm not sure.

What slows down degradation of microbes?

I'm not sure.

What kind of environment is needed to degrade microbes?

I'm not sure.

What slows the movement of microbes?

I'm not sure.


Alternatives to pesticides are available and include methods of cultivation, use of biological pest controls (such as pheromones and microbial pesticides), genetic engineering, and methods of interfering with insect breeding. Application of composted yard waste has also been used as a way of controlling pests. These methods are becoming increasingly popular and often are safer than traditional chemical pesticides. In addition, EPA is registering reduced-risk conventional pesticides in increasing numbers.

What is one thing that can be used in place of pesticides?

methods of cultivation

What natural product can be used to control pests?

composted yard waste

Why are alternative methods of pest control gaining popularity?

safer than traditional chemical pesticides

What agency has offered acceptance of safer pesticides?

EPA

What is one non chemical way of dealing with pests?

interfering with insect breeding

What is recommended by the EPA for cultivating a garden to enrich the soil?

I'm not sure.

How well do insects breed in your yard when you use a yard waste bin?

I'm not sure.

How is genetic engineering compared to conventional crop growing methods?

I'm not sure.

What is one thing that the use of pesticides does when used on insects?

I'm not sure.

What chemical is secreted by insects when they are breeding?

I'm not sure.


The term "push-pull" was established in 1987 as an approach for integrated pest management (IPM). This strategy uses a mixture of behavior-modifying stimuli to manipulate the distribution and abundance of insects. "Push" means the insects are repelled or deterred away from whatever resource that is being protected. "Pull" means that certain stimuli (semiochemical stimuli, pheromones, food additives, visual stimuli, genetically altered plants, etc.) are used to attract pests to trap crops where they will be killed. There are numerous different components involved in order to implement a Push-Pull Strategy in IPM.

What does IPM stand for?

integrated pest management

How can the location and amount of insects be changed?

behavior-modifying stimuli

What is one thing that can be used to pull pests?

food additives

What is the name of the process by which pests are attracted and repelled using IPM.

Push-Pull

When was the term semiochemcial stimuli established?

I'm not sure.

What is one thing that makes people want to buy products they don't need?

I'm not sure.

What is easier to grow than normal plants?

I'm not sure.

What was created in 1987 to add to food so they will last longer on the shelf?

I'm not sure.

What do marketers use in commercials to get people to buy their products?

I'm not sure.


Some evidence shows that alternatives to pesticides can be equally effective as the use of chemicals. For example, Sweden has halved its use of pesticides with hardly any reduction in crops.[unreliable source?] In Indonesia, farmers have reduced pesticide use on rice fields by 65% and experienced a 15% crop increase.[unreliable source?] A study of Maize fields in northern Florida found that the application of composted yard waste with high carbon to nitrogen ratio to agricultural fields was highly effective at reducing the population of plant-parasitic nematodes and increasing crop yield, with yield increases ranging from 10% to 212%; the observed effects were long-term, often not appearing until the third season of the study.

How much was Sweden able to lower thier pesticide usage?

halved its use

What other country has reduced its pesticide usage?

Indonesia

What natural substance has been found to effectively increase crop yields

carbon to nitrogen

What amount of gain in crops can be contributed to application of composted yard waste?

10% to 212%

What happened after Indonesia cut its pesticide use in half?

I'm not sure.

What happened when they reduced pesticide use by 65% in Sweden?

I'm not sure.

How long did it take to see a higher crop yield in Sweden when studied?

I'm not sure.

What was the range of yield increases in Sweden during the study?

I'm not sure.

What kind of crops were studied in Sweden?

I'm not sure.


Pesticides are often referred to according to the type of pest they control. Pesticides can also be considered as either biodegradable pesticides, which will be broken down by microbes and other living beings into harmless compounds, or persistent pesticides, which may take months or years before they are broken down: it was the persistence of DDT, for example, which led to its accumulation in the food chain and its killing of birds of prey at the top of the food chain. Another way to think about pesticides is to consider those that are chemical pesticides or are derived from a common source or production method.

What is one type of pesticide?

biodegradable

How long may it take for persistent pesticides to be broken down?

months or years

What quality caused DDT to build up in various organisms?

persistence

What is one way to classify pesticides?

type of pest they control

What is one characteristic that defines the nature of microbes?

I'm not sure.

How long do microbes live in the soil?

I'm not sure.

What is one way to classify birds?

I'm not sure.

What happens when there are too many microbes in the soil?

I'm not sure.

Where do microbes usually come from when in the environment?

I'm not sure.


The following sulfonylureas have been commercialized for weed control: amidosulfuron, azimsulfuron, bensulfuron-methyl, chlorimuron-ethyl, ethoxysulfuron, flazasulfuron, flupyrsulfuron-methyl-sodium, halosulfuron-methyl, imazosulfuron, nicosulfuron, oxasulfuron, primisulfuron-methyl, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, rimsulfuron, sulfometuron-methyl Sulfosulfuron, terbacil, bispyribac-sodium, cyclosulfamuron, and pyrithiobac-sodium. Nicosulfuron, triflusulfuron methyl, and chlorsulfuron are broad-spectrum herbicides that kill plants by inhibiting the enzyme acetolactate synthase. In the 1960s, more than 1 kg/ha (0.89 lb/acre) crop protection chemical was typically applied, while sulfonylureates allow as little as 1% as much material to achieve the same effect.

What are sulfonyureas commonly used for?

weed control

Nicosulfuron, triflusulfuron methyl and chlorsulfuron can be classified as what type of pesticides?

broad-spectrum herbicides

The restriction of what enzyme allows broad-spectrum herbicides to kill plants?

acetolactate synthase

The amount of material used as a crop protection measure decreased from 1kg/ha in what year to its current 1%?

What has acetolactate synthase been used for commercially?

I'm not sure.

What is acetolactate synthase classified as when used on plants?

I'm not sure.

In what year was acetolactate synthase created?

I'm not sure.

How much acetolactate synthase was applied in the 1960's?

I'm not sure.

What was acetolactate synthase used for in the 1960's?

I'm not sure.


Though pesticide regulations differ from country to country, pesticides, and products on which they were used are traded across international borders. To deal with inconsistencies in regulations among countries, delegates to a conference of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization adopted an International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides in 1985 to create voluntary standards of pesticide regulation for different countries. The Code was updated in 1998 and 2002. The FAO claims that the code has raised awareness about pesticide hazards and decreased the number of countries without restrictions on pesticide use.

Is the trade of pesticides and pesticide treated goods limited to the United States?

traded across international borders

What commitee deals with differences in rules governing the use of pesticides among different countries?

United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization

When was the international code which governs the distribution and use of pesticides established?

How recently were voluntary standards of pesticide regulation updated?

When was the UN Food and Agriculture Organization founded?

I'm not sure.

Why was the UN food and Agriculture Organization created in 1985?

I'm not sure.

When were pesticides first able to be traded across international borders?

I'm not sure.

In what areas do agriculture methods differ?

I'm not sure.

Where are agriculture methods traded?

I'm not sure.


Three other efforts to improve regulation of international pesticide trade are the United Nations London Guidelines for the Exchange of Information on Chemicals in International Trade and the United Nations Codex Alimentarius Commission.[citation needed] The former seeks to implement procedures for ensuring that prior informed consent exists between countries buying and selling pesticides, while the latter seeks to create uniform standards for maximum levels of pesticide residues among participating countries. Both initiatives operate on a voluntary basis.

What country has attempted to better the controls of pesticide exchanges?

London

What is one agency who is trying to help make the trade of pesticides safer?

United Nations Codex Alimentarius Commission

What is one important thing that should be present when countries are trading with pesticides?

prior informed consent

Are these agencies a requirement in the countries where they exist?

initiatives operate on a voluntary basis

What does London want to do about volunteering?

I'm not sure.

What may be implemented to make sure volunteers are aware of informed consent laws?

I'm not sure.

What does London want to create for people who want to be volunteers to follow?

I'm not sure.

How are these agencies involved with the regulation of volunteers?

I'm not sure.

Where does the UN Code Alimentarius want to do business regulating volunteers?

I'm not sure.


Pesticides safety education and pesticide applicator regulation are designed to protect the public from pesticide misuse, but do not eliminate all misuse. Reducing the use of pesticides and choosing less toxic pesticides may reduce risks placed on society and the environment from pesticide use. Integrated pest management, the use of multiple approaches to control pests, is becoming widespread and has been used with success in countries such as Indonesia, China, Bangladesh, the U.S., Australia, and Mexico. IPM attempts to recognize the more widespread impacts of an action on an ecosystem, so that natural balances are not upset. New pesticides are being developed, including biological and botanical derivatives and alternatives that are thought to reduce health and environmental risks. In addition, applicators are being encouraged to consider alternative controls and adopt methods that reduce the use of chemical pesticides.

What is one measure taken to keep society safe from improper pesticide use?

pesticide applicator regulation

What is a choice that users of pesticides can make that will lower risks?

choosing less toxic pesticides

What is one country that has sucessfully used IPM?

Australia

Biological and botanical derivatives have what positive effects?

reduce health and environmental risks

Who has the ability to make the choice of using less harmful pesticides?

applicators

What is one country that still uses chemical pesticides heavily?

I'm not sure.

What countries risk the environment by using pesticides often?

I'm not sure.

What has pesticide safety education reduced in Australia?

I'm not sure.

What are two classifications of pests in an ecosystem?

I'm not sure.

In what country are ecosystems most at risk from pesticide misuse?

I'm not sure.


In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for regulating pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA). Studies must be conducted to establish the conditions in which the material is safe to use and the effectiveness against the intended pest(s). The EPA regulates pesticides to ensure that these products do not pose adverse effects to humans or the environment. Pesticides produced before November 1984 continue to be reassessed in order to meet the current scientific and regulatory standards. All registered pesticides are reviewed every 15 years to ensure they meet the proper standards. During the registration process, a label is created. The label contains directions for proper use of the material in addition to safety restrictions. Based on acute toxicity, pesticides are assigned to a Toxicity Class.

What is a measure of pesticides determined in EPA studies?

material is safe to use and the effectiveness

Who is protected by EPA regulations?

humans or the environment

Pesticides are inspected often to make sure they meet up to date safety regulations from what period of time.

before November 1984

How often are pesticides produced more recently evaluated for safety?

every 15 years

How could someone learn more about how to safely use and handle an unknow pesticide?

label

In what year was the EPA established?

I'm not sure.

How many years did it take to pass the FIFRA act?

I'm not sure.

What are foods assigned to based on the FQPA act passed in 1984?

I'm not sure.

What happens to foods in a Toxicity Class after 1984?

I'm not sure.

Why are foods evaluated after 1984 reassessed?

I'm not sure.


Some pesticides are considered too hazardous for sale to the general public and are designated restricted use pesticides. Only certified applicators, who have passed an exam, may purchase or supervise the application of restricted use pesticides. Records of sales and use are required to be maintained and may be audited by government agencies charged with the enforcement of pesticide regulations. These records must be made available to employees and state or territorial environmental regulatory agencies.

What are pesticides that are thought to be extremely dangerous called?

restricted use pesticides

What would qualify someone to use restricted use pesticides?

an exam

The EPA or other groups who govern pesticide use may inspect what?

Records of sales and use

Agencies who regulate the environment exists in what regional capacities?

state or territorial

How are some records of sales designated?

I'm not sure.

What keeps some applicators from being for sale to the public?

I'm not sure.

What do government agency employees have to pass to be hired?

I'm not sure.

What is something the public doesn't want the government to do to their finances?

I'm not sure.

What needs to be kept about the sale of applicators?

I'm not sure.


Since before 2000 BC, humans have utilized pesticides to protect their crops. The first known pesticide was elemental sulfur dusting used in ancient Sumer about 4,500 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia. The Rig Veda, which is about 4,000 years old, mentions the use of poisonous plants for pest control. By the 15th century, toxic chemicals such as arsenic, mercury, and lead were being applied to crops to kill pests. In the 17th century, nicotine sulfate was extracted from tobacco leaves for use as an insecticide. The 19th century saw the introduction of two more natural pesticides, pyrethrum, which is derived from chrysanthemums, and rotenone, which is derived from the roots of tropical vegetables. Until the 1950s, arsenic-based pesticides were dominant. Paul Müller discovered that DDT was a very effective insecticide. Organochlorines such as DDT were dominant, but they were replaced in the U.S. by organophosphates and carbamates by 1975. Since then, pyrethrin compounds have become the dominant insecticide. Herbicides became common in the 1960s, led by "triazine and other nitrogen-based compounds, carboxylic acids such as 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, and glyphosate".

What is the earliest records of humans using pesticides?

before 2000 BC

What was used as a insecticide in the 17th century?

nicotine sulfate

What decade did herbicides become common?

Who can be credited with finding out DDT is useful as an insecticide?

Paul Müller

What is the source used to exact nicotine sulfate?

tobacco leaves

Where was The Rig Veda written?

I'm not sure.

Since before 2000 BC what three toxic chemicals were used to kill pests?

I'm not sure.

What was extracted from tobacco in the 15th century as an insecticide?

I'm not sure.

What was one natural pesticide used in the 17th century?

I'm not sure.

Where was pyrethrum extracted from in the 17th century?

I'm not sure.


The first legislation providing federal authority for regulating pesticides was enacted in 1910; however, decades later during the 1940s manufacturers began to produce large amounts of synthetic pesticides and their use became widespread. Some sources consider the 1940s and 1950s to have been the start of the "pesticide era." Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was established in 1970 and amendments to the pesticide law in 1972, pesticide use has increased 50-fold since 1950 and 2.3 million tonnes (2.5 million short tons) of industrial pesticides are now[when?] used each year. Seventy-five percent of all pesticides in the world are used in developed countries, but use in developing countries is increasing. A study of USA pesticide use trends through 1997 was published in 2003 by the National Science Foundation's Center for Integrated Pest Management.

When were laws first created to regulate pesticides?

What might someone knowledgable about the history of pesticides call ther period of the 1940s and 1950s?

pesticide era

When did America establish the Environmental Protection Agency?

Countries which are established use what amount of pesticides?

Seventy-five percent

Trends about use of pesticides have been published from which country?

USA

What were laws first created to regulate in 1940?

I'm not sure.

What did manufacturers produce in large quantities in 1910?

I'm not sure.

What is 1910 considered the start of according to some sources?

I'm not sure.

How much has pesticide use increased by since 1910?

I'm not sure.

How many pesticides were used in 1910?

I'm not sure.


Somerset is a rural county of rolling hills such as the Blackdown Hills, Mendip Hills, Quantock Hills and Exmoor National Park, and large flat expanses of land including the Somerset Levels. There is evidence of human occupation from Paleolithic times, and of subsequent settlement in the Roman and Anglo-Saxon periods. The county played a significant part in the consolidation of power and rise of King Alfred the Great, and later in the English Civil War and the Monmouth Rebellion. The city of Bath is famous for its substantial Georgian architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What type of region is somerset

Somerset is a rural county of rolling hills

What are some areas of Somerset county

Blackdown Hills, Mendip Hills, Quantock Hills and Exmoor National Park, and large flat expanses of land including the Somerset Levels

How far back was the county populated

There is evidence of human occupation from Paleolithic times, and of subsequent settlement in the Roman and Anglo-Saxon periods

What Kings rise did the county play part in

a significant part in the consolidation of power and rise of King Alfred the Great, and later in the English Civil War and the Monmouth Rebellion

What is the city of Bath famous for

substantial Georgian architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

In which county was the English Civil War primarily fought?

I'm not sure.

Which county of England was King Alfred the Great born in?

I'm not sure.

Where did the Monmouth Rebellion get its start?

I'm not sure.

Which county of England is an urban one on a flat plain?

I'm not sure.

King Alfred the Great ruled over which civilization?

I'm not sure.


The people of Somerset are mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle's entry for AD 845, in the inflected form "Sumursætum", and the county is recorded in the entry for 1015 using the same name. The archaic name Somersetshire was mentioned in the Chronicle's entry for 878. Although "Somersetshire" was in common use as an alternative name for the county, it went out of fashion in the late 19th century, and is no longer used possibly due to the adoption of "Somerset" as the county's official name after the establishment of the county council in 1889. As with other counties not ending in "shire," the suffix was superfluous, as there was no need to differentiate between the county and a town within it.

What are the people of somerset mentioned in

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle's entry for AD 845

What archaic name was mentioned in 878

The archaic name Somersetshire was mentioned in the Chronicle's entry for 878

When did the county stop using Somersetshire

it went out of fashion in the late 19th century

What was superfluous

As with other counties not ending in "shire," the suffix was superfluous, as there was no need to differentiate between the county and a town

People first settled in Somerset in what year?

I'm not sure.

In what year was the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle first published?

I'm not sure.

What was the last year the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle was published?

I'm not sure.

In what year did people stop using the term "Sumursaetum" for this county?

I'm not sure.

When did people first start referring to it as Somersetshire?

I'm not sure.


After the Romans left, Britain was invaded by Anglo-Saxon peoples. By AD 600 they had established control over much of what is now England, but Somerset was still in native British hands. The British held back Saxon advance into the south-west for some time longer, but by the early eighth century King Ine of Wessex had pushed the boundaries of the West Saxon kingdom far enough west to include Somerset. The Saxon royal palace in Cheddar was used several times in the 10th century to host the Witenagemot. After the Norman Conquest, the county was divided into 700 fiefs, and large areas were owned by the crown, with fortifications such as Dunster Castle used for control and defence. Somerset contains HM Prison Shepton Mallet, which was England's oldest prison still in use prior to its closure in 2013, having opened in 1610. In the English Civil War Somerset was largely Parliamentarian, with key engagements being the Sieges of Taunton and the Battle of Langport. In 1685 the Monmouth Rebellion was played out in Somerset and neighbouring Dorset. The rebels landed at Lyme Regis and travelled north, hoping to capture Bristol and Bath, but they were defeated in the Battle of Sedgemoor at Westonzoyland, the last pitched battle fought in England. Arthur Wellesley took his title, Duke of Wellington from the town of Wellington; he is commemorated on a nearby hill by a large, spotlit obelisk, known as the Wellington Monument.

Who invaded Britain when the Romans Left

Britain was invaded by Anglo-Saxon peoples

It took how long for the Anglo Saxons to control  the Somerset area

by the early eighth century King Ine of Wessex had pushed the boundaries of the West Saxon kingdom far enough west to include Somerset

What was the Saxon Royal Palace used for

was used several times in the 10th century to host the Witenagemot

What prison does somerset county contain

HM Prison Shepton Mallet, which was England's oldest prison still in use prior to its closure in 2013, having opened in 1610

What rebellion took place in Somerset in 1685

Monmouth Rebellion was played out in Somerset and neighbouring Dorset

In what year did the Romans leave Britain?

I'm not sure.

In what year did King Ine of Wessex rise to power?

I'm not sure.

In what century did the Norman Conquest occur?

I'm not sure.

In what year did the Sieges of Taunton occur?

I'm not sure.

Who led the forces against the rebels in the Monmouth Rebellion?

I'm not sure.


The Industrial Revolution in the Midlands and Northern England spelled the end for most of Somerset's cottage industries. Farming continued to flourish, however, and the Bath and West of England Society for the Encouragement of Agriculture, Arts, Manufactures and Commerce was founded in 1777 to improve farming methods. Despite this, 20 years later John Billingsley conducted a survey of the county's agriculture in 1795 and found that agricultural methods could still be improved. Coal mining was an important industry in north Somerset during the 18th and 19th centuries, and by 1800 it was prominent in Radstock. The Somerset Coalfield reached its peak production by the 1920s, but all the pits have now been closed, the last in 1973. Most of the surface buildings have been removed, and apart from a winding wheel outside Radstock Museum, little evidence of their former existence remains. Further west, the Brendon Hills were mined for iron ore in the late 19th century; this was taken by the West Somerset Mineral Railway to Watchet Harbour for shipment to the furnaces at Ebbw Vale.

What ended Somersets cottage industry

The Industrial Revolution in the Midlands and Northern England spelled the end for most of Somerset's cottage industries

What flourished in Somerset after the Industrial revelotuion

Farming continued to flourish

What Industry was important in the late 18th and 19th century of North Somerset

Coal mining was an important industry in north Somerset

What did the west somerset mineral way transport

iron ore in the late 19th century; this was taken by the West Somerset Mineral Railway to Watchet Harbour for shipment to the furnaces at Ebbw Vale

In what year did coal mining begin in Somerset?

I'm not sure.

Who established the Somerset Coalfield?

I'm not sure.

How was coal shipped from the Somerset Coalfield?

I'm not sure.

In what year did the Bath and West of England Society for the Encouragement of Agriculture, Arts, Manufactures and Commerce shut down?

I'm not sure.

In what year was the Somerset Coalfield established?

I'm not sure.


Many Somerset soldiers died during the First World War, with the Somerset Light Infantry suffering nearly 5,000 casualties. War memorials were put up in most of the county's towns and villages; only nine, described as the Thankful Villages, had none of their residents killed. During the Second World War the county was a base for troops preparing for the D-Day landings. Some of the hospitals which were built for the casualties of the war remain in use. The Taunton Stop Line was set up to repel a potential German invasion. The remains of its pill boxes can still be seen along the coast, and south through Ilminster and Chard.

How many Somerset soldiers were killed in WW1

Many Somerset soldiers died during the First World War, with the Somerset Light Infantry suffering nearly 5,000 casualties

How many counties had no casualties in WW1

only nine, described as the Thankful Villages, had none of their residents killed

The county was base for what in WW2

for troops preparing for the D-Day landings

What is the Tauton stop line

The Taunton Stop Line was set up to repel a potential German invasion

What was one of the Thankful Villages?

I'm not sure.

Which village suffered the most First World War casualties?

I'm not sure.

How many Somerset soldiers died in all in the First World War?

I'm not sure.

How many Somerset soldiers did in the Second World War?

I'm not sure.

How many pill boxes can still be seen along the coast?

I'm not sure.


A number of decoy towns were constructed in Somerset in World War II to protect Bristol and other towns, at night. They were designed to mimic the geometry of "blacked out" streets, railway lines, and Bristol Temple Meads railway station, to encourage bombers away from these targets. One, on the radio beam flight path to Bristol, was constructed on Beacon Batch. It was laid out by Shepperton Studios, based on aerial photographs of the city's railway marshalling yards. The decoys were fitted with dim red lights, simulating activities like the stoking of steam locomotives. Burning bales of straw soaked in creosote were used to simulate the effects of incendiary bombs dropped by the first wave of Pathfinder night bombers; meanwhile, incendiary bombs dropped on the correct location were quickly smothered, wherever possible. Drums of oil were also ignited to simulate the effect of a blazing city or town, with the aim of fooling subsequent waves of bombers into dropping their bombs on the wrong location. The Chew Magna decoy town was hit by half-a-dozen bombs on 2 December 1940, and over a thousand incendiaries on 3 January 1941. The following night the Uphill decoy town, protecting Weston-super-Mare's airfield, was bombed; a herd of dairy cows was hit, killing some and severely injuring others.

Why were decoy towns used in WW2

decoy towns were constructed in Somerset in World War II to protect Bristol and other towns, at night

What did the decoy towns mimic

mimic the geometry of "blacked out" streets, railway lines, and Bristol Temple Meads railway station, to encourage bombers away from these targets

Who layed out  Beacon Batch

Shepperton Studios, based on aerial photographs of the city's railway marshalling yards. The decoys were fitted with dim red lights

What decoy city was hit

The Chew Magna decoy town was hit by half-a-dozen bombs on 2 December 1940, and over a thousand incendiaries on 3 January 1941

How many times was the Uphill decoy town bombed on 4 January 1942?

I'm not sure.

Who laid out Chew Magna decoy town?

I'm not sure.

How many dairy cows were killed when the Uphill decoy town was bombed?

I'm not sure.

Who created the Uphill decoy town?

I'm not sure.

Where did the Pathfinder night bombers usually take off from to bomb Somerset?

I'm not sure.


The boundaries of Somerset are largely unaltered from medieval times. The River Avon formed much of the border with Gloucestershire, except that the hundred of Bath Forum, which straddles the Avon, formed part of Somerset. Bristol began as a town on the Gloucestershire side of the Avon, however as it grew it extended across the river into Somerset. In 1373 Edward III proclaimed "that the town of Bristol with its suburbs and precincts shall henceforth be separate from the counties of Gloucester and Somerset... and that it should be a county by itself".

How long have the boundaries of somerset remained constant

are largely unaltered from medieval times

What river forms the border of Somerset

The River Avon formed much of the border with Gloucestershire, except that the hundred of Bath Forum

What did king Edward the 3 do

Edward III proclaimed "that the town of Bristol with its suburbs and precincts shall henceforth be separate from the counties of Gloucester and Somerset

In what year was Somerset established?

I'm not sure.

In which county was Edward III born?

I'm not sure.

Which county lies east of Somerset?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Edward III start his reign?

I'm not sure.

Is Bristol larger on the Gloucester or Somerset side of the River Avon?

I'm not sure.


Somerton took over from Ilchester as the county town in the late thirteenth century, but it declined in importance and the status of county town transferred to Taunton about 1366. The county has two cities, Bath and Wells, and 30 towns (including the county town of Taunton, which has no town council but instead is the chief settlement of the county's only borough). The largest urban areas in terms of population are Bath, Weston-super-Mare, Taunton, Yeovil and Bridgwater. Many settlements developed because of their strategic importance in relation to geographical features, such as river crossings or valleys in ranges of hills. Examples include Axbridge on the River Axe, Castle Cary on the River Cary, North Petherton on the River Parrett, and Ilminster, where there was a crossing point on the River Isle. Midsomer Norton lies on the River Somer; while the Wellow Brook and the Fosse Way Roman road run through Radstock. Chard is the most southerly town in Somerset, and at an altitude of 121 m (397 ft) it is also the highest.

When did Somerton take over from Ilchester as the county town

in the late thirteenth century, but it declined in importance and the status of county town transferred to Taunton about 1366

How many cities and towns in Somerset

The county has two cities, Bath and Wells, and 30 towns

The largest populations of the county

in terms of population are Bath, Weston-super-Mare, Taunton, Yeovil and Bridgwater

What was the strategic purpose to settle this area

strategic importance in relation to geographical features, such as river crossings or valleys in ranges of hills

Most Southernly town of somerset

Chard is the most southerly town in Somerset, and at an altitude of 121 m (397 ft) it is also the highest

In which year was Taunton established?

I'm not sure.

What is the average altitude of Taunton?

I'm not sure.

What is the largest Urban area in Somerton?

I'm not sure.

What is the most northerly town in Somerset?

I'm not sure.

What is the average altitude of Axbridge?

I'm not sure.


To the north-east of the Somerset Levels, the Mendip Hills are moderately high limestone hills. The central and western Mendip Hills was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1972 and covers 198 km2 (76 sq mi). The main habitat on these hills is calcareous grassland, with some arable agriculture. To the south-west of the Somerset Levels are the Quantock Hills which was England's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty designated in 1956 which is covered in heathland, oak woodlands, ancient parklands with plantations of conifer and covers 99 square kilometres. The Somerset Coalfield is part of a larger coalfield which stretches into Gloucestershire. To the north of the Mendip hills is the Chew Valley and to the south, on the clay substrate, are broad valleys which support dairy farming and drain into the Somerset Levels.

What area lies in the northeastern part of Somerset levels

the Mendip Hills are moderately high limestone hills

What area was Designated to have outstanding beauty

Quantock Hills which was England's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty designated in 1956

What is the name of the coal field

The Somerset Coalfield is part of a larger coalfield which stretches into Gloucestershire

What area support dairy farming

on the clay substrate, are broad valleys which support dairy farming and drain into the Somerset Levels.

How much area does the Somerset Coalfield cover?

I'm not sure.

How much area does the Chew Valley cover?

I'm not sure.

What lies to the north-west of the Somerset Levels?

I'm not sure.

What lies to the east of the Mendip Hills?

I'm not sure.

What type of trees are prevalent in the Chew Valley?

I'm not sure.


There is an extensive network of caves, including Wookey Hole, underground rivers, and gorges, including the Cheddar Gorge and Ebbor Gorge. The county has many rivers, including the Axe, Brue, Cary, Parrett, Sheppey, Tone and Yeo. These both feed and drain the flat levels and moors of mid and west Somerset. In the north of the county the River Chew flows into the Bristol Avon. The Parrett is tidal almost to Langport, where there is evidence of two Roman wharfs. At the same site during the reign of King Charles I, river tolls were levied on boats to pay for the maintenance of the bridge.

What's the name of the cave system

an extensive network of caves, including Wookey Hole

Name 2 of the county gorges

and gorges, including the Cheddar Gorge and Ebbor Gorge

Name some of the county rivers

the Axe, Brue, Cary, Parrett, Sheppey, Tone and Yeo

What did King charles levy on river boats

King Charles I, river tolls were levied on boats to pay for the maintenance of the bridge.

Where does the Axe river flow into?

I'm not sure.

Which is larger, the Cheddar Gorge or the Ebbor Gorge?

I'm not sure.

What is Somerset's northernmost river?

I'm not sure.

What is the name of one of Somerset's underground rivers?

I'm not sure.

What is Somerset's westernmost river?

I'm not sure.


The Somerset Levels (or Somerset Levels and Moors as they are less commonly but more correctly known) are a sparsely populated wetland area of central Somerset, between the Quantock and Mendip hills. They consist of marine clay levels along the coast, and the inland (often peat based) moors. The Levels are divided into two by the Polden Hills; land to the south is drained by the River Parrett while land to the north is drained by the River Axe and the River Brue. The total area of the Levels amounts to about 647.5 square kilometres (160,000 acres) and broadly corresponds to the administrative district of Sedgemoor but also includes the south west of Mendip district. Approximately 70% of the area is grassland and 30% is arable. Stretching about 32 kilometres (20 mi) inland, this expanse of flat land barely rises above sea level. Before it was drained, much of the land was under a shallow brackish sea in winter and was marsh land in summer. Drainage began with the Romans, and was restarted at various times: by the Anglo-Saxons; in the Middle Ages by the Glastonbury Abbey, from 1400–1770; and during the Second World War, with the construction of the Huntspill River. Pumping and management of water levels still continues.

What are the Somerset levels

are a sparsely populated wetland area of central Somerset, between the Quantock and Mendip hills

what do the Somerset levels consist of

marine clay levels along the coast, and the inland (often peat based) moors

what are the 2 sections of the somerset levels

the Polden Hills; land to the south is drained by the River Parrett while land to the north is drained by the River Axe and the River Brue

What is the total area of the levels

The total area of the Levels amounts to about 647.5 square kilometres (160,000 acres)

who started drainage of the Somerset levels

the Romans, and was restarted at various times: by the Anglo-Saxons

How many people live in the sparsely populated Somerset Levels?

I'm not sure.

What is the total area of the Polden Hills?

I'm not sure.

How long are the Polden Hills?

I'm not sure.

What lies east of the Somerset Levels?

I'm not sure.

How long is the River Brue?

I'm not sure.


The main coastal towns are, from the west to the north-east, Minehead, Watchet, Burnham-on-Sea, Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon and Portishead. The coastal area between Minehead and the eastern extreme of the administrative county's coastline at Brean Down is known as Bridgwater Bay, and is a National Nature Reserve. North of that, the coast forms Weston Bay and Sand Bay whose northern tip, Sand Point, marks the lower limit of the Severn Estuary. In the mid and north of the county the coastline is low as the level wetlands of the levels meet the sea. In the west, the coastline is high and dramatic where the plateau of Exmoor meets the sea, with high cliffs and waterfalls.

What are the main coastal towns

Minehead, Watchet, Burnham-on-Sea, Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon and Portishead

what is the name of the natural reserve area

Bridgwater Bay, and is a National Nature Reserve

what does the western coastline look like

the coastline is high and dramatic where the plateau of Exmoor meets the sea, with high cliffs and waterfalls.

What is east of Weston Bay?

I'm not sure.

What is the largest main coastal town?

I'm not sure.

What is the smallest main coastal town?

I'm not sure.

What lies between Burnham-on-Sea and Weston-super-Mare?

I'm not sure.

What marks the upper limit of the Severn Estuary?

I'm not sure.


Along with the rest of South West England, Somerset has a temperate climate which is generally wetter and milder than the rest of the country. The annual mean temperature is approximately 10 °C (50.0 °F). Seasonal temperature variation is less extreme than most of the United Kingdom because of the adjacent sea temperatures. The summer months of July and August are the warmest with mean daily maxima of approximately 21 °C (69.8 °F). In winter mean minimum temperatures of 1 °C (33.8 °F) or 2 °C (35.6 °F) are common. In the summer the Azores high pressure affects the south-west of England, but convective cloud sometimes forms inland, reducing the number of hours of sunshine. Annual sunshine rates are slightly less than the regional average of 1,600 hours. In December 1998 there were 20 days without sun recorded at Yeovilton. Most the rainfall in the south-west is caused by Atlantic depressions or by convection. Most of the rainfall in autumn and winter is caused by the Atlantic depressions, which is when they are most active. In summer, a large proportion of the rainfall is caused by sun heating the ground leading to convection and to showers and thunderstorms. Average rainfall is around 700 mm (28 in). About 8–15 days of snowfall is typical. November to March have the highest mean wind speeds, and June to August the lightest winds. The predominant wind direction is from the south-west.

What is the somerset climate like

a temperate climate which is generally wetter and milder than the rest of the country

The annual sunshine rate of somerset

Annual sunshine rates are slightly less than the regional average of 1,600 hours

How many days of snow on average

About 8–15 days of snowfall is typical

The average rainfall level of somerset

Average rainfall is around 700 mm (28 in)

What is the annual average temperature?

I'm not sure.

What is the mean daily maxima temperature of May?

I'm not sure.

How much snowfall falls in a typical year?

I'm not sure.

What is the mean minimum temperature in November?

I'm not sure.

What county in England is drier than the rest of the country?

I'm not sure.


Bridgwater was developed during the Industrial Revolution as the area's leading port. The River Parrett was navigable by large ships as far as Bridgwater. Cargoes were then loaded onto smaller boats at Langport Quay, next to the Bridgwater Bridge, to be carried further up river to Langport; or they could turn off at Burrowbridge and then travel via the River Tone to Taunton. The Parrett is now only navigable as far as Dunball Wharf. Bridgwater, in the 19th and 20th centuries, was a centre for the manufacture of bricks and clay roof tiles, and later cellophane, but those industries have now stopped. With its good links to the motorway system, Bridgwater has developed as a distribution hub for companies such as Argos, Toolstation, Morrisons and Gerber Juice. AgustaWestland manufactures helicopters in Yeovil, and Normalair Garratt, builder of aircraft oxygen systems, is also based in the town. Many towns have encouraged small-scale light industries, such as Crewkerne's Ariel Motor Company, one of the UK's smallest car manufacturers.

What is the leading port of somerset

Bridgwater was developed during the Industrial Revolution as the area's leading port

what was manufacture in Bridgeport in the 19th and 20th century

was a centre for the manufacture of bricks and clay roof tiles, and later cellophane, but those industries have now stopped

The good motor system presently allows for

Bridgwater has developed as a distribution hub for companies such as Argos, Toolstation, Morrisons and Gerber Juice

where are aircraft manufactured

AgustaWestland manufactures helicopters in Yeovil, and Normalair Garratt, builder of aircraft oxygen systems

What do many towns encourage

Many towns have encouraged small-scale light industries, such as Crewkerne's Ariel Motor Company, one of the UK's smallest car manufacturers

What company uses Langport as a distribution hub?

I'm not sure.

In what town is Crewkerne's Ariel Motor Company based?

I'm not sure.

What was this area's leading port before the Industrial Revolution?

I'm not sure.

What is one of the UK's biggest car manufacturers?

I'm not sure.

What large company is based in Taunton?

I'm not sure.


Somerset is an important supplier of defence equipment and technology. A Royal Ordnance Factory, ROF Bridgwater was built at the start of the Second World War, between the villages of Puriton and Woolavington, to manufacture explosives. The site was decommissioned and closed in July 2008. Templecombe has Thales Underwater Systems, and Taunton presently has the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office and Avimo, which became part of Thales Optics. It has been announced twice, in 2006 and 2007, that manufacturing is to end at Thales Optics' Taunton site, but the trade unions and Taunton Deane District Council are working to reverse or mitigate these decisions. Other high-technology companies include the optics company Gooch and Housego, at Ilminster. There are Ministry of Defence offices in Bath, and Norton Fitzwarren is the home of 40 Commando Royal Marines. The Royal Naval Air Station in Yeovilton, is one of Britain's two active Fleet Air Arm bases and is home to the Royal Navy's Lynx helicopters and the Royal Marines Commando Westland Sea Kings. Around 1,675 service and 2,000 civilian personnel are stationed at Yeovilton and key activities include training of aircrew and engineers and the Royal Navy's Fighter Controllers and surface-based aircraft controllers.

What is Somerset an important supplier of

defence equipment and technology.

What type of factory was built in Somerset

A Royal Ordnance Factory, ROF Bridgwater was built at the start of the Second World War, between the villages of Puriton and Woolavington

What other high tech industry is in Somerset

Other high-technology companies include the optics company Gooch and Housego, at Ilminster

What area is home to royal marines

Norton Fitzwarren is the home of 40 Commando Royal Marines

What is yeovilton home to

The Royal Naval Air Station in Yeovilton, is one of Britain's two active Fleet Air Arm bases and is home to the Royal Navy's Lynx helicopters

When was Thales Underwater Systems launched?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Avimo become a part of Thales Optics?

I'm not sure.

What is one of the high tech companies headquartered in Yeovilton?

I'm not sure.

What tech firm can be found in Norton Fitzwarren?

I'm not sure.

In what year was Gooch founded?

I'm not sure.


Agriculture and food and drink production continue to be major industries in the county, employing over 15,000 people. Apple orchards were once plentiful, and Somerset is still a major producer of cider. The towns of Taunton and Shepton Mallet are involved with the production of cider, especially Blackthorn Cider, which is sold nationwide, and there are specialist producers such as Burrow Hill Cider Farm and Thatchers Cider. Gerber Products Company in Bridgwater is the largest producer of fruit juices in Europe, producing brands such as "Sunny Delight" and "Ocean Spray." Development of the milk-based industries, such as Ilchester Cheese Company and Yeo Valley Organic, have resulted in the production of ranges of desserts, yoghurts and cheeses, including Cheddar cheese—some of which has the West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).

What area employs 15000 people in the couinty

Agriculture and food and drink production continue to be major industries in the county, employing over 15,000 people

What type of orchids used to be pleantiful

Apple orchards were once plentiful, and Somerset is still a major producer of cider

What area is important to the fruit juice industry

Gerber Products Company in Bridgwater is the largest producer of fruit juices in Europe, producing brands such as "Sunny Delight" and "Ocean Spray

What area is PDO

Cheddar cheese—some of which has the West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).

How many people work in the Apple Orchards?

I'm not sure.

In what town is Yeo Valley Organic based?

I'm not sure.

Where is the Ilchester Cheese Company cheese sold?

I'm not sure.

What company is the largest producer of cheese in the UK?

I'm not sure.

Which Somerset cheeses have earned the West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Protected Designation of Origin?

I'm not sure.


Traditional willow growing and weaving (such as basket weaving) is not as extensive as it used to be but is still carried out on the Somerset Levels and is commemorated at the Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre. Fragments of willow basket were found near the Glastonbury Lake Village, and it was also used in the construction of several Iron Age causeways. The willow was harvested using a traditional method of pollarding, where a tree would be cut back to the main stem. During the 1930s more than 3,600 hectares (8,900 acres) of willow were being grown commercially on the Levels. Largely due to the displacement of baskets with plastic bags and cardboard boxes, the industry has severely declined since the 1950s. By the end of the 20th century only about 140 hectares (350 acres) were grown commercially, near the villages of Burrowbridge, Westonzoyland and North Curry. The Somerset Levels is now the only area in the UK where basket willow is grown commercially.

Where is willow growing still practiced

Traditional willow growing and weaving (such as basket weaving) is not as extensive as it used to be but is still carried out on the Somerset Levels

What is pollarding

The willow was harvested using a traditional method of pollarding, where a tree would be cut back to the main stem

What did plastic bags result in

Largely due to the displacement of baskets with plastic bags and cardboard boxes, the industry has severely declined since the 1950s

The somerset level is the only area left  to commercially grow what

The Somerset Levels is now the only area in the UK where basket willow is grown commercially.

In what decade was the Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre established?

I'm not sure.

How many acres of commercial willow growing was there in the 1950s?

I'm not sure.

In what village is the most willow now grown commercially?

I'm not sure.

What is willow mostly used for nowadays?

I'm not sure.

In what decade was Glastonbury Lake Village abandoned?

I'm not sure.


Towns such as Castle Cary and Frome grew around the medieval weaving industry. Street developed as a centre for the production of woollen slippers and, later, boots and shoes, with C. & J. Clark establishing its headquarters in the town. C&J Clark's shoes are no longer manufactured there as the work was transferred to lower-wage areas, such as China and Asia. Instead, in 1993, redundant factory buildings were converted to form Clarks Village, the first purpose-built factory outlet in the UK. C&J Clark also had shoe factories, at one time at Bridgwater, Minehead, Westfield and Weston super Mare to provide employment outside the main summer tourist season, but those satellite sites were closed in the late 1980s, before the main site at Street. Dr. Martens shoes were also made in Somerset, by the Northampton-based R. Griggs Group, using redundant skilled shoemakers from C&J Clark; that work has also been transferred to Asia.

What towns grew around the weaving Industry

Castle Cary and Frome grew around the medieval weaving industry

Why did Cj clark shoes leave the area

the work was transferred to lower-wage areas, such as China and Asia

What famous shoe brand was made in Somerset

Dr. Martens shoes were also made in Somerset, by the Northampton-based R. Griggs Group

When did C.&J. Clark shut down operations in Somerset?

I'm not sure.

When were Dr. Martens shoes no longer made in Somerset?

I'm not sure.

What was the second purpose-built factory outlet in the UK?

I'm not sure.

What village outside of Street was the first to have one of C.&J. Clark's satellite sites?

I'm not sure.


The county has a long tradition of supplying freestone and building stone. Quarries at Doulting supplied freestone used in the construction of Wells Cathedral. Bath stone is also widely used. Ralph Allen promoted its use in the early 18th century, as did Hans Price in the 19th century, but it was used long before then. It was mined underground at Combe Down and Bathampton Down Mines, and as a result of cutting the Box Tunnel, at locations in Wiltshire such as Box. Bath stone is still used on a reduced scale today, but more often as a cladding rather than a structural material. Further south, Hamstone is the colloquial name given to stone from Ham Hill, which is also widely used in the construction industry. Blue Lias has been used locally as a building stone and as a raw material for lime mortar and Portland cement. Until the 1960s, Puriton had Blue Lias stone quarries, as did several other Polden villages. Its quarries also supplied a cement factory at Dunball, adjacent to the King's Sedgemoor Drain. Its derelict, early 20th century remains, was removed when the M5 motorway was constructed in the mid-1970s. Since the 1920s, the county has supplied aggregates. Foster Yeoman is Europe's large supplier of limestone aggregates, with quarries at Merehead Quarry. It has a dedicated railway operation, Mendip Rail, which is used to transport aggregates by rail from a group of Mendip quarries.

What type of stone was supplied in the county

supplying freestone and building stone

Who promoted the use of stone from the  Bath area

Ralph Allen promoted its use in the early 18th century, as did Hans Price in the 19th century

What are some uses for Blue Lias

Blue Lias has been used locally as a building stone and as a raw material for lime mortar and Portland cement

What has been supplied by the county since the 1920's

the county has supplied aggregates. Foster Yeoman is Europe's large supplier of limestone aggregates

In what century was Wells Cathedral built?

I'm not sure.

Where is Blue Lias now mined?

I'm not sure.

In what decade was Mendip Rail built?

I'm not sure.

In what village is Foster Yeoman headquartered?

I'm not sure.

What are aggregates used for?

I'm not sure.


Tourism is a major industry, estimated in 2001 to support around 23,000 people. Attractions include the coastal towns, part of the Exmoor National Park, the West Somerset Railway (a heritage railway), and the museum of the Fleet Air Arm at RNAS Yeovilton. The town of Glastonbury has mythical associations, including legends of a visit by the young Jesus of Nazareth and Joseph of Arimathea, with links to the Holy Grail, King Arthur, and Camelot, identified by some as Cadbury Castle, an Iron Age hill fort. Glastonbury also gives its name to an annual open-air rock festival held in nearby Pilton. There are show caves open to visitors in the Cheddar Gorge, as well as its locally produced cheese, although there is now only one remaining cheese maker in the village of Cheddar.

Tourism supports how many people in the County

estimated in 2001 to support around 23,000 people

Some of the county attractions are

the coastal towns, part of the Exmoor National Park, the West Somerset Railway (a heritage railway), and the museum of the Fleet Air Arm at RNAS Yeovilton

What does Glastonbury have associations with

mythical associations, including legends of a visit by the young Jesus of Nazareth and Joseph of Arimathea, with links to the Holy Grail, King Arthur

What type of festival is Glastonbury famous for

Glastonbury also gives its name to an annual open-air rock festival held in nearby Pilton

What type of cheese is the county famous for

locally produced cheese, although there is now only one remaining cheese maker in the village of Cheddar

How many people visit Exmoor National Park each month?

I'm not sure.

In what year was the first annual open-air rock festival near Pilton?

I'm not sure.

How many people attend the open-air rock festival near Pilton each year?

I'm not sure.

How many visit the museum of the Fleet Air Arm each month?

I'm not sure.

In what year was the Fleet Air Arm museum established?

I'm not sure.


Hinkley Point C nuclear power station is a project to construct a 3,200 MW two reactor nuclear power station. On 18 October 2010, the British government announced that Hinkley Point – already the site of the disused Hinkley Point A and the still operational Hinkley Point B power stations – was one of the eight sites it considered suitable for future nuclear power stations. NNB Generation Company, a subsidiary of EDF, submitted an application for development consent to the Infrastructure Planning Commission on 31 October 2011. A protest group, Stop Hinkley, was formed to campaign for the closure of Hinkley Point B and oppose any expansion at the Hinkley Point site. In December 2013, the European Commission opened an investigation to assess whether the project breaks state-aid rules. On 8 October 2014 it was announced that the European Commission has approved the project, with an overwhelming majority and only four commissioners voting against the decision.

What is Hinkley point C

Hinkley Point C nuclear power station is a project to construct a 3,200 MW two reactor nuclear power station

What was Stop Hinkley

Stop Hinkley, was formed to campaign for the closure of Hinkley Point B and oppose any expansion at the Hinkley Point site

What did the European Commission review

opened an investigation to assess whether the project breaks state-aid rules

How did the Commission vote turn out

the European Commission has approved the project, with an overwhelming majority and only four commissioners voting against the decision.

How powerful was the Hinkley Point A nuclear power station?

I'm not sure.

How many commissioners are on the European Commission?

I'm not sure.

How powerful is the Hinkley Point B nuclear power station?

I'm not sure.

In what year was Hinkley Point B finish construction?

I'm not sure.

In what year was Hinkley Point A shut down?

I'm not sure.


Population growth is higher than the national average, with a 6.4% increase, in the Somerset County Council area, since 1991, and a 17% increase since 1981. The population density is 1.4 persons per hectare, which can be compared to 2.07 persons per hectare for the South West region. Within the county, population density ranges 0.5 in West Somerset to 2.2 persons per hectare in Taunton Deane. The percentage of the population who are economically active is higher than the regional and national average, and the unemployment rate is lower than the regional and national average.

What is the population growth rate of Somerset county

Population growth is higher than the national average, with a 6.4% increase, in the Somerset County Council area, since 1991, and a 17% increase since 1981

The unemployment rate of the county

the unemployment rate is lower than the regional and national average.

What percentage of the population is economically active

is higher than the regional and national average

What is the average national population growth since 1991?

I'm not sure.

How much has the UK population grown since 1981?

I'm not sure.

What is the national UK unemployment rate?

I'm not sure.

What is the average people per hectare in the UK?

I'm not sure.

What is the people per hectare in the least populated county in the UK?

I'm not sure.


Somerset has a high indigenous British population, with 98.8% registering as white British and 92.4% of these as born in the United Kingdom. Chinese is the largest ethnic group, while the black minority ethnic proportion of the total population is 2.9%. Over 25% of Somerset's population is concentrated in Taunton, Bridgwater and Yeovil. The rest of the county is rural and sparsely populated. Over 9 million tourist nights are spent in Somerset each year, which significantly increases the population at peak times.

What percentage of the population is native

Somerset has a high indigenous British population, with 98.8% registering as white British and 92.4% of these as born in the United Kingdom

The largest ethnic group in somerset county is

Chinese is the largest ethnic group

Tauton Bridgewater and Yeovil has what concentration of the population

Over 25% of Somerset's population is concentrated in Taunton, Bridgwater and Yeovil

How many tourist nights are spent in Somerset

Over 9 million tourist nights are spent in Somerset each year

What is the percentage of Chinese people in Somerset?

I'm not sure.

How many people live in Somerset?

I'm not sure.

What is Somerset's most populous city?

I'm not sure.

What proportion of Somerset's residents live in Taunton?

I'm not sure.

What proportion of the Chinese ethnic group live in rural Somerset?

I'm not sure.


The ceremonial county of Somerset consists of a two-tier non-metropolitan county, which is administered by Somerset County Council and five district councils, and two unitary authority areas (whose councils combine the functions of a county and a district). The five districts of Somerset are West Somerset, South Somerset, Taunton Deane, Mendip, and Sedgemoor. The two unitary authorities — which were established on 1 April 1996 following the break-up of the short-lived county of Avon — are North Somerset, and Bath & North East Somerset.

How many tiers  does somerset county consist of

The ceremonial county of Somerset consists of a two-tier non-metropolitan county

What are the 5 districts of Somerset

The five districts of Somerset are West Somerset, South Somerset, Taunton Deane, Mendip, and Sedgemoor

What 2 Unitary authorities were established in april 1996

North Somerset, and Bath & North East Somerset

For how many years did Avon county exist?

I'm not sure.

What was the main city of Avon County?

I'm not sure.

How many districts made up Avon County?

I'm not sure.

What type of county was Avon?

I'm not sure.

How many tiers did Avon County have for its form of government?

I'm not sure.


All of the ceremonial county of Somerset is covered by the Avon and Somerset Constabulary, a police force which also covers Bristol and South Gloucestershire. The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service was formed in 2007 upon the merger of the Somerset Fire and Rescue Service with its neighbouring Devon service; it covers the area of Somerset County Council as well as the entire ceremonial county of Devon. The unitary districts of North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset are instead covered by the Avon Fire and Rescue Service, a service which also covers Bristol and South Gloucestershire. The South Western Ambulance Service covers the entire South West of England, including all of Somerset; prior to February 2013 the unitary districts of Somerset came under the Great Western Ambulance Service, which merged into South Western. The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is a charitable organisation based in the county.

What police force covers the ceremonial county

Somerset is covered by the Avon and Somerset Constabulary, a police force which also covers Bristol and South Gloucestershire

What fire / rescue squad was formed in 2007

The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service was formed in 2007 upon the merger of the Somerset Fire and Rescue Service with its neighbouring Devon service

What area does South western Ambulance  Service cover

covers the entire South West of England, including all of Somerset

What is the name of the charitable air ambulance service

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance

In what year was the South Western Ambulance Service established?

I'm not sure.

In what year was the Avon and Somerset Constabulary formed?

I'm not sure.

What type of organization is the Great Western Ambulance Service?

I'm not sure.

What ambulance service covers the North West of England?

I'm not sure.

In what year was the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance organization formed?

I'm not sure.


The Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts takes place most years in Pilton, near Shepton Mallet, attracting over 170,000 music and culture lovers from around the world to see world-famous entertainers. The Big Green Gathering which grew out of the Green fields at the Glastonbury Festival is held in the Mendip Hills between Charterhouse and Compton Martin each summer. The annual Bath Literature Festival is one of several local festivals in the county; others include the Frome Festival and the Trowbridge Village Pump Festival, which, despite its name, is held at Farleigh Hungerford in Somerset. The annual circuit of West Country Carnivals is held in a variety of Somerset towns during the autumn, forming a major regional festival, and the largest Festival of Lights in Europe.

Where does the Glastonbury Music festival take place

takes place most years in Pilton, near Shepton Mallet

who holds a literature festival each summer

The annual Bath Literature Festival is one of several local festivals in the county

The annual Carnival is held when and where

The annual circuit of West Country Carnivals is held in a variety of Somerset towns during the autumn

How many people attend the Bath Literature Festival each year?

I'm not sure.

How many people live in Pilton?

I'm not sure.

What is the largest annual music festival in Europe?

I'm not sure.

What Festival is held in Trowbridge?

I'm not sure.

How many people attend the Festival of Lights each year?

I'm not sure.


In Arthurian legend, Avalon became associated with Glastonbury Tor when monks at Glastonbury Abbey claimed to have discovered the bones of King Arthur and his queen. What is more certain is that Glastonbury was an important religious centre by 700 and claims to be "the oldest above-ground Christian church in the World" situated "in the mystical land of Avalon." The claim is based on dating the founding of the community of monks at AD 63, the year of the legendary visit of Joseph of Arimathea, who was supposed to have brought the Holy Grail. During the Middle Ages there were also important religious sites at Woodspring Priory and Muchelney Abbey. The present Diocese of Bath and Wells covers Somerset – with the exception of the Parish of Abbots Leigh with Leigh Woods in North Somerset – and a small area of Dorset. The Episcopal seat of the Bishop of Bath and Wells is now in the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew in the city of Wells, having previously been at Bath Abbey. Before the English Reformation, it was a Roman Catholic diocese; the county now falls within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Clifton. The Benedictine monastery Saint Gregory's Abbey, commonly known as Downside Abbey, is at Stratton-on-the-Fosse, and the ruins of the former Cistercian Cleeve Abbey are near the village of Washford.

What does Artharian legend claim about Glastonbury

Avalon became associated with Glastonbury Tor when monks at Glastonbury Abbey claimed to have discovered the bones of King Arthur and his queen

What is built in Avalon

the oldest above-ground Christian church in the World" situated "in the mystical land of Avalon

The Episcopal seat of the Bishop is now where

The Episcopal seat of the Bishop of Bath and Wells is now in the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew in the city of Wells, having previously been at Bath Abbey

Where is St Greggorys abbey

is at Stratton-on-the-Fosse, and the ruins of the former Cistercian Cleeve Abbey are near the village of Washford

In what year was Glastonbury Abbey built?

I'm not sure.

In what year was Muchelney Abbey built?

I'm not sure.

Where was Woodspring Priory?

I'm not sure.

Where was Muchelney Abbey?

I'm not sure.

In what year was Saint Gregory's Abbey built?

I'm not sure.


The county has several museums; those at Bath include the American Museum in Britain, the Museum of Bath Architecture, the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, the Jane Austen Centre, and the Roman Baths. Other visitor attractions which reflect the cultural heritage of the county include: Claverton Pumping Station, Dunster Working Watermill, the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton, Nunney Castle, The Helicopter Museum in Weston-super-Mare, King John's Hunting Lodge in Axbridge, Blake Museum Bridgwater, Radstock Museum, Museum of Somerset in Taunton, the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury, and Westonzoyland Pumping Station Museum.

What some of the Museums in Bath

American Museum in Britain, the Museum of Bath Architecture, the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, the Jane Austen Centre, and the Roman Baths

What are some other attractions

Claverton Pumping Station, Dunster Working Watermill, the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton, Nunney Castle, The Helicopter Museum in Weston-super-Mare

Where is the Museum of Somerset

in Taunton

What is the name of the museum in Glastonbury

the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury

What is the largest museum in Somerset?

I'm not sure.

What is the smallest museum in Somerset?

I'm not sure.

What is the most visited museum in Somerset?

I'm not sure.

Which Somerset museum has the most valuable collection?

I'm not sure.

Which Somerset museum has the most extensive collection?

I'm not sure.


Somerset has 11,500 listed buildings, 523 scheduled monuments, 192 conservation areas, 41 parks and gardens including those at Barrington Court, Holnicote Estate, Prior Park Landscape Garden and Tintinhull Garden, 36 English Heritage sites and 19 National Trust sites, including Clevedon Court, Fyne Court, Montacute House and Tyntesfield as well as Stembridge Tower Mill, the last remaining thatched windmill in England. Other historic houses in the county which have remained in private ownership or used for other purposes include Halswell House and Marston Bigot. A key contribution of Somerset architecture is its medieval church towers. Jenkins writes, "These structures, with their buttresses, bell-opening tracery and crowns, rank with Nottinghamshire alabaster as England's finest contribution to medieval art."

How many listed buildings in Somerset

Somerset has 11,500 listed buildings

How many monuments on Somerset

523 scheduled monuments

What is a key type of Architecture in Somerset

its medieval church towers

Name some historic private houses in the county

Halswell House and Marston Bigot.

What is the most visited park and garden in Somerset?

I'm not sure.

What is the biggest part in Somerset?

I'm not sure.

What is the most visited National Trust site in Somerset?

I'm not sure.

What is the largest National Trust site in Somerset?

I'm not sure.

What is the most valuable National Trust site in Somerset?

I'm not sure.


Bath Rugby play at the Recreation Ground in Bath, and the Somerset County Cricket Club are based at the County Ground in Taunton. The county gained its first Football League club in 2003, when Yeovil Town won promotion to Division Three as Football Conference champions. They had achieved numerous FA Cup victories over football League sides in the past 50 years, and since joining the elite they have won promotion again—as League Two champions in 2005. They came close to yet another promotion in 2007, when they reached the League One playoff final, but lost to Blackpool at the newly reopened Wembley Stadium. Yeovil achieved promotion to the Championship in 2013 after beating Brentford in the playoff final. Horse racing courses are at Taunton and Wincanton.

Where does the rugby team play

Bath Rugby play at the Recreation Ground in Bath

The county's first football team is

Yeovil Town won promotion to Division Three as Football Conference champions

When did yeovil achieve promotion to the champion league

Yeovil achieved promotion to the Championship in 2013 after beating Brentford in the playoff final

Where are the horse races held

Horse racing courses are at Taunton and Wincanton

In what year did Blackpool acquire a Football League club?

I'm not sure.

In what year did horse racing start in Wincanton?

I'm not sure.

In what year was the Recreating Ground in Bath established?

I'm not sure.

What is one of the teams the Yeovil Town have beaten for a FA cup victory?

I'm not sure.

Who did Yeovil Town beat in the 2005 championship game?

I'm not sure.


The Somerset Coal Canal was built in the early 19th century to reduce the cost of transportation of coal and other heavy produce. The first 16 kilometres (10 mi), running from a junction with the Kennet and Avon Canal, along the Cam valley, to a terminal basin at Paulton, were in use by 1805, together with several tramways. A planned 11.7 km (7.3 mi) branch to Midford was never built, but in 1815 a tramway was laid along its towing path. In 1871 the tramway was purchased by the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway (S&DJR), and operated until the 1950s.

Why was the Somerset county Canal built

to reduce the cost of transportation of coal and other heavy produce

What was in use along the canal

several tramways

What was never built

A planned 11.7 km (7.3 mi) branch to Midford was never built

What was laid on the path to Midford

in 1815 a tramway was laid along its towing path

Who purchased the tramway in 1871

In 1871 the tramway was purchased by the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway (S&DJR), and operated until the 1950s

Who built the Somerset Coal Canal?

I'm not sure.

In what year had it been planned to build a branch to Midford?

I'm not sure.

In what year were the several tramways completed?

I'm not sure.

In what year was Paulton established?

I'm not sure.


The usefulness of the canals was short-lived, though some have now been restored for recreation. The 19th century also saw the construction of railways to and through Somerset. The county was served by five pre-1923 Grouping railway companies: the Great Western Railway (GWR); a branch of the Midland Railway (MR) to Bath Green Park (and another one to Bristol); the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway, and the London and South Western Railway (L&SWR). The former main lines of the GWR are still in use today, although many of its branch lines were scrapped under the notorious Beeching Axe. The former lines of the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway closed completely, as has the branch of the Midland Railway to Bath Green Park (and to Bristol St Philips); however, the L&SWR survived as a part of the present West of England Main Line. None of these lines, in Somerset, are electrified. Two branch lines, the West and East Somerset Railways, were rescued and transferred back to private ownership as "heritage" lines. The fifth railway was a short-lived light railway, the Weston, Clevedon and Portishead Light Railway. The West Somerset Mineral Railway carried the iron ore from the Brendon Hills to Watchet.

How long were canals used

usefulness of the canals was short-lived, though some have now been restored for recreation

What was built int the 19th century

19th century also saw the construction of railways to and through Somerset

How many railways served the county

The county was served by five pre-1923 Grouping railway companies

Were any of the railways  electrified

None of these lines, in Somerset, are electrified.

What railways lines are still in use today

The former main lines of the GWR are still in use today, although many of its branch lines were scrapped under the notorious Beeching Axe

Where does the Great Western Railway go to from Somerset?

I'm not sure.

In what year was the Beeching Axe?

I'm not sure.

In what year was the Dorset Joint Railway closed?

I'm not sure.

Which of these lines are electrified outside of Somerset?

I'm not sure.

Who now owns the West Somerset Railway?

I'm not sure.


Until the 1960s the piers at Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon, Portishead and Minehead were served by the paddle steamers of P and A Campbell who ran regular services to Barry and Cardiff as well as Ilfracombe and Lundy Island. The pier at Burnham-on-Sea was used for commercial goods, one of the reasons for the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway was to provide a link between the Bristol Channel and the English Channel. The pier at Burnham-on-Sea is the shortest pier in the UK. In the 1970s the Royal Portbury Dock was constructed to provide extra capacity for the Port of Bristol.

What  did paddle streamers serve until the 1960's

the piers at Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon, Portishead and Minehead were served by the paddle steamers of P and A Campbell

What was the pier on Burnham -on-sea used for

The pier at Burnham-on-Sea was used for commercial goods

What is the shortest pier in the UK

The pier at Burnham-on-Sea is the shortest pier in the UK

What was constructed in the 1970's

In the 1970s the Royal Portbury Dock was constructed to provide extra capacity for the Port of Bristol

What pier in Somerset could accommodate the biggest ships?

I'm not sure.

What were the piers at Barry primarily used for?

I'm not sure.

What is the longest pier in Somerset?

I'm not sure.

In what decade was the Lundy Island pier built?

I'm not sure.

In what decade was the Portishead pier closed?

I'm not sure.


State schools in Somerset are provided by three local education authorities: Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, and the larger Somerset County Council. All state schools are comprehensive. In some areas primary, infant and junior schools cater for ages four to eleven, after which the pupils move on to secondary schools. There is a three-tier system of first, middle and upper schools in the Cheddar Valley, and in West Somerset, while most other schools in the county use the two-tier system. Somerset has 30 state and 17 independent secondary schools; Bath and North East Somerset has 13 state and 5 independent secondary schools; and North Somerset has 10 state and 2 independent secondary schools, excluding sixth form colleges.

What are the  state schools in somerset

Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, and the larger Somerset County Council

What are the 3 tiers of school

a three-tier system of first, middle and upper schools in the Cheddar Valley, and in West Somerset

How many state and independent secondary  schools in Somerset

Somerset has 30 state and 17 independent secondary schools

What is the average class size in Somerset independent secondary schools?

I'm not sure.

What is the average class size in Somerset state secondary schools?

I'm not sure.

How many schools are in Cheddar Valley?

I'm not sure.

How many state secondary schools are there in Bath?

I'm not sure.

How many private secondary schools are there in North Somerset?

I'm not sure.


Some of the county's secondary schools have specialist school status. Some schools have sixth forms and others transfer their sixth formers to colleges. Several schools can trace their origins back many years, such as The Blue School in Wells and Richard Huish College in Taunton. Others have changed their names over the years such as Beechen Cliff School which was started in 1905 as the City of Bath Boys' School and changed to its present name in 1972 when the grammar school was amalgamated with a local secondary modern school, to form a comprehensive school. Many others were established and built since the Second World War. In 2006, 5,900 pupils in Somerset sat GCSE examinations, with 44.5% achieving 5 grades A-C including English and Maths (compared to 45.8% for England).

What schools can trace their origins back

Several schools can trace their origins back many years, such as The Blue School in Wells and Richard Huish College in Taunton

What was the original name of the Beechen Cliff School

started in 1905 as the City of Bath Boys' School

In 2006 Somerset students performed how well compared to England as a whole

In 2006, 5,900 pupils in Somerset sat GCSE examinations, with 44.5% achieving 5 grades A-C including English and Maths (compared to 45.8% for England).

In what year was The Blue School established?

I'm not sure.

In what year did Richard Huish College open its doors?

I'm not sure.

At The Blue School what is the percentage of students achieve 5 grades A-C?

I'm not sure.

What 5 grades A-C percentage to they get at City of Bath Boys' School?

I'm not sure.

How many students attend the Richard Huish College?

I'm not sure.


There is also a range of independent or public schools. Many of these are for pupils between 11 and 18 years, such as King's College, Taunton and Taunton School. King's School, Bruton, was founded in 1519 and received royal foundation status around 30 years later in the reign of Edward VI. Millfield is the largest co-educational boarding school. There are also preparatory schools for younger children, such as All Hallows, and Hazlegrove Preparatory School. Chilton Cantelo School offers places both to day pupils and boarders aged 7 to 16. Other schools provide education for children from the age of 3 or 4 years through to 18, such as King Edward's School, Bath, Queen's College, Taunton and Wells Cathedral School which is one of the five established musical schools for school-age children in Britain. Some of these schools have religious affiliations, such as Monkton Combe School, Prior Park College, Sidcot School which is associated with the Religious Society of Friends, Downside School which is a Roman Catholic public school in Stratton-on-the-Fosse, situated next to the Benedictine Downside Abbey, and Kingswood School, which was founded by John Wesley in 1748 in Kingswood near Bristol, originally for the education of the sons of the itinerant ministers (clergy) of the Methodist Church.

What school in Bruton was given royal  foundation status

King's School, Bruton, was founded in 1519 and received royal foundation status around 30 years later

What are some prepatory schools for younger students

such as All Hallows, and Hazlegrove Preparatory School

What is one of the Musical schools

Wells Cathedral School which is one of the five established musical schools for school-age children in Britain

What is a roman catholic school

Downside School which is a Roman Catholic public school in Stratton-on-the-Fosse

In what year did Edward VI begin his reign?

I'm not sure.

In what year was All Hallows established?

I'm not sure.

What age children are taught at Monkton Combe School?

I'm not sure.

What age children are taught at Sidcot School?

I'm not sure.

In what year was Monkton Combe School founded?

I'm not sure.


The University of Bath and Bath Spa University are higher education establishments in the north-east of the county. The University of Bath gained its Royal Charter in 1966, although its origins go back to the Bristol Trade School (founded 1856) and Bath School of Pharmacy (founded 1907). It has a purpose-built campus at Claverton on the outskirts of Bath, and has 15,000 students. Bath Spa University, which is based at Newton St Loe, achieved university status in 2005, and has origins including the Bath Academy of Art (founded 1898), Bath Teacher Training College, and the Bath College of Higher Education. It has several campuses and 5,500 students.

What University are in Bath

The University of Bath and Bath Spa University are higher education establishments in the north-east of the county

When did the university of Bath gain royal charter

The University of Bath gained its Royal Charter in 1966, although its origins go back to the Bristol Trade School

Bath school of pharmacy founded in

Bath School of Pharmacy (founded 1907

When did Bath Spa Gain University status

achieved university status in 2005

In what year did the Bristol Trade School become part of the University of Bath?

I'm not sure.

How many students attend the Bath Teacher Training School?

I'm not sure.

In what year was the Bath Teacher Training College established?

I'm not sure.

In what year did the Bath School of Pharmacy become part of the University of Bath?

I'm not sure.

In what year was the Bath College of Higher Education established?

I'm not sure.


Yale University is an American private Ivy League research university in New Haven, Connecticut. Founded in 1701 in Saybrook Colony as the Collegiate School, the University is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. The school was renamed Yale College in 1718 in recognition of a gift from Elihu Yale, who was governor of the British East India Company. Established to train Congregationalist ministers in theology and sacred languages, by 1777 the school's curriculum began to incorporate humanities and sciences. In the 19th century the school incorporated graduate and professional instruction, awarding the first Ph.D. in the United States in 1861 and organizing as a university in 1887.

When was the Collegiate School of Saybrook Colony founded?

When was the Collegiate School renamed to Yale College?

Why was the school named Yale College?

recognition of a gift from Elihu Yale

When did Yale first incorporate humanities and sciences?

by 1777

When did Yale issue the first Ph.D in the United States?

When was the Collegiate School of Saybrook Colony closed?

I'm not sure.

When wasn't the Collegiate School renamed to Yale College?

I'm not sure.

Why wasn't the school named Yale College?

I'm not sure.

When did Yale last incorporate humanities and sciences?

I'm not sure.

When did Yale issue the last Ph.D in the United States?

I'm not sure.


Yale is organized into fourteen constituent schools: the original undergraduate college, the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and twelve professional schools. While the university is governed by the Yale Corporation, each school's faculty oversees its curriculum and degree programs. In addition to a central campus in downtown New Haven, the University owns athletic facilities in western New Haven, including the Yale Bowl, a campus in West Haven, Connecticut, and forest and nature preserves throughout New England. The university's assets include an endowment valued at $25.6 billion as of September 2015, the second largest of any educational institution.The Yale University Library, serving all constituent schools, holds more than 15 million volumes and is the third-largest academic library in the United States.

How many schools is Yale composed of?

fourteen

How much is Yale's endowment worth?

$25.6 billion

How many books are in the Yale University Library?

15 million

Who runs Yale College?

Yale Corporation

Where is the main Yale campus?

downtown New Haven

How many schools isn't Yale composed of?

I'm not sure.

How much isn't Yale's endowment worth?

I'm not sure.

How many books are in the Yale University Labratory?

I'm not sure.

Who doesn't run Yale College?

I'm not sure.

Where is the side Yale campus?

I'm not sure.


Yale traces its beginnings to "An Act for Liberty to Erect a Collegiate School," passed by the General Court of the Colony of Connecticut on October 9, 1701, while meeting in New Haven. The Act was an effort to create an institution to train ministers and lay leadership for Connecticut. Soon thereafter, a group of ten Congregationalist ministers: Samuel Andrew, Thomas Buckingham, Israel Chauncy, Samuel Mather, Rev. James Noyes II (son of James Noyes), James Pierpont, Abraham Pierson, Noadiah Russell, Joseph Webb and Timothy Woodbridge, all alumni of Harvard, met in the study of Reverend Samuel Russell in Branford, Connecticut, to pool their books to form the school's library. The group, led by James Pierpont, is now known as "The Founders".[citation needed]

When was "An Act for Liberty to Erect a Collegiate School" approved?

October 9, 1701

Who voted on "An Act for Liberty to Erect a Collegiate School"?

General Court of the Colony of Connecticut

What was the name of the group that started Yale's library?

The Founders

Why was "An Act for Liberty to Erect a Collegiate School" proposed?

to create an institution to train ministers and lay leadership for Connecticut

Where did "The Founders" go to school?

Harvard

When was "An Act for Liberty to Erect a Collegiate School" disapproved?

I'm not sure.

Who never voted on "An Act for Liberty to Erect a Collegiate School"?

I'm not sure.

What was the name of the group that ended Yale's library?

I'm not sure.

Why was "An Act for Liberty to Erect a Collegiate School" rejected?

I'm not sure.

Where didn't "The Founders" go to school?

I'm not sure.


In 1718, at the behest of either Rector Samuel Andrew or the colony's Governor Gurdon Saltonstall, Cotton Mather contacted a successful businessman named Elihu Yale, who lived in Wales but had been born in Boston and whose father, David, had been one of the original settlers in New Haven, to ask him for financial help in constructing a new building for the college. Through the persuasion of Jeremiah Dummer, Yale, who had made a fortune through trade while living in Madras as a representative of the East India Company, donated nine bales of goods, which were sold for more than £560, a substantial sum at the time. Cotton Mather suggested that the school change its name to Yale College. Meanwhile, a Harvard graduate working in England convinced some 180 prominent intellectuals that they should donate books to Yale. The 1714 shipment of 500 books represented the best of modern English literature, science, philosophy and theology. It had a profound effect on intellectuals at Yale. Undergraduate Jonathan Edwards discovered John Locke's works and developed his original theology known as the "new divinity." In 1722 the Rector and six of his friends, who had a study group to discuss the new ideas, announced that they had given up Calvinism, become Arminians, and joined the Church of England. They were ordained in England and returned to the colonies as missionaries for the Anglican faith. Thomas Clapp became president in 1745, and struggled to return the college to Calvinist orthodoxy; but he did not close the library. Other students found Deist books in the library.

Where did Elihu Yale grow up?

Wales

Where was Elihu Yale born?

Boston

What was Elihu Yale's father's name?

David

Who suggested the new name of Yale?

Cotton Mather

How many books were in the 1714 shipment to Yale?

Where did Elihu Yale die?

I'm not sure.

Where wasn't Elihu Yale born?

I'm not sure.

What was Elihu Yale's father's nickname?

I'm not sure.

Who suggested the old name of Yale?

I'm not sure.

How many books were in the 1741 shipment to Yale?

I'm not sure.


Serious American students of theology and divinity, particularly in New England, regarded Hebrew as a classical language, along with Greek and Latin, and essential for study of the Old Testament in the original words. The Reverend Ezra Stiles, president of the College from 1778 to 1795, brought with him his interest in the Hebrew language as a vehicle for studying ancient Biblical texts in their original language (as was common in other schools), requiring all freshmen to study Hebrew (in contrast to Harvard, where only upperclassmen were required to study the language) and is responsible for the Hebrew phrase אורים ותמים (Urim and Thummim) on the Yale seal. Stiles' greatest challenge occurred in July 1779 when hostile British forces occupied New Haven and threatened to raze the College. However, Yale graduate Edmund Fanning, Secretary to the British General in command of the occupation, interceded and the College was saved. Fanning later was granted an honorary degree LL.D., at 1803, for his efforts.

When was Ezra Stiles president of Yale?

1778 to 1795

What course did Ezra Stiles require freshmen to take?

Hebrew

When did the British threaten to take over the college?

July 1779

Who saved Yale from the British raid?

Edmund Fanning

What degree was Edmund Fanning given for his services?

an honorary degree LL.D

When was Ezra Stiles vice president of Yale?

I'm not sure.

What course did Ezra Stiles require seniors to take?

I'm not sure.

When did the British threaten to destroy the college?

I'm not sure.

Who saved Yale from the French raid?

I'm not sure.

What degree was Edmund Fanning stripped of for his services?

I'm not sure.


The Yale Report of 1828 was a dogmatic defense of the Latin and Greek curriculum against critics who wanted more courses in modern languages, mathematics, and science. Unlike higher education in Europe, there was no national curriculum for colleges and universities in the United States. In the competition for students and financial support, college leaders strove to keep current with demands for innovation. At the same time, they realized that a significant portion of their students and prospective students demanded a classical background. The Yale report meant the classics would not be abandoned. All institutions experimented with changes in the curriculum, often resulting in a dual track. In the decentralized environment of higher education in the United States, balancing change with tradition was a common challenge because no one could afford to be completely modern or completely classical. A group of professors at Yale and New Haven Congregationalist ministers articulated a conservative response to the changes brought about by the Victorian culture. They concentrated on developing a whole man possessed of religious values sufficiently strong to resist temptations from within, yet flexible enough to adjust to the 'isms' (professionalism, materialism, individualism, and consumerism) tempting him from without. William Graham Sumner, professor from 1872 to 1909, taught in the emerging disciplines of economics and sociology to overflowing classrooms. He bested President Noah Porter, who disliked social science and wanted Yale to lock into its traditions of classical education. Porter objected to Sumner's use of a textbook by Herbert Spencer that espoused agnostic materialism because it might harm students.

When did William Graham Sumner teach?

1872 to 1909

What did William Graham Sumner teach?

economics and sociology

Why was The Yale Report established?

the classics would not be abandoned

What were the group of Yale professors and ministers attempting to achieve?

developing a whole man possessed of religious values sufficiently strong to resist temptations

What changes were the professors and ministers responding to?

Victorian culture

When did William Graham Winter teach?

I'm not sure.

What didn't William Graham Sumner teach?

I'm not sure.

Why was The Yale Report closed?

I'm not sure.

What weren't the group of Yale professors and ministers attempting to achieve?

I'm not sure.

What changes weren't the professors and ministers responding to?

I'm not sure.


The Revolutionary War soldier Nathan Hale (Yale 1773) was the prototype of the Yale ideal in the early 19th century: a manly yet aristocratic scholar, equally well-versed in knowledge and sports, and a patriot who "regretted" that he "had but one life to lose" for his country. Western painter Frederic Remington (Yale 1900) was an artist whose heroes gloried in combat and tests of strength in the Wild West. The fictional, turn-of-the-20th-century Yale man Frank Merriwell embodied the heroic ideal without racial prejudice, and his fictional successor Frank Stover in the novel Stover at Yale (1911) questioned the business mentality that had become prevalent at the school. Increasingly the students turned to athletic stars as their heroes, especially since winning the big game became the goal of the student body, and the alumni, as well as the team itself.

What was Nathan Hale famous for?

Revolutionary War soldier

What profession did Frederic Remington hold?

artist

What was the name of the protagonist of "Stover at Yale"?

Frank Stover

What turned into the goal of the student body?

winning the big game

What were the subjects of Frederic Remington's paintings?

heroes gloried in combat and tests of strength in the Wild West

What was Nathan Hale not famous for?

I'm not sure.

What profession did Frederic Remington reject?

I'm not sure.

What was the name of the antagonist of "Stover at Yale"?

I'm not sure.

What turned into the goal of the faculty?

I'm not sure.

What were the obbjects of Frederic Remington's paintings?

I'm not sure.


Between 1892, when Harvard and Yale met in one of the first intercollegiate debates, and 1909, the year of the first Triangular Debate of Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, the rhetoric, symbolism, and metaphors used in athletics were used to frame these early debates. Debates were covered on front pages of college newspapers and emphasized in yearbooks, and team members even received the equivalent of athletic letters for their jackets. There even were rallies sending off the debating teams to matches. Yet, the debates never attained the broad appeal that athletics enjoyed. One reason may be that debates do not have a clear winner, as is the case in sports, and that scoring is subjective. In addition, with late 19th-century concerns about the impact of modern life on the human body, athletics offered hope that neither the individual nor the society was coming apart.

In what year was the first debate between Harvard, Yale, and Princeton?

When was the first debate between Harvard and Yale?

How were debates shown to the college students?

front pages of college newspapers

What did members of the debate team get for their service?

the equivalent of athletic letters for their jackets

Why do debates not have a distinct winner?

scoring is subjective

In what year was the last debate between Harvard, Yale, and Princeton?

I'm not sure.

When was the last debate between Harvard and Yale?

I'm not sure.

How were debates shown to the college faculty?

I'm not sure.

What did fans of the debate team get for their service?

I'm not sure.

Why do debates have a distinct winner?

I'm not sure.