Q 01/05

In which London district was William Blake born in 1757?

A) Chelsea

B) Soho

C) Hampstead

D) Lambeth

Answer · why

B) Soho

Blake was born in Soho on 28 November 1757, at 28 Broad Street (now Broadwick Street); the house was demolished long ago.

Q 02/05

What was the trade of Blake's father, James?

A) Printer

B) Bookseller

C) Silversmith

D) Hosier

Answer · why

D) Hosier

James Blake was a hosier, selling stockings and gloves from the family shop at 28 Broad Street; William was his third child, and two of the siblings d...

Q 03/05

At what age did Blake leave school, after which his mother educated him at home?

A) 14

B) 10

C) 12

D) 16

Answer · why

B) 10

Blake left school at 10, taught afterwards by his mother at home, and was soon enrolled at a drawing school in the Strand.

Q 04/05

As a boy on Peckham Rye, Blake claimed to have seen a tree filled with what?

A) Golden apples

B) Angels

C) Talking birds

D) Fire

Answer · why

B) Angels

Blake said he saw a tree on Peckham Rye filled with angels, bright wings bespangling every bough; his father nearly thrashed him for lying until his m...

Q 05/05

Which Old Testament prophet did the young Blake claim had visited him?

A) Isaiah

B) Ezekiel

C) Elijah

D) Daniel

Answer · why

B) Ezekiel

Blake told of seeing the prophet Ezekiel sitting under a tree in a field; at about four he had also seen God put his head to the window.