QUIZ: A Century of English Heroes - English Folk Heroes of the 20th Century

Some people don't believe in English heroes, but here's a quiz to remind you of a few people who are, at least, my personal heroes. Can you identify the people who provided some of the spirit of each decade of the last century. As well as their names, I would appreciate more details of them, and any thoughts you might have about other people who might have better characterised that decade.

Good luck!
Ian

1900s Regarded as the greatest comedian of the Victorian Music Hall, pioneering the style of stand-up comedy which held sway until the gag-men of the 1930s took over. Also a singer. Died of a brain tumour in 1904.

1910s A rather good looking lady, she was sent to a finishing school in Paris at the age of 15 and became famous in this decade for her apparent love of a rather unusual form of bondage. Next month, half the population of the UK should probably have cause to be grateful to her.

1920s Born and brought up in the London slums. He became one of the most famous child actors before moving to the USA to become one of the leading exponents of the new industry. By 1920, he was earning over $10,000 a week.

1930s I don't expect you to know his name, because this decade's hero was one of the anonymous poor. He died in 1979, aged 89. In 1936 he was one of 200 men, picked for their fitness strength and good health, to do a difficult job. After a derisory reception, he went home and spent the rest of his working life in the shipyards.

1940s Born on 9th January 1898 over her grandmother's fish and chip shop in Rochdale, she became a national star in 1925. Her soprano voice was so unique and splendid that even the great operatic Diva Louisa Tetrazzini tried to persuade her to sing in Grand Opera. By 1937 she was the world's highest paid film star and her career continued to flourish. She died in 1979.

1950s All but one of the four men who joined forces in a London pub in 1949, and whose first show went on air in 1951 The last series was done in 1960. 40- and 50- somethings still imitate them in the streets, much to the puzzlement of the younger generation. They made two hit records, one of which may be vaguely said to have become part of the "folk corpus".

1960s A musician, far from folk, became a well-loved folk hero. He claimed, with some justification, to have been responsible for votes for 18 year olds, as well as the abolition of both the 11 plus exam and the dog licence. What was his name, and what political party was he the leader of?

1970s She spent her early life in a prefab near Blackpool and is still an active performer. Famous for her energy while performing, as well as her singing voice, I think you might call what she does "folk".

1980s The real winner of the England vs Australia rugby match at Twickenham in 1982, weighing in with a score of 40, was a bookshop assistant. Just the name will do.

1990s It's probably too close to have 1990s heroes, but my vote at the moment might go to a good looking 30-something lady who was born in Chipping Sodbury. Until she hit the big time with her first novel, she was a French teacher.