Dan Dickens
@brockwellgrecian.bsky.social
Cryptic crossword setter. Grecian in the Independent and Brockwell in the Guardian.
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the Independent, to celebrate a golden anniversary. The sins are all mine…
Singer and model coming back with German opening track (5,5)
Animals record released 50 years ago (6)
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Singer and model coming back with German opening track (5,5)
Animals record released 50 years ago (6)
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent
Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 8:25 AM
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the Independent, to celebrate a golden anniversary. The sins are all mine…
Singer and model coming back with German opening track (5,5)
Animals record released 50 years ago (6)
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Singer and model coming back with German opening track (5,5)
Animals record released 50 years ago (6)
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Some Barbados magic!
October 24, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Some Barbados magic!
I set today’s Prize crossword in the Guardian. This one has claws:
Prince Harry initially somewhat open to return (5)
Lucy Liu’s first hit about footballers (4,4)
Sri Lankan capital’s temperature rising (5)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/p...
Prince Harry initially somewhat open to return (5)
Lucy Liu’s first hit about footballers (4,4)
Sri Lankan capital’s temperature rising (5)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/p...
Prize crossword No 29,829
Prize crossword No 29,829
www.theguardian.com
October 18, 2025 at 11:37 AM
I set today’s Prize crossword in the Guardian. This one has claws:
Prince Harry initially somewhat open to return (5)
Lucy Liu’s first hit about footballers (4,4)
Sri Lankan capital’s temperature rising (5)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/p...
Prince Harry initially somewhat open to return (5)
Lucy Liu’s first hit about footballers (4,4)
Sri Lankan capital’s temperature rising (5)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/p...
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the Guardian. This theme is part of the solutions:
Anna Friel’s latest tip for cooking
fruit (8)
Pervert ultimately hid out around
spa (7)
Casualty scene not the first for
Brian Blessed (4)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Anna Friel’s latest tip for cooking
fruit (8)
Pervert ultimately hid out around
spa (7)
Casualty scene not the first for
Brian Blessed (4)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Cryptic crossword No 29,816
Cryptic crossword No 29,816
www.theguardian.com
October 3, 2025 at 6:31 AM
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the Guardian. This theme is part of the solutions:
Anna Friel’s latest tip for cooking
fruit (8)
Pervert ultimately hid out around
spa (7)
Casualty scene not the first for
Brian Blessed (4)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Anna Friel’s latest tip for cooking
fruit (8)
Pervert ultimately hid out around
spa (7)
Casualty scene not the first for
Brian Blessed (4)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Reposted by Dan Dickens
I'm back in the Indy today, with clues like:
Mouthy art student is trying, to an extent (9)
Solve for free here - I hope you enjoy it!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Mouthy art student is trying, to an extent (9)
Solve for free here - I hope you enjoy it!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
September 25, 2025 at 6:46 AM
I'm back in the Indy today, with clues like:
Mouthy art student is trying, to an extent (9)
Solve for free here - I hope you enjoy it!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Mouthy art student is trying, to an extent (9)
Solve for free here - I hope you enjoy it!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
set today’s Guardian Prize crossword. Hopefully, it will provide some food for thought:
Live Photo briefly raised pulses (5)
Prince enthusiastic about piebald horse (5)
Unconfined orgasm in the city (4)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/p...
Live Photo briefly raised pulses (5)
Prince enthusiastic about piebald horse (5)
Unconfined orgasm in the city (4)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/p...
Prize crossword No 29,799
Prize crossword No 29,799
www.theguardian.com
September 13, 2025 at 7:10 AM
set today’s Guardian Prize crossword. Hopefully, it will provide some food for thought:
Live Photo briefly raised pulses (5)
Prince enthusiastic about piebald horse (5)
Unconfined orgasm in the city (4)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/p...
Live Photo briefly raised pulses (5)
Prince enthusiastic about piebald horse (5)
Unconfined orgasm in the city (4)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/p...
Reposted by Dan Dickens
I set today's Independent cryptic crossword, with clues like:
Show involving Post Office framing worker (5)
Solve for FREE here: puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Show involving Post Office framing worker (5)
Solve for FREE here: puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
August 14, 2025 at 6:38 AM
I set today's Independent cryptic crossword, with clues like:
Show involving Post Office framing worker (5)
Solve for FREE here: puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Show involving Post Office framing worker (5)
Solve for FREE here: puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
I wrote today’s Guardian cryptic crossword, if you’ve got some time on your hands:
Notice male snorting line (5)
Blubber on the belly of Basil Brush? (7)
Spooner’s house-elf is stiff (4)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Notice male snorting line (5)
Blubber on the belly of Basil Brush? (7)
Spooner’s house-elf is stiff (4)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Cryptic crossword No 29,773
Cryptic crossword No 29,773
www.theguardian.com
August 14, 2025 at 5:15 AM
I wrote today’s Guardian cryptic crossword, if you’ve got some time on your hands:
Notice male snorting line (5)
Blubber on the belly of Basil Brush? (7)
Spooner’s house-elf is stiff (4)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Notice male snorting line (5)
Blubber on the belly of Basil Brush? (7)
Spooner’s house-elf is stiff (4)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Exeter 4 Blackpool 1, Bolton 2 Plymouth 0, a Brendan Prize crossword in the Guardian. If Carlsberg did Saturdays…
August 9, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Exeter 4 Blackpool 1, Bolton 2 Plymouth 0, a Brendan Prize crossword in the Guardian. If Carlsberg did Saturdays…
I set today’s Guardian cryptic crossword, he said with a triumphant cry!
American people putting up with monster (4)
Mark E. Smith’s head rattles (6)
Granny and her daughter saved by outlaw superhero (9)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
American people putting up with monster (4)
Mark E. Smith’s head rattles (6)
Granny and her daughter saved by outlaw superhero (9)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Cryptic crossword No 29,762
Cryptic crossword No 29,762
www.theguardian.com
August 1, 2025 at 5:48 AM
I set today’s Guardian cryptic crossword, he said with a triumphant cry!
American people putting up with monster (4)
Mark E. Smith’s head rattles (6)
Granny and her daughter saved by outlaw superhero (9)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
American people putting up with monster (4)
Mark E. Smith’s head rattles (6)
Granny and her daughter saved by outlaw superhero (9)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
I wrote the Jumbo cryptic crossword in today’s Guardian Puzzles Summer Special. It’s a bit of a brute in places:
Whopper made of unknown meat? (5)
Family tent is a big mistake (7)
Rogue wife gatecrashes function (5)
Minimalist style of Soprano family boss (8)
Whopper made of unknown meat? (5)
Family tent is a big mistake (7)
Rogue wife gatecrashes function (5)
Minimalist style of Soprano family boss (8)
July 26, 2025 at 9:24 AM
I wrote the Jumbo cryptic crossword in today’s Guardian Puzzles Summer Special. It’s a bit of a brute in places:
Whopper made of unknown meat? (5)
Family tent is a big mistake (7)
Rogue wife gatecrashes function (5)
Minimalist style of Soprano family boss (8)
Whopper made of unknown meat? (5)
Family tent is a big mistake (7)
Rogue wife gatecrashes function (5)
Minimalist style of Soprano family boss (8)
I set today’s Guardian Prize crossword, Obviously, I’ll refrain from giving away the theme this time:
German in a rush to get settled (6)
Spice Girl offensive in musical (9)
Flipping heck, that’s brilliant (4)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/p...
German in a rush to get settled (6)
Spice Girl offensive in musical (9)
Flipping heck, that’s brilliant (4)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/p...
Prize crossword No 29,751
Prize crossword No 29,751
www.theguardian.com
July 19, 2025 at 5:36 AM
I set today’s Guardian Prize crossword, Obviously, I’ll refrain from giving away the theme this time:
German in a rush to get settled (6)
Spice Girl offensive in musical (9)
Flipping heck, that’s brilliant (4)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/p...
German in a rush to get settled (6)
Spice Girl offensive in musical (9)
Flipping heck, that’s brilliant (4)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/p...
Reposted by Dan Dickens
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the Guardian. I wrote it in Sept 2022:
Change Labour Party: use consultants for new style (6, 8)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c... Cryptic crossword No 29,748 | Crosswords | The Guardian
Change Labour Party: use consultants for new style (6, 8)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c... Cryptic crossword No 29,748 | Crosswords | The Guardian
Cryptic crossword No 29,748
Cryptic crossword No 29,748
www.theguardian.com
July 16, 2025 at 5:55 AM
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the Guardian. I wrote it in Sept 2022:
Change Labour Party: use consultants for new style (6, 8)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c... Cryptic crossword No 29,748 | Crosswords | The Guardian
Change Labour Party: use consultants for new style (6, 8)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c... Cryptic crossword No 29,748 | Crosswords | The Guardian
Reposted by Dan Dickens
I'm back in the Independent today! Clues include:
Sits alone, refreshed after hot shower in winter (10)
Solve for free here: puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Sits alone, refreshed after hot shower in winter (10)
Solve for free here: puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent
Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk
July 12, 2025 at 7:43 AM
I'm back in the Independent today! Clues include:
Sits alone, refreshed after hot shower in winter (10)
Solve for free here: puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Sits alone, refreshed after hot shower in winter (10)
Solve for free here: puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the Guardian. I hope IT doesn’t catch you out:
Playing later in Court No.1 (8)
fifteensquared.net is one place to see Arachne’s work (7)
Sting held up crucifix to make theatrical entrance (8)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Playing later in Court No.1 (8)
fifteensquared.net is one place to see Arachne’s work (7)
Sting held up crucifix to make theatrical entrance (8)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Fifteensquared – Never knowingly undersolved
fifteensquared.net
July 1, 2025 at 5:42 AM
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the Guardian. I hope IT doesn’t catch you out:
Playing later in Court No.1 (8)
fifteensquared.net is one place to see Arachne’s work (7)
Sting held up crucifix to make theatrical entrance (8)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Playing later in Court No.1 (8)
fifteensquared.net is one place to see Arachne’s work (7)
Sting held up crucifix to make theatrical entrance (8)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
I set today’s Guardian cryptic crossword. There’s a fair bit of mischief in this one:
Fresh lube added to a great deal of joy (6)
Brockwell is with wee Glaswegian getting mischievous (6)
£500 cash to smuggle kilo (6)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Fresh lube added to a great deal of joy (6)
Brockwell is with wee Glaswegian getting mischievous (6)
£500 cash to smuggle kilo (6)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Cryptic crossword No 29,725
Cryptic crossword No 29,725
www.theguardian.com
June 19, 2025 at 5:42 AM
I set today’s Guardian cryptic crossword. There’s a fair bit of mischief in this one:
Fresh lube added to a great deal of joy (6)
Brockwell is with wee Glaswegian getting mischievous (6)
£500 cash to smuggle kilo (6)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Fresh lube added to a great deal of joy (6)
Brockwell is with wee Glaswegian getting mischievous (6)
£500 cash to smuggle kilo (6)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
I set today’s Prize puzzle in the Guardian. I do hope it works for you:
Sex maniac cycling in skimpy clothing for work (8)
Strange planet shown by NASA? (3,5)
Small breeds get to enjoy Crufts finals (4)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/p...
Sex maniac cycling in skimpy clothing for work (8)
Strange planet shown by NASA? (3,5)
Small breeds get to enjoy Crufts finals (4)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/p...
Prize crossword No 29,709
Prize crossword No 29,709
www.theguardian.com
May 31, 2025 at 7:01 AM
I set today’s Prize puzzle in the Guardian. I do hope it works for you:
Sex maniac cycling in skimpy clothing for work (8)
Strange planet shown by NASA? (3,5)
Small breeds get to enjoy Crufts finals (4)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/p...
Sex maniac cycling in skimpy clothing for work (8)
Strange planet shown by NASA? (3,5)
Small breeds get to enjoy Crufts finals (4)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/p...
Reposted by Dan Dickens
I'm delighted to be back as Amoeba in @the-independent.com today, with clues including:
Rickety old car hit entrance to college, leaving youngster in cast (5,5)
You can solve it for FREE here: puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
I hope you enjoy it!
Rickety old car hit entrance to college, leaving youngster in cast (5,5)
You can solve it for FREE here: puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
I hope you enjoy it!
The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent
Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk
May 17, 2025 at 7:40 AM
I'm delighted to be back as Amoeba in @the-independent.com today, with clues including:
Rickety old car hit entrance to college, leaving youngster in cast (5,5)
You can solve it for FREE here: puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
I hope you enjoy it!
Rickety old car hit entrance to college, leaving youngster in cast (5,5)
You can solve it for FREE here: puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
I hope you enjoy it!
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the Guardian - my 50th puzzle for the national dailies. Huge thanks to everyone who has supported me. I hope this one will grow on you:
Spooner delivering paper for mistress (4)
Pleasant spot close to Epping Forest (6)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Spooner delivering paper for mistress (4)
Pleasant spot close to Epping Forest (6)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Cryptic crossword No 29,688
Cryptic crossword No 29,688
www.theguardian.com
May 7, 2025 at 5:20 AM
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the Guardian - my 50th puzzle for the national dailies. Huge thanks to everyone who has supported me. I hope this one will grow on you:
Spooner delivering paper for mistress (4)
Pleasant spot close to Epping Forest (6)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Spooner delivering paper for mistress (4)
Pleasant spot close to Epping Forest (6)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Reposted by Dan Dickens
Reposted by Dan Dickens
I set today's cryptic crossword in the Guardian. I wrote it in Jun 2023.
Overalls with most of muck and grease coming out (9)
crosswords-static.guim.co.uk/gdn.cryptic....
Overalls with most of muck and grease coming out (9)
crosswords-static.guim.co.uk/gdn.cryptic....
crosswords-static.guim.co.uk
April 30, 2025 at 7:39 AM
I set today's cryptic crossword in the Guardian. I wrote it in Jun 2023.
Overalls with most of muck and grease coming out (9)
crosswords-static.guim.co.uk/gdn.cryptic....
Overalls with most of muck and grease coming out (9)
crosswords-static.guim.co.uk/gdn.cryptic....
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the Guardian. This one is for the traditionalists:
Battle in North American city centre following return of Trump (9)
Australia cheers maiden over - it’s a cracker! (5)
Mum’s keeping mum in solicitors (6)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Battle in North American city centre following return of Trump (9)
Australia cheers maiden over - it’s a cracker! (5)
Mum’s keeping mum in solicitors (6)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Cryptic crossword No 29,678
Cryptic crossword No 29,678
www.theguardian.com
April 25, 2025 at 6:24 AM
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the Guardian. This one is for the traditionalists:
Battle in North American city centre following return of Trump (9)
Australia cheers maiden over - it’s a cracker! (5)
Mum’s keeping mum in solicitors (6)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Battle in North American city centre following return of Trump (9)
Australia cheers maiden over - it’s a cracker! (5)
Mum’s keeping mum in solicitors (6)
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
Reposted by Dan Dickens
Refuse offer of pap rub from Spooner (5,4)
My puzzle today in The Independent, free at puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti... #cryptic #crossword
My puzzle today in The Independent, free at puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti... #cryptic #crossword
The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent
Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk
April 16, 2025 at 9:04 AM
Refuse offer of pap rub from Spooner (5,4)
My puzzle today in The Independent, free at puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti... #cryptic #crossword
My puzzle today in The Independent, free at puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti... #cryptic #crossword
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the Independent, if you like a bit of Trivial Pursuit:
Nail bar is dodgy front for drugs (4)
Female knocked back old flame in Bordeaux? (5)
Educationalist and author entertained by member of Bros (9)
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Nail bar is dodgy front for drugs (4)
Female knocked back old flame in Bordeaux? (5)
Educationalist and author entertained by member of Bros (9)
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent
Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk
April 15, 2025 at 5:44 AM
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the Independent, if you like a bit of Trivial Pursuit:
Nail bar is dodgy front for drugs (4)
Female knocked back old flame in Bordeaux? (5)
Educationalist and author entertained by member of Bros (9)
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Nail bar is dodgy front for drugs (4)
Female knocked back old flame in Bordeaux? (5)
Educationalist and author entertained by member of Bros (9)
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Reposted by Dan Dickens
I set today’s Prize crossword in the Guardian:
Opening tills when busy is good thing for customers (7,5)
crosswords-static.guim.co.uk/gdn.cryptic....
Opening tills when busy is good thing for customers (7,5)
crosswords-static.guim.co.uk/gdn.cryptic....
crosswords-static.guim.co.uk
April 5, 2025 at 8:17 AM
I set today’s Prize crossword in the Guardian:
Opening tills when busy is good thing for customers (7,5)
crosswords-static.guim.co.uk/gdn.cryptic....
Opening tills when busy is good thing for customers (7,5)
crosswords-static.guim.co.uk/gdn.cryptic....