[Shayne Parkinson]

Thanks, Paul! Very clever questions.

Some crossword clues that will be quite straightforward for fans of cryptic crosswords:
1. The direct route preferred by the Roundheads [5,3 letters]
2. When hammering, take care to hit this [5,4 letters]
3. Much that could be got from a timber merchant [5,4 letters] Great deal. Bilbo, 1 point.
4. The right sort of woman to start a dame school [3 letters]
5. The War (anag) [6 letters] Wreath. Bilbo, 1 point.
6. The little fellow has some beer: it makes me lose colour, I say [6 letters] Impale. Bilbo, 1 point.

1 point for each correct answer.

These questions have a common origin. 5 points for what that origin was.