Thanks, all.
I had two theories for 7: I N R Iudaeorum, or International, National, Regional, Local? But not wildly convinced by either. Now xwordfan has kindly offered another workable answer which fits the sequence, but all the other clues in the section seem to have a clear connection.
Thanks, for Rab, Rusty, but why? Unless Brown refers to George rather than Gordon, the time sequence seems out, so wondering if it could be some sporting / music / other quartet?
Galndolf34