Short answers, pulled from the story.
The prototype Spitfire K5054 lifted off from Eastleigh Aerodrome on the 5th of March 1936. Captain Joseph Mutt Summers piloted this eight-minute flight that marked a turning point in aviation history.
R.J. Mitchell designed the Supermarine Type 224 to meet Air Ministry specification F7/30 issued in 1931. Mitchell died in 1937 leaving development to Joe Smith who became chief designer after his death.
By June 1945 production ended at Castle Bromwich with a total of 12,129 Spitfires including 921 Mk IIs 4,489 Mk Vs 5,665 Mk IXs and 1,054 Mk XVIs. More Spitfire Mk Vs were built than any other type with 6,487 constructed followed by 5,656 Mk IXs.
The first Mk Is K9789 entered service with 19 Squadron at RAF Duxford on the 4th of August 1938. During the Battle of Britain from July to October 1940 Spitfire units countered German escort fighters like Bf 109s.
The last non-operational flight took place on the 9th of June 1957 by PR Mk 19 PS583 from RAF Woodvale Temperature and Humidity Flight. This represented the final known piston-engined fighter flight in RAF service.