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Remember, remember the fifth of November…

“Remember, remember the fifth of November,
Gunpowder treason and plot.”

So begins the popular nursery rhyme that is still sung on the fifth of November as we light bonfires and set off fireworks to remember a failed attempt to assassinate the King of England and his parliament over four centuries ago.

[[[image-0 medium right]]] The “treason and plot” behind the rhyme had far more political, social and religious origins and consequences than the modern light hearted celebration would lead you to believe. Following the failed plot and the execution of the Catholic plotters, further sanctions and restrictions were placed upon Roman Catholics in Britain. They could no longer hold public office, live near London or practice the law – this act of Parliament was not repealed until the 19th century.

This article, ‘The Gunpowder Plot’, looks at the events of the plot from before the ascension of James I to the English throne, to the imprisonment and execution of the conspirators.

Of the 13 conspirators involved in the Gunpowder Plot, the name of Guy Fawkes is the one that has become most synonymous with the event. The fifth of November is also known as Guy Fawkes Night, where his effigy is traditionally burnt on a bonfire alongside a celebratory fireworks display.

Born in Yorkshire in 1570, Fawkes spend several years fighting for Catholic Spanish against Protestant Dutch in the 80 Years War, before becoming involved in the plot to assassinate King James. He was discovered in a rented cellar beneath the Houses of Parliament in the early hours of 5th November 1605, along with 36 barrels of gunpowder, and later executed along with seven other conspirators on 31st January 1606. You can view pictures of Guy Fawkes’ original confession documents in the National Archives.

Pity for The Guy: A Biography of Guy Fawkes” is a full account of the life of Guy Fawkes, from his birth to his execution and the consequences of the failed plot for Catholics in England.