Remember, remember the 5th of November!

Also known as Guy Fawkes Night, Fireworks Night and Bonfire Night, but why?

The reason dates back over 400 years to the year 1605 and the 'Gunpowder Plot'. This was a failed assassination of the then English King, James I.

Thirteen conspirators were involved in total, the most well-known by most people being Guy Fawkes. There had been tensions between Catholics and Protestants for generations - ever since King Henry VIII had made himself head of the church in England. When a Protestant monarch was on the throne, Catholics weren’t happy and when a Catholic monarch was on the throne, Protestants weren’t happy. Arguments about religion were happening all over Europe. This wasn’t a standalone event.

So what was their plan? To blow up the 'House of Lords' during the State Opening of Parliament on the 5th November 1605, when the Catholic King James I would be present. Unfortunately the authorities received an anonymous letter on the 26th October 1605. During a search of the House of Lords on the evening on the 4th November 1605, Guy Fawkes was discovered guarding 36 barrels of gunpowder. The remaining conspirators were eventually caught or killed when they tried to escape arrest. Those who were captured where found guilty of treason and sentenced to death.

Over the years there was been varying types of celebration regarding this event. Nowadays Guy Fawkes Night is usually celebrated at large organised events in most towns and cities, centred on a bonfire and fireworks display. Effigies of Guy Fawkes are sometimes burned on the fire too.

So if you ever find yourself in England on the 5th November and are suddenly startled by the noise of fireworks and bonfires being lit, don't worry it's just Guy Fawkes Night!

Until next time.....

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