Gunpowder Plot Lesson objectives to evaluate two views of the plot to identify evidence to support chosen view

1603 James I became King of England Not everybody in England liked him. He fined Catholics for not attending Church of England services and he put Catholic priests to death.

1604 Robert Catesby and a group of Catholics hatched a plan to blow up the Houses of Parliament on the day it opened.

Guy Fawkes The plotters recruited Guido (Guy) Fawkes, an explosives expert.

The plot They rented a house near to the Houses of Parliament and started tunnelling in the cellar. Guy Fawkes was given the job of keeping watch over the barrels and lighting the fuse.

The plan takes shape 36 barrels of gunpowder were secretly moved to the cellar and hidden behind firewood.

Who sent the warning? Lord Monteagle, an MP – and cousin of Francis Tresham – received a letter, warning him to not attend the State Opening of Parliament. Monteagle showed the letter to Robert Cecil who, in turn, showed it to the King.

4 th November 1605 The King orderered a search of the cellars. Guy was found with pile of wood and the gunpowder. Guy was arrested and taken to the Tower of London.

Torture in the Tower After four days of torture he confessed to the Plot.

The confession...

The other plotters Meanwhile, the other plotters had been hiding in a house in the Midlands. Soldiers surrounded the house. Catesby, Percy & Winter brothers were shot dead. Remaining plotters were taken to the Tower of London. They were tried, and found guilty of High Treason.

January 1606 The plotters were hanged, drawn and quartered for their crimes.

THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER Every year on 5 th November, the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot, Guy Fawkes is remembered. Throughout England – in towns and villages – huge bonfires are lit, fireworks are set off and a stuffed model of a man, like a scarecrow, is burnt on the bonfire. This is to celebrate the failure of the Gunpowder Plot.

Every year on November 5 th we remember the gunpowder plot. We have fireworks outside.

We burn bonfires and put a model of Guy Fawkes on top. We remember how his plan failed.

Rhymes and chants Remember, Remember the fifth of November Gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason, why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot. Guy Fawkes, Guy Stick him up on high Put him on the fire And there let him die

The Facts about the Gunpowder Plot Guido Fawkes was found in a cellar under the Houses of Parliament on the night of November 4 th 1605 He was standing guard over several barrels of gunpowder. He was an explosives expert who had served in the Spanish army. He was a member of a group who wanted to see the King replaced by a Catholic monarch. Robert Catesby, Guido(Guy)Fawkes, Thomas Winter, John Wright and Thomas Percy were all members of the group. The group recruited others including Francis Tresham, brother-in-law to MP Thomas Monteagle. Tresham, worried about his brother-in-law’s safety sent him a warning letter to stay away from Parliament. Monteagle alerted the authorities and Fawkes was arrested and tortured to reveal the names of the others in the group. Fawkes made a signed confession. Catesby and Percy were killed resisting arrest. The others were tried for treason and executed.