Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot

1603 James I became King of England 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.

4th 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 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 5th 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.

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

Bonfire food People bake potatoes, eat sausages and soup and a sticky cake called Parkin made of oatmeal, ginger, treacle and syrup. There are wonderful firework displays all over the country.