THE FIFTH of November is known across the world as Guy Fawkes Night.
The primarily English holiday commemorates the historical moment a member of the Gunpowder Plot was arrested for guarding explosives meant for King James I and his parliament.
Who was Guy Fawkes?
On November 5, 1605, a group of Catholics plotted to blow up the Houses of Parliament and kill King James I.
Guy “Guido” Fawkes was meant to set the fuse and blow up the Palace of Westminster.
Born in York, England, Fawkes converted to Catholicism following the death of his father and left to become a mercenary fighter for the Spanish, against the Protestant Dutch.
Fawkes was caught by the King’s men while reportedly attempting to explode 36 barrels of gunpowder.
He was later tortured tried for high treason and sentenced to being hanged, drawn, and quartered – a commonplace method of execution in the Kingdom of England during these times.
Fawkes ended up evading the extent of his punishment by either jumping or falling from the gallows ladder – where people were hanged from – and breaking his neck.
What was the Gunpowder Plot?
The Gunpowder Plot focused on a group of Roman Catholic revolutionaries who were furious at the persecution of their faith in England.
After the 45-year reign of Elizabeth I, the plotters reportedly believed things would change for the better – until Protestant King James I ascended the throne.
The leader of the group, Robert Catesby, was joined by his friends – Guy Fawkes included – to take matters into their own hands and kill the King and his ministers.
They plotted to blow up the Palace of Westminster during the state opening of Parliament.
With their plan in motion, Fawkes managed to smuggle 36 barrels of gunpowder under the palace.
Physicists have calculated that the blast would have obliterated an area nearly 1320ft wide.
The scheme was foiled when an anonymous letter was sent to a member of Parliament, warning him not to go to the House of Lords.
Why does the United Kingdom celebrate Guy Fawkes Night with fireworks?
Guy Fawkes Night – known mostly as Bonfire Night throughout the United Kingdom– is celebrated with massive bonfires and fireworks.
Fireworks are used as they are powered by gunpowder, representing the explosives that were never detonated.
Bonfires are set alight, and people often make straw dummies that represent Guy Fawkes to throw into the flames.