Bonfire night is widely celebrated in the UK and overseas each year, why do we celebrate it? Where did the tradition stem from? In 1605, a plot to assassinate King James 1 was foiled underneath the House of Lords. Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot who was assigned the task of lighting the explosives was found guarding the explosives by the Kings guard and was of course swiftly arrested. The plot originally stemmed from a group of English Catholics led by Robert Catesby who wanted to remove the Protestant King from his position and replace him with a Catholic head of state. This was all planned on the opening day of Parliament in which the King and other important members of the aristocracy were all due to be present.
Guy Fawkes was transported to the Tower of London, which, as we all know hides many secrets; it is the symbol of the grisly end to many who dared defy Kings and Queens of the past. Guy Fawkes was found guilty of high treason after succumbing to torture and providing a confession and was later hung, drawn and quartered with his four body parts being distributed to the four corners of the kingdom as a warning and example to any future would be traitors….nice.
In celebration of the plot’s failure, the public lit bonfires on the 5th November across the country and have continued to do so until this very day. I have always found the story behind Bonfire Night fascinating, I felt the need to write this post today and share with you a bit of the history behind one of the most celebrated nights of the year.
Remember, remember the fifth of November,
Gunpowder treason and plot.
We see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot!
Guy Fawkes, guy, t’was his intent
To blow up king and parliament.
Three score barrels were laid below
To prove old England’s overthrow.
By god’s mercy he was catch’d
With a darkened lantern and burning match.
So, holler boys, holler boys, Let the bells ring.
Holler boys, holler boys, God save the king.
And what shall we do with him?