After Queen Elizabeth I died in 1603, English Catholics who had been persecuted under her rule had hoped that her successor James I, would be more tolerant of their religion. James did not turn out to be more tolerant than Elizabeth and 13 young men decided that violent action was the answer.
They wanted to blow up the Houses of Parliament. In doing so they would kill the King, the Prince of Wales and members of Parliament.
To carry out their plan the conspirators got hold of 36 barrels of gunpowder and stored them in the cellar, just under the House of Lords.
But some of the group had second thoughts because innocent people might be killed so one man sent an anonymous letter telling his friend to stay away on November 5th. The letter reached the King and the King's forces made plans to stop the conspirators.
Guy Fawkes was in the cellar with the 36 barrels of gunpowder when authorities came. He was caught, tortured and executed.
On that night bonfires were set to celebrate the safety of the King. Since then November 5th is known as Bonfire Night. It is celebrated with fireworks and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire.
Sidenote: They now only celebrate with fireworks.
November 5, 2011
No comments:
Post a Comment