Guy Fawkes Day

Every year, Bonfire Night commemorates the prevention of the Gunpowder Plot, which occurred on 5th November 1605. On this day, James I, the Protestant King was almost killed by a group of Catholic enemies. They planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London, where the King and his government were. 

While this Catholic group was led by Robert Catesby, it was another man called Guy Fawkes that was caught in the cellar. Here he was found with over 30 barrels of deadly gunpowder. This is why Bonfire Night is often called Guy Fawkes Night.

To celebrate his survival of the attack, King James I created this event. Referencing to Guy Fawkes, straw dummies were hung up and burnt. It’s believed James I did this to re-emphasize his power: nobody could get away with hurting the King. For their act of treason, all the plotting group were imprisoned and were ordered for execution.