Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot.......

“Remember, remember the Fifth of November is gunpowder treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot. Knock at the door, ring the bell. Have you got a penny for singing so well ? If you haven’t got a penny a ha’penny will do If you haven't got a ha’penny then God bless you !!” Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder plot.... On November 5th, 1605, the very night that the Gunpowder Plot was foiled, bonfires were set alight to celebrate the safety of the King. Since then, November 5th has become known as Bonfire Night. The event is commemorated every year with fireworks and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire. The plot: In 1605, thirteen young men planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament. Among them was Guy Fawkes (pictured), Britain's most notorious traitor... 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 as James I mother had been catholic. Unfortunately, James I did not turn out to be more tolerant than Elizabeth, so a group of 13 young men, Guy Fawkes being one, under the leadership of Robert Catesby decided that violent action was needed. To carry out their plan, the conspirators got hold of 36 barrels of gunpowder, and stored them in a cellar, just under the House of Lords. But as they worked on their plan some of the group realized that innocent supporters of their cause would be injured in the explosion. One of the group members sent an anonymous letter warning his friend, Lord Monteagle, to stay away from the Parliament on November 5th. The warning letter was intercepted and the King and his forces made plans to stop the conspirators. Guy Fawkes, was in the cellar of the parliament with the 36 barrels of gunpowder when the authorities stormed it in the early hours of November 5th, he was caught, tortured and executed. The Gunpowder Plot struck a very profound chord for the people of England. Today, the reigning monarch only enters the Parliament once a year, during "the State Opening of Parliament". Prior to the Opening, and according to custom, the Yeomen of the Guards search the cellars of the Palace of Westminster. A tradition the Queen and Parliament still observe to this present day. We all know they rhymes if we grew up in England. .........................Guy , Guy Stick him up on high, Hang him on a lamp post And there let him die. Guy, guy, guy, Poke him in the eye, Put him on the fire And there let him die. Burn his body From his head, Then you’ll say Guy Fawkes is dead. Hip, Hip, Hooray!....................... Kind of barbaric.........but then so were the times he lived in. Kids thought it was fun, little savages (smile) and when I was a child I remember them coming with a home made guy in a wheel barrow. Parents would give them pennies and they would buy candy or fireworks. Much like 4th July here in the USA, every home had fireworks. Sometimes, and I remember several years, the community would have a bonfire. We had one on a vacant lot at the top of our street. There was also a convenient lamp post. We roasted potatoes in the fire and sometimes chestnuts. There would be fireworks and fun...........some traditions are just that, fun for a community to share and kids can have fun with adults in charge. Not sure what goes on these days but I have happy memories. Got to stay out after dark woo hooo.