Tuesday 4 November 2008

Gunpowder, Treason and Plot

Here in the UK we celebrate the 5th of November with bonfires and fireworks in remembrance of the night in 1605 when Guy Fawlkes along with others plotted to blow up the English Parliament.

Guy Fawlkes was betrayed, caught, arrested and later hung, drawn and quartered for his crimes.

The 4th of November (tonight) is Mischief night, so called because it was the night Guy Fawlkes and his partners in crime took their barrels of gunpowder to the cellars of the Palace of Wesminster.

Children traditionally spend this night playing tricks (or worse) on their neighbours.

Credit : Guy Fawlkes, and the fireworks were Googled. The Bonfire is one of my own photos taken at a bonfire party last year.

3 comments:

indybev said...

Thanks for the explanation of Guy Fawkes night! It's a great page, certainly looks like mischief is afoot!

Ozstuff said...

We used to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night here in Oz. It was wonderful - neighbourhood bonfires and all sorts of whiz-bangery crackers and rockets bought with saved-up pocket money. Years ago, our political masters decided it was too dangerous and the sale of fireworks was made illegal so no more GFN's.
Great picture, Ann, and a wonderful story about the night and the history attached to it.

Anonymous said...

This is so cool! I have never heard of this! What a wonderful page! I would like to learn more of your holidays. What a fun night!