For over 400 years bonfires have been lit on 5th November to mark the failure of the Gunpowder Plot. Did you know in 1605 a group of 13 young men decided to take violent action against King James I.

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth I, who persecuted many English Catholics under her rule, people hoped her successor would be more tolerant of their religion. However, James I was not more tolerant and so the small group of men – under the leadership of Robert Catesby – decided to take violent action against him.

Their idea was to blow up the Houses of Parliament, assassinating the King, the Prince of Wales and the Members of Parliament who were making life difficult for the Catholics.

Caught, tortured and executed

They gathered 36 barrels of gunpowder and stored them in a cellar under the House of Lords. As the plot developed, though, it became apparent that innocent people would be hurt or killed, leading to some members having second thoughts.

One member sent an anonymous warning letter to his friend telling him to keep away from the Parliament on 5th November. This letter reached the King and plans were made to stop the conspirators.

Guy Fawkes was found in the cellar when the authorities stormed it in the early hours of November 5th and he was caught, tortured and executed.

From 5th November 1605, bonfires were burned to celebrate the safety of the King. This night has become known as Bonfire Night and the event is celebrated every year with burning effigies of Guy Fawkes and firework displays.