The 5th November has long been connected with fireworks, bonfires, sparklers and outdoor fun. But why do we celebrate this tradition every year? Learn these top 5 facts on Guy Fawkes and what happened at the Gunpowder Plot in 1605.
- Guy Fawkes was born on 13 April 1570 in York, and died on 31 January 1606 in London. He was alive during the end of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign, and the beginning of King James I’s reign.
- 5 November is known as Bonfire Night or Guy Fawkes Night. Back in 1605 Guy Fawkes was caught guarding explosives which were to be used in a plot to destroy the Houses of Parliament and kill everyone inside, including the King of England.
- Guy became friends with Robert Catesby; it was actually his idea to perform the attack - not Guy Fawkes's. In total there were 13 people involved.
- Scientists have worked out that the gunpowder Fawkes was holding would have damaged everything within 500 metres from the centre of the explosion. It would have made quite the bang!
- Bonfire night celebrates the capture and obstruction of Guy Fawkes and the “Gunpowder plot”. It was the King James who decided the day should be celebrated on an annual basis, this is why we light fireworks, bonfires and sparklers.