The Gunpowder Plot occurred on 5th November 1605, when Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament, along with the rest of his group of plotters. The group were Catholics in a Protestant England, and intended to kill King James I and members of Parliament, in the hopes that this would lead to reestablishing Catholic rule in England.
Fawkes and the rest of the group placed 36 barrels of gunpowder in cellars underneath the Houses of Parliament in preparation for their plot. However, one of the group sent a letter to their friend who worked in Parliament, warning him to stay away on 5th November. This brought the plot to light, and Guy Fawkes and the rest of the group were found by guards in the cellars and arrested, to be executed for treason later.
Though not the actual leader of the group, Guy Fawkes was the first arrested and is therefore the most common name associated with the Gunpowder Plot.
After the plot failed, November 5th was declared a national day of thanksgiving by Parliament, with the first celebration taking place in 1606. We celebrate the fact that the plot failed, and King James I survived the attempt on his life.
In order to celebrate Bonfire Night, there are a few traditions that usually take place:
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