Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot…

Every year it seems like we are celebrating Guy Fawkes’ night but really it is a stern reminder of the historic night and the act of treason. James I wanted to make everyone Protestant. During his reign, in 1605, a group of Catholics decided to plan to get rid of the King and Parliament. They smuggled 36 barrels of gunpowder into the cellars of Parliament and Guy Fawkes (who was the only one with explosive experience) was the one chosen to sneak in and light it on the 5th of November 1605! One of the group warned a friend who was a politician to stay away from Parliament and this led to him warning the authorities, and to the cellars being searched, Guy Fawkes was found. The group was caught and hanged. As a very serious warning to the whole country Guy Fawkes’ body was cut into four and sent to the four corners of the Kingdom to warn everyone against treason.

James I issued a thanksgiving act in 1606 which is to celebrate the failure of the gunpowder plot. This had a special church service, bonfires and fireworks and went on every year. It is not in force now but festivities still happen.