by Author Name Withheld 13

Created on: January 26, 2009

In the UK up to the 21st Century, people would place an effigy in a pram and push it down the street. This was days leading to, and the evening of, Guy Fawkes Night. Kids would ask, "Penny for the guy?" in hopes that adults would toss money into the pram, stroller, or cart, containing the effigy.

On Guy Fawkes Night, kids light a bonfire made from wood they've collected from the area. The guy in the pram ended up on the top of the bonfire heap. Kids would cheer as the bonfire soared into the air and light the surroundings into a bright orange hue.

Guy Fawkes Night may be a time associated with fun and excitement today, but its origins were dark. It's based on a terrorist act committed against the King and Parliament.

Disgruntled Catholics made an attempt on the King's life. They weren't happy with the treatment the King and Parliament gave to the Catholics living in England. Robert Catesby, the head conspirator, wasn't going to take this treatment sitting down.

So, in the spring of 1604, he hatched a plan to take out the King and both houses of Parliament in one explosion. The first plan was to dig their way under the Parliament, then set the explosives there. That task proved impossible, so they rented one of the storerooms under the House of Lords.

The other conspirators included Christopher and John Write. Guy Fawkes and these brothers were alumni of the same school. These guys got into trouble a lot and were normally violent, perfect for the plot. Catesby's servant, Bates, was also involved; he'd do anything for the ringleader. Robert Winter was someone that looked experienced at digging; he joined the plot to dig the tunnel to get under the Parliament.

Thomas Percy, one of the conspirators, had access to Parliament and was going to get them inside. He had connections to rich and powerful people, and was married to the Wright brother's (conspirators) sister. Thomas winter was talented at organizing activities; he was Catesby's cousin. He helped organize the plot's activities. There were others involved with the plot as well.

Guido Fawkes, or Guy Fawkes, was the military expert called in to carry the plot out. He was in the process of getting the gunpowder to blow up when the King's men caught him.

The conspirators were caught and imprisoned. Francis Tresham, another conspirator, died in captivity. Thomas Bates, Everard Digby, John Grant and Robert Winter were publically executed a day before Robert Keyes, Guy Fawkes, Ambrose Rookwood and Thomas Winter were.

Their heads were placed on display, in addition to Catesby and Percy's heads. Catesby and Percy died in a standoff that resulted from an attempt to arrest them.

This incident gave birth to the celebration of Guy Fawkes Night. People originally celebrated by burning both Guy Fawkes' and the Pope's effigies.

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