by Ramona Taylor

Created on: November 14, 2009   Last Updated: November 01, 2010

On November 5th, around the world fireworks light the night sky as people gather around massive bonfires. They are celebrating the centuries old anniversary of the failed Gunpowder Conspiracy of 1605. In this plot to silence King James and the British Parliament, Guy Fawkes and others became public enemies and were executed for high treason. The anniversary of their plot has been celebrated for hundreds of years and is Guy Fawkes Day. Named for one of its conspirators, the history of Guy Fawkes Day is rich with conspiracy and the spirit of revolution!

THE CATHOLICS AND THE CROWN
Early in the sixteenth century, people began to challenge the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. Eventually, the Anglican arm of the Roman Catholic Church, what we call the Church of England, began to test the Vatican as well. By 1534, King Henry VIII was declared the Supreme Head of the Church of England by Parliament. And in 1536, King Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries and abbeys.

Under English Rule, the Crown controlled everything. The faith of the ruling King or Queen became the faith of all of his or her people. And as such, each citizen of England was required to follow the religious decisions of the Crown or face persecution. Down the line, the English Kings strengthened the Church of England, King James I was no exception. By 1605, loyal Catholics were suffering as much persecution as the Puritans.

GUY FAWKES
Guy Fawkes was born in the township of York on April 13, 1570. He was born into respected and prominent Protestant parents, and attended St. Peter's School which was in York as well. While there, he befriended John and Christopher Wright and influenced by .John Pulleyn, a suspected Catholic. When Guy was barely nine his father died, and his mother married Catholic, Denis Bainbridge of Scotton. The Banbridge family was known for their resistance to the authority of the Anglican Church. Around the age of 16, Guy converted to Catholicism.

After school, Fawkes became a footman for Anthony Browne, First Viscount of Montagu, and loyal supporter of Catholic Scotland Mary. Later, Fawkes left England and joined to fight with the Spanish Catholics. While serving with the Spanish, Guy gained a level of expertise with explosives and by 1596, a reputation of gallantry.

THE GUNPOWDER PLOT
Guy returned to England at a time that King James had openly persecuted Puritans and Catholics. By 1604, many Catholics realized that they were alone in their battle against the Crown. Lead by

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>