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Remember, remember the fifth of November Guy Fawkes Day Bonfire Night history lessons fun
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Bonfire on Guy Fawkes Day
Remember, remember, the 5th of November,
The gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, twas his intent
To blow up the king and parliament.
Three score barrels were laid below
To prove old England's overthrow.
By God's mercy he was catched
With a dark lantern and a lighted match.
Holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring,
Holler boys, holler boys, God save the King.
The above verse has been made popular again in a movie V for Vendetta based on Alan Moor'es novel. But, it originated in England with the start of Guy Fawkes Day.
What is Guy Fawkes Day? It is a holiday celebrated in England on November 5th. England’s Guy Fawkes Day (also known as "Bonfire Night") has been celebrated on November 5th since his capture in 1605. But, what is Guy Fawkes Day?
In brief - Guy Fawkes joined with Robert Catesby and 11 others to do away with Parliament during the reign of King James I.
The history - James had become the King in Scotland. He insisted on his "divine right" that he said came from God to give him the power to rule. Catholics wanted James to give them privileges and Puritans wanted James to change the English church. James refused both. He also eventually refused to listen to the parliament and sent them home. Everyone was angry with King James.
Since he had made the Catholics angry by making the Catholics who refused to go to Anglican church sevices on Sundays pay a fine and then ordered all Catholic priests to leave the country, two Catholics (Guy Fawkes & Robert Catesby) came up with a plan to get rid of James and the Protestant leaders of Parliament.
The plot - Along with 11 others, they began to dig a tunnel to the Parliament building and planned to fill it with gunpowder & blow the entire building up. As they dug, the tunnel began to fill with water. So, instead, they smuggled barrels of gunpowder into Parliament House itself. Just hours before the explosion was to take place, Guy Fawkes was discovered in the cellar holding a match.
The Conviction that started a holiday - Guy Fawkes was arrested and tortured until he confessed and was put to death. He and his partners tried to blow up Parliament, but were caught and convicted for the 'Gunpowder Plot. Even though King James was not liked by many, he was still their king and the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot had spared his life and the laws of England.
Did the plot work? - Did this stop King James from making laws the people were upset about - No! After the plot was discovered, James passed even more laws forbidding Catholic worship in England.
In America and in St. Louis, there will probably be no fireworks today to celebrate, but you can turn this into a history lesson.
English children make a "guy" which is a little doll. They, then go around begging for money and candy saying "A penny for the guy!"
Musicians are hired to play throughout the night and bonfires and fireworks are enjoyed.
Enjoy Guy Fawkes Day recipes such as gingerbread men (since gingerbread is a custom & it's much nicer to eat your "guy" doll than to burn it), caramel apples, or parkin.
Guy Fawkes Day history and activities.
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