Gunpowder Treason and Plot

Kit Harington stars in BBC One's new drama 'Gunpowder' about the failed Gunpowder plot of 1605.

Remember, remember the Fifth of November,

The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,

I know of no reason

Why the Gunpowder Treason

Should ever be forgot.

 

Those are the words that you might hear around Britain during this day, the 5th of November. Ever since 1605, this day has been synonymous with bonfires and fireworks. In recent years, the popularity of the day has declined somewhat, with less and less people actually celebrating the foiling of the Gunpowder plot where a group of English Catholics plotted to blow up the houses of parliament and kill King James I. 

Guy Fawkes has been the one most associated with the day, with effigy's of him being burned on Bonfires and children taking a wheel barrow around their area with their best attempt at replicating a 'Guy' in it and asking 'Penny for the Guy'. 

 

Bonfire Night in Battersea Park, London.

The BBC have recently adapted the plot for a 3 part television series, with Kit Harington as Robert Catesby and also starring Mark Gatiss and Liv Tyler. The drama depicts how the plot came to be and how Guy Fawkes was held up in derision for centuries to come.

Are you enjoying Bonfire Night tonight? Tell us about yours in the comments below!