Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
Gunpowder, treason, and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
In November of 1605, a meticulously planned conspiracy to overthrow the King of England was nearing its climax. The conspirators intended to ignite an explosion in Parliament that would eliminate the king and usher in a Catholic head of state. However, history often has its own plans. The plot was uncovered, and Guy Fawkes was captured while guarding barrels of gunpowder in the undercroft of the House of Lords.
Who was Guy Fawkes?
Guy Fawkes was born in 1570 in York, England, to Edward and Edith Fawkes. Though his parents were members of the Church of England, his mother’s family were recusant Catholics, holding onto their faith despite the laws of the time. In those days, such defiance was not only illegal but an affront to both church and crown. After his father’s death, it is believed that his mother remarried a Catholic, possibly leading Guy to convert as well.
Catholics in 16th-century England endured severe punishments for their “crimes.” Out of these grievances, the Gunpowder Plot was born. The conspirators hoped their actions would institute a new order and change English law.
Celebrations
Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Gunpowder Night or Fireworks Night, originally celebrated the survival of King James I from the assassination attempt. In those early days, celebrations were rare unless proclaimed by the king. The thwarting of the 1605 plot gave people a reason to rejoice, often with an anti-Catholic sentiment. Historically, revelers would burn an effigy of the Pope, given that the conspirators aimed to place a Catholic ruler on England’s throne.
Present-Day Celebrations
Today, there’s no burning of Pope effigies since Catholicism is no longer illegal in England. Instead, people often burn effigies of Guy Fawkes. Interestingly, in York, his birthplace, his effigy is notably absent from bonfire flames. Nowadays, the focus has shifted from the historical plot and religious context to a night of fireworks and bonfires, known simply as Fireworks Night.
My Experience of the Celebration
I had the chance to witness the festivities in Cambridge last November. Rushing from work, I navigated through crowded streets, filled with families and bikers, to make it to Mid-Summer Commons in the city center. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, featuring a large bonfire and a vibrant fairground.
For a town the size of Cambridge, the fireworks display was impressive and drew what felt like the entire community. People lined the riverbanks, eagerly waiting for the show. The bonfire was massive, radiating heat that could be felt from afar, though it lacked any sort of effigy, making me wonder if this was unique to Cambridge or just specific to that year.
Reflecting on the celebration, I couldn’t help but think about how little of the original historical context remains. Few people referred to it as Guy Fawkes Night, with most opting for Fireworks Night instead. I suspect efforts to whitewash the old tensions and focus on the spectacle have succeeded. But whether historical or modern, it was a fun night that gave me an opportunity to ponder November 5th’s rich history while enjoying the festivities.
