Guy Fawkes (the word "guy", meaning "man" or "person", is derived from his name) belonged to a group of Roman Catholics from England who planned the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Their aim was to displace Protestant rule by blowing up the Houses of Parliament while King James I and the entire Protestant, and some Catholic, aristocracy and nobility were inside. The Gunpowder Plot was initially led by someone else, but Fawkes was the guy (haha) in char
ge of the execution of the plot. He was arrested, however, a few hours before the explosion was to be set off. Apparently, Scotland Yard was notified by an anonymous letter.
Now, on 5 November in the UK, there is Guy Fawkes Night, aka bonfire night. In commemoration of this magnificent plot, the people burn an effigy of Fawkes and the celebration is often accompanied by fireworks. OOo!! AAAaah!
So, Happy Guy Fawkes Day.
1 comment:
Oh yes, "Remember, Remember the Fifth of November!" John Lennon references it in his song, "Remember" no less, and after he says it there's a loud explosion and the song immediately ends. Yet another learning experience I credit to The Beatles.
Post a Comment