What is Guy Fawkes Night?

In 1605 Guy Fawkes, a Roman Catholic, and his fellow conspirators attempted to blow up King James I and the Houses of Parliament, as they disagreed with the King's Protestant policies. They succeeded in storing some 30 barrels of gunpowder in a cellar under the Houses of Parliament, but before Parliament opened on November 5th, the "gunpowder plot", as it has to be known, was discovered. Guy Fawkes and his colleagues were executed for treason.

Since then, the 5th of November has been celebrated in England by the burning on bonfires of stuffed figures of Guy Fawkes, usually accompanied by fireworks displays. These may be large organised events open to members of the public, or smaller, private gatherings of family and friends held in people's gardens.

"Guy Fawkes Night" is also known as "Bonfire Night" or "Fireworks Night". In the days leading up to the 5th of November children traditionally take their home-made Guys out onto the streets of their town or village and ask passers-by for "a penny for the Guy". This money is supposedly used as a contribution towards their fireworks.

Summary:

> PAST: In 1605, Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament. This "Gunpowder Plot" was discovered. Guy Fawkes was executed.

> PRESENT: On November, 5th children make a model of Guy Fawkes and burn it. It is "Guy Fawkes Night".

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