Who Was Guy Fawkes?
by Northern Life
FIND OUT THE TRUTH ABOUT THE ‘GUY’ CALLED GUY AND WHAT HE’S GOT TO DO WITH BONFIRE NIGHT
Guy Fawkes was born in April 1570 in a city called York in England. His family believed in the Protestant faith, but as he grew up, Guy decided to change his beliefs and became a Catholic. This was a big deal back then because the country was divided over these two religions. When Guy turned 21, he left England and joined the Spanish Army, which was fighting in a long war called the Eighty Years War. While he was in the army, he started going by the name ‘Guido,’ which is the Italian version of his name. Guido was brave and believed strongly in his faith, but his journey took a wild turn when he became part of a secret plan in 1594.
Guy Fawkes was chosen to light the fuse that would set off barrels filled with gunpowder.
This plan was led by a man named Robert Catesby, along with other English Catholics who wanted to make a big change in their country. They were upset because they felt that King James I and the government were not treating Catholics fairly. So, they decided to come up with a daring plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament, where the King and his government would be meeting. This was a risky idea, and Guy Fawkes, or Guido as he was now known, was chosen to light the fuse that would set off barrels filled with gunpowder they had hidden under the building. It was a dangerous plan because they wanted to cause a lot of chaos and hopefully change their situation.
An old illustration of Guy Fawkes with his accomplices.
But here comes the spoiler! The plot did not go as planned. Someone found out about the conspiracy, and before they could put their dangerous plan into action, Guy Fawkes was caught. He faced serious consequences along with his fellow plotters. Because of this failed plot, Guy Fawkes became a well-known figure, and people still talk about him today.
Remember, remember, the fifth of November!
Every year, on November 5th, we celebrate Bonfire Night in the United Kingdom, remembering Guy Fawkes and his failed attempt to blow up Parliament. On this night, people gather in parks and gardens, lighting big bonfires, and watching dazzling fireworks light up the sky. Sparklers also dance in excited children’s hands, making the night even more special and fun. An interesting tradition during Bonfire Night is to make a dummy called a ‘Guy’, which symbolizes Guy Fawkes himself. Sometimes this ‘Guy’ is placed on top of the bonfire and burned, reminding everyone of the plot and its outcome.
Not only do we celebrate with fire and fireworks, but Bonfire Night is also a time for storytelling. People tell tales of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot, ensuring that the events of that fateful night are never forgotten. Over four hundred years have passed since the Gunpowder Plot, but the excitement and stories still bring people together every year.
Moreover, there’s a tradition that happens whenever the King or Queen visits Parliament. To keep everyone safe, a special group of royal bodyguards called the Yeoman of the Guard check under the Houses of Parliament to make sure there aren’t any hidden explosives or dangerous plots happening. It’s a bit like a treasure hunt, but instead of treasure, they are looking for anything suspicious!
So, remember, next time it’s the 5th of November, and you see fireworks lighting up the night sky, think about Guy Fawkes and his daring plan that changed history. It’s a night for fun, friendship, and remembering how far we’ve come since those old days!
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