November 5th is a famous day in British history. Guy Fawkes Night is celebrated on this day. Do you know who he was or why this day is celebrated? Let's find out about some British culture.
Guy Fawkes was a member of a group of British Roman Catholics who were involved in a plot to kill King James I on November 5th, 1605. The group planned to use gunpowder to blow up the Houses of Parliament when the King was there. Guy Fawkes was caught guarding the barrels of gunpowder in a cellar below parliament. After he was caught, he was accused of treason, badly tortured and then killed.
Today this day is remembered by the lighting of bonfires that have a doll of Guy Fawkes on them (the doll is called a ‘Guy’) and with fireworks displays. In school children learn this rhyme:
Remember, remember the fifth of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason, why gunpowder treason,
Should ever be forgot.