3.3.7 The Gunpowder Plot 1605

In 1605, a group of Catholic conspirators planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament during the State Opening, when the king, lords, and commons would all be present. The plot was led by Robert Catesby, but the most famous conspirator was Guy Fawkes, who was found guarding barrels of gunpowder in the cellars beneath Parliament.

The plot was discovered before it could be carried out, and the conspirators were arrested and executed. The failure of the Gunpowder Plot is still celebrated every year on 5 November, known as Bonfire Night or Guy Fawkes Night. People light bonfires and set off fireworks to mark the occasion.