Homework Help: Who Was Guy Fawkes?

Learn about Guy Fawkes

What do you know about Guy Fawkes? Perhaps you know that he has something to do with the 5th of November, but do you know why?

Guy Fawkes was a real person who lived over 400 years ago. He tried to set fire to the Houses of Parliament on the 5th of November, but he was caught and put in prison. When people heard that Guy Fawkes had been caught, they wanted to celebrate. This is why now, on the 5th of November each year, some people enjoy ‘Guy Fawkes Night’ by lighting fireworks and bonfires. A view of the Houses of Parliament, London, England

 

Who Was Guy Fawkes?

Guy Fawkes was born in England in 1570. That was a time when kings and queens ruled England and there were many wars going on.

Guy Fawkes fought as a soldier for Spain because he didn’t like the way England was ruled.

When Guy Fawkes was growing up, the country was ruled by Queen Elizabeth the 1st. But in 1603, Queen Elizabeth died and King James took her place. Guy Fawkes didn’t think King James was a good or fair leader and decided that England should be ruled by someone else.

 

The Gunpowder Plot

Guy Fawkes believed that if King James wasn’t king anymore, life in England would be better. He and some friends thought that if they set fire to the Houses of Parliament, then King James could no longer lead the country and someone better would rule instead.

Guy Fawkes and his friends found 36 barrels of gunpowder – enough to blow up the Houses of Parliament. They put them all in the cellars under the Houses of Parliament, together with some firewood. It was Guy Fawkes’ job to wait with the gunpowder and firewood until the right moment came to set everything alight. But one of his friends became worried and sent a letter to another friend, warning him to stay away from Parliament on the 5th of November. 'Guy Fawkes and his friends found 36 barrels of gunpowder – enough to blow up the Houses of Parliament'.

The letter reached the King and the King’s men were sent to the cellars under Parliament. Guy Fawkes was caught and put in prison. In London, people lit bonfires to celebrate that the King had been saved.

 

The ‘Remember, Remember’ Rhyme

When Guy Fawkes was caught, the people of London made up a nursery rhyme about him. Do you know it? It goes as follows:

Remember, remember the fifth of November,

The gunpowder treason and plot.

I see no reason why gunpowder treason

Should ever be forgot.

 

Guy Fawkes' Night

Now we celebrate the date when Guy Fawkes was caught by setting off fireworks and lighting bonfires. We call this night ‘Guy Fawkes' Night’, ‘Fireworks Night’ or ‘Bonfire Night’. All over the country, people let off fireworks, light sparklers and make bonfires as a way to remember the ‘Gunpowder Plot’ and celebrate that lives were saved. England celebrates bonfire night on the 5th of November

Important Information:

Although Guy Fawkes Night is a fun time of year, it’s important to remember that fireworks and bonfires are very dangerous and must only be enjoyed under the very careful supervision of adults.

You must never light fires, fireworks or sparklers yourself.

For information on firework safety and the law visit Directgov.