The Gunpowder Plot of 1605 was a memorable failure. The
plan to blow up the Houses of Parliament, along with King James I,
was foiled when Guy Fawkes was caught red-handed in the cellar with several
barrels of gunpowder, and sentenced to death.
Although he was only
one of the conspirators involved, he had the misfortune to become the fall guy,
and the anniversary of his arrest is still celebrated on 5 November, known as
Bonfire Night, or Guy Fawkes Night, and commemorated in the rhyme:
“Remember, remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot:
I see no reason why the Gunpowder Treason should ever be forgot...”
The tradition of burning a straw effigy or "Guy" on top of a bonfire is still going strong.
Firework displays are held on 5 November and the closest weekend to that date, which this year falls on 3-4 November.
