myguideBritain Blog

Bonfire Night

November 5th, 2007

Today we celebrate Guy Fawkes day or “bonfire night” as many know it. We celebrate the failed plot by Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators to blow up Parliament on the night of Nov 5th 1605. It really was a plot to “destabilise” the protestant government of King James by the English Roman Catholics following a savage verbal attack on them by King James in 1604 when it became clear that there would be no state tolerance of Roman Catholicism.  Following the failed plot bonfires were lit by Londoners on the 5^th November to celebrate the fact that their King was safe.  An effigy of Guy Fawkes was more often than not burned on these bonfires and the tradition still carries on today in some communities. Mostly, because of health and safety concerns the large displays are now well organized affairs, with some amazing firework displays.

We’re nothing if not traditional over here and before the Queen enters Parliament on her once yearly “State Opening of Parliament” her Guards will search the cellars of the Palace of Westminster carrying on the centuries old custom.

In a 2002 BBC poll voted on by the public to find the “100 Greatest Britons” Guy Fawkes came 30^th in popularity. Makes you wonder what we’re celebrating - the execution of Guy Fawkes or his attempt to blow up Parliament!

Keith Roberts

Entry Filed under: All of Britain, England