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Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes
Night, is celebrated throughout the UK on the 5th of November, with
large fires, fireworks displays, and a whole host of family entertainments.
Gunpowder, treason and plot
Bonfire Night marks the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators
to blow up the Houses
of Parliament in 1605. The Gunpowder Plot, as it is known, involved
a group of Catholic extremists who sought to kill the king and blow
up parliament in a daring coup to return England to the Catholic faith.
King James I had only recently been crowned king of England after
arriving from Scotland to succeed Queen Elizabeth I, amid great religious
strife between Catholics and Protestants and constant rumours of plots
against the king. The Gunpowder Plot was led by Robert Catesby and
aided by a ruthless extremist Guy Fawkes, who planned to blow up parliament
and the king during the state opening. But the plot was leaked and
Guy Fawkes was caught with 36 barrels of gunpowder in the cellars
of the Houses of Parliament. After he was tortured on the rack, Guy
Fawkes eventually revealed the identities of his co-conspirators who
were killed or executed.
Remember, remember the 5th of November
This important moment in British history is commemorated each year
with bonfires and the tradition of burning an effigy of Guy Fawkes.
Huge fireworks displays often accompany these fires and other traditions
include bonfire foods such as toffee apples, treacle toffee, roast
chestnuts, black peas, and baked potatoes.
Many people hold there own bonfires, but there are a number of large,
organised bonfires and fireworks displays throughout the country that
provide excellent entertainment for all the family. In London, bonfires
and fireworks displays are held at Battersea Park and Alexandra Palace,
while in Liverpool there are fireworks displays at Kings Dock, beside
the River Mersey and at Sefton Park, and in the seaside town of Blackpool,
the holiday season is brought to a close with a stunning fireworks
display on the 5th November.
For further information on visiting a Bonfire Night in England and
vacations in Britain please contact one of our guides.
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