Guy Fawkes

[~Fisharefriends~]

Every year in the Uk on the 5th of November we celebrate Bonfire night or Guy Fawkes.

It dates back to 1605, when the Catholics were being heavily persecuted in the UK, a small group of mecenaries lead by a man called Robert Catesby, decided this needed to be stopped and thus planned to blow up the houses of parliament.

They got hold of dozens of barrels of gunpowder and stored them in cellars under the house of Lords.

However authorities got wind of the plot, one rumour being that one of the group sent an anonymous letter to one of the Lords.

Guy Fawkes one of the group was thus found in the celler with the barrels of gunpowder on the date of the 5th november. He was later tortured and executed.

Still today on the state opening of Parliament, the only day in which the monarch will enter the house The cellars are searched.

Then on the 5th of November bonfires are lit often with a effigy of Guy being burnt on the top to celebrate the saftey of the King (though tongue in cheek some say we celebrate the attempt to do away with parliament!! large fireworks displays also take place.

Hope this answers the question!

 

[scarlett873]

Wasn't there a movie within the last few years with Natalie Portman that had something to do with Guy Fawkes? V for Vendetta or something like that? I just know that mask and costume kinda creep me out...lol

 

[Racey]

i've seen that but dont recall it being about the real story??? Its just that the main character looked like what we would call the modern looking guy fawkes (ie he had a thin mustache!)

Some would say that our present government needs blowing up (of course for totally different reasons) - this will probably ring alarm bells in MI5 now i've written that!!!

 

[the_anarky_boy]

In V for Vendetta, based off of a graphic novel, the the UK has become a fascist dictatorship. The main character V wears a Guy Fawkes mask and at the end actually blows up parliament on the 5th of November.
Throughout the film they say "Remember, remember, the 5th of November". I love the film.

Most of my family is Catholic. I'm a socialist. We don't celebrate the "safety of the King".

 

[Racey]

how strange - i've watched it once and loved it, but obviously I didnt pay that much attention (altho I was probably in and out of the kitchen cooking dinner, making the dogs dinner and various other activities )

will have to buy it now and watch it without interruptions

 

[AuroraJae]

Thanks for the explanation!

 

[MenashaCorp]

...which is also why JK Rowling named Dumbledore's oft-flaming phoenix "Fawkes..."

 

[BilltM]

Every year in the Uk on the 5th of November we celebrate Bonfire night or Guy Fawkes.

It dates back to 1605, when the Catholics were being heavily persecuted in the UK, a small group of mecenaries lead by a man called Robert Catesby, decided this needed to be stopped and thus planned to blow up the houses of parliament.

They got hold of dozens of barrels of gunpowder and stored them in cellars under the house of Lords.

However authorities got wind of the plot, one rumour being that one of the group sent an anonymous letter to one of the Lords.

Guy Fawkes one of the group was thus found in the celler with the barrels of gunpowder on the date of the 5th november. He was later tortured and executed.

Still today on the state opening of Parliament, the only day in which the monarch will enter the house The cellars are searched.

Then on the 5th of November bonfires are lit often with a effigy of Guy being burnt on the top to celebrate the saftey of the King (though tongue in cheek some say we celebrate the attempt to do away with parliament!! large fireworks displays also take place.

Hope this answers the question!

In Rhode Island they celebrate Guy Fawkes with a bonfire most every October. Does this representation seem close to the actual event?? Check the attached web address.

http://www.misquamicut.org/

 

[~Fisharefriends~]

yeah sounds pretty close, though in the Uk we dont go for the whole reinactment part, just the bonfire and fireworks.

 

[granmaz]

Do you ever see kids doing 'penny for the guy' these days?

 

[philinmerthyr]

Thanks for the explanation!

Julie and the team

More detail on Guy Fawkes is below.

I'd be interested to see what EPCOT plan for 5th Nov. Traditionally we light fires and set off fireworks. However, the EPCOT fireworks are a daily event and lighting a bonfire with Guy Fawkes on top outside the Rose & Crown may not be the safest thing to do.

I'm visiting on 4th July next year and am looking forward to seeing a firework celebration American style. Some tips on 4th July on Disney property would be appreciated.

Thanks

Phil



Guy Fawkes (13 April 1570 – 31 January 1606) sometimes known as Guido Fawkes, was a member of a group of English Roman Catholic revolutionaries who planned to carry out the Gunpowder Plot. Although Robert Catesby was the lead figure in thinking up the actual plot, Fawkes was put in charge of executing the plan for his military and explosives experience. The plot was foiled shortly before its intended completion, as Fawkes was captured while guarding the gunpowder. Suspicion was aroused by his wearing a coat, boots and spurs, as if he intended to leave very quickly.

Fawkes has left a lasting mark on history and popular culture. Held in the United Kingdom (and some parts of the Commonwealth) on November 5 is Bonfire Night, centred on the plot and Fawkes. He has been mentioned in popular film, literature and music by people such as Charles Dickens and John Lennon. There are geographical locations named after Fawkes, such as Isla Guy Fawkes in the Galápagos Islands and Guy Fawkes River in Australia.

 

[BilltM]

yeah sounds pretty close, though in the Uk we dont go for the whole reinactment part, just the bonfire and fireworks.

I would think pints are in order with fire(s) ...