November 5, 1605. In the cellar under the House of Lords, Parliament, London, Guy Fawkes was discovered with 36 barrels of gunpowder. Purpose, to blow up parliament and possibly kill King James I along with many others. Rationale, the king was not lenient enough in allowing catholics freedom to worship as they saw fit.
Fawkes was but one of thirteen conspirators, but his capture assured the ultimate disclosure of the plot and the demise of all participants in the plot. Gruesome tale.
November 5 is celebrated as "Bonfire Night." Some British wags question to this day whether this is a celebration of the capture of Fawkes and the foiling of the plot, or is it a commemoration of the correctness of the notion that the government should be blown up.
Much has been written about this fascinating bit of British history. Here is an excellent source of information.
Image: Bonfire Night blaze, BBC
Double-header today. Scroll down for an honor post.
2 comments:
It would be a wonderful night for a bonfire, here.
Shark, it is quite chilly here, too. Snow flurries today. Good news! It's headed back up to the sixties next week!
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