Remember, remember the 5th of November
Remember, remember! The fifth of November, The Gunpowder treason and plot;
I know of no reason why the Gunpowder treason should ever be forgot!
It’s early November, which means it’s time for people across the UK to pull on their wellies and huddle together on a communal patch of grass to watch a bonfire and firework display, usually with sparklers and toffee apples. Celebrating key events in history are what Colour Heroes are all about!
Our A Heroes’ History of… series provides children aged 8+ with the national curriculum-focussed historical facts they need, alongside the fascinating bites of funny trivia that they enjoy. The chronological nature of the series, from Prehistoric Britain to Modern Britain, provides a comprehensive and detailed timeline and an overview of all the major historical periods.
The A Heroes’ History of... series combines effective learning with constructive entertainment. Our sticker books contain key biographical facts embedded with wider historical contexts, this series of four books provides children with a knowledge base of people and events that have shaped history and heritage from 55 BC to 1901. The targeted vocabulary, accessible narrative and stimulating activities encourage independent reading and evidence evaluation in direct response to the national curriculum skills base, whilst the colouring pages and stickers sustain interest and fun. Key figures include a range of monarchs and key political, social and artistic figures such as Guy Fawkes, Lord Nelson, Florence Nightingale and William Shakespeare.
Colouring page from Colour Heroes Sticker book Yellow (page 10).
What was the Gunpowder Plot?
The Gunpowder Plot was a failed conspiracy by English Roman Catholics on November 5th, 1605 to blow up Parliament and King James I, who was a Protestant.* The plot was led by Robert Catesby and involved Guy Fawkes, who was later caught guarding the gunpowder under the House of Lords. The plot was foiled by a warning letter sent to Lord Monteagle, a Member of Parliament. The plotters hoped to replace the king with a Catholic ruler and end the persecution of their faith.
Guy Fawkes was recruited by Robert Catesby to join the plot because of his military experience and his connections in Spain. Fawkes was born in York in 1570 and had fought for the Spanish in the Netherlands against the Dutch rebels. He also tried to persuade the Spanish king to support a Catholic uprising in England. Fawkes was given charge of the explosives and was supposed to light the fuse on November 5th, 1605. The plotters put 36 barrels of gunpowder concealed under coal and firewood in a cellar underneath Parliament. When the king’s men searched the cellars, they found Guy Fawkes dressed in a cloak and hat with the barrels of gunpowder. He was arrested and, under torture in the Tower of London, revealed the names of his confederates and the extent of their participation in the plot on November 7th.
Most of the conspirators fled from London as they learned that the plot had been discovered, trying to enlist support along the way. Several made a last stand against the pursuing Sheriff of Worcester and a posse of his men at Holbeche House; in the ensuing gunfight, Catesby was one of those shot and killed. At their trial on 27th January, 1606, eight of the surviving conspirators, including Fawkes, were convicted and sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered.
King James I was relieved and grateful that he had escaped the assassination attempt. He praised God for his deliverance and he also made a new law that every November 5th, people must remember the day he stopped the Gunpowder Plot and celebrate that he was alive and the plotters were dead. This is why people in Britain still celebrate Bonfire Night or Guy Fawkes Night every year.
You can read more about Guy Fawkes in our Heroes and Villains of History Sticker Book Yellow. This book contains a written description and picture for each character to colour in, along with a range of interactive activities designed to help the reader learn about what life was like in Tudor times in a fun and interesting way.
At Colour Heroes, we also have several history books that range from prehistoric to modern day and contain the popular areas which are covered in the national curriculum. Our titles include Roman Britain, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Medieval Britain, Victorians, The Great War and the Second World War.
Shop at https://www.colourheroes.com/shop to get hold of all of our illustrated books in the Colour Heroes history book range.
* James I wasn't out and out Protestant. Having Scottish origins, he was baptised Roman Catholic, but chose to continue some practices from the previous monarchy. He also prosecuted Protestants. https://www.britannica.com/question/What-was-King-James-Is-relationship-to-religion