Halloween has been and gone, and now we are into November. In England, Halloween is slowly catching on, but it is still November 5th that is the biggest date in our diary at this time of year (well, before Christmas certainly). Forever to be reminded by the rhyme:
Remember, Remember, the 5th of November,
Gunpowder, Treason and Plot.
I see no reason, why gunpowder, treason,
Should ever be forgot!
It's at this time of year that everyone looks forward to getting wrapped up warm, wellington boots on, and look forward to heading to their nearest park or recreation ground for a massive bonfire to be lit, hot food to be eaten and fireworks to wow and awe!
What's it all about you may ask? Well, it all harks back to November 5th 1605, when King James I was on the throne - he was a Catholic, but kept to the Protestant ways of ruling, as his predecessor Queen Elizabeth I had spent so many years securing some kind of toleration between Catholic and Protestants. A number of Catholics however weren't happy with the concessions that King James was giving, and were determined to assassinate him. They met together and formed a plan, and it was on the 5th November that one of the conspirators, a man called Guido Fawkes, was discovered in the Cellars underneath The Houses of Parliament in London, ready to light 36 barrels of gunpowder. The aim had been to blow up not just the King, but many members of Parliament too. However these plans were thwarted by secret letters and intrigue that gave what became known as "The Gunpowder Plot" away. Eventually all the conspirators were arrested, tortured and then executed for treason.
The following year, James I wished sermons to be preached in all the Churches about the lucky escape that he and Parliament had, and so began the celebrations of November 5th. Sermons were followed by bonfires lit in celebration too, and many years later the streets also echoed with small children's voices asking for a "penny for the Guy" (Guy relating to Guido Fawkes).
Sadly, you don't see children pushing around their home-made model of Guido Fawkes, asking for a contribution, any more, but many Bonfire Parties today still have figures burnt on their bonfires. Often today you can find more modern figures of hate - famous celebrities or sports figures, on top of the bonfires! The Edenbridge Bonfire in Kent is famous for their "Guys".
Many of the villages and towns in the South East, especially in Sussex, have strong November 5th Traditions that date back centuries. Villages and Towns often have societies who spend all year creating the "Guys" for the bonfires and raising money for charity - and they are known as Bonfire Societies and their members,"Bonfire Boys". Most of these groups tend to meet in the local pubs - each taking a specific pub as their HQ.
One of the most famous and spectacular Bonfire Nights is in Lewes. The roads are closed, transport is diverted and people travel from all over the country to witness through its narrow streets the parade of the six different Bonfire Societies of the town (there are actually seven societies in Lewes but only one does not preform on the main night). There is much music, dancing, flaming torches, and even poppers set off into the crowds! Then when they reach the bottom of the town everyone congregates to light the giant bonfire and watch the spectacular firework display.
Whatever you are doing for Bonfire Night, remember to keep warm and never go near fireworks once they've been lit and don't touch fireworks or sparklers once they have finished, they may still go off! Keep animals indoors, they don't like the fireworks as much as we do, and if you are having a bonfire party at home, do check for hedgehogs that may have settled in your bonfire pile!
Most of all, remember to enjoy yourself and keep in the back of your mind the fate of Guido Fawkes and his co-conspirators those 406 years ago!
Remember, Remember, the 5th of November,
Gunpowder, Treason and Plot.
I see no reason, why gunpowder, treason,
Should ever be forgot!
It's at this time of year that everyone looks forward to getting wrapped up warm, wellington boots on, and look forward to heading to their nearest park or recreation ground for a massive bonfire to be lit, hot food to be eaten and fireworks to wow and awe!
What's it all about you may ask? Well, it all harks back to November 5th 1605, when King James I was on the throne - he was a Catholic, but kept to the Protestant ways of ruling, as his predecessor Queen Elizabeth I had spent so many years securing some kind of toleration between Catholic and Protestants. A number of Catholics however weren't happy with the concessions that King James was giving, and were determined to assassinate him. They met together and formed a plan, and it was on the 5th November that one of the conspirators, a man called Guido Fawkes, was discovered in the Cellars underneath The Houses of Parliament in London, ready to light 36 barrels of gunpowder. The aim had been to blow up not just the King, but many members of Parliament too. However these plans were thwarted by secret letters and intrigue that gave what became known as "The Gunpowder Plot" away. Eventually all the conspirators were arrested, tortured and then executed for treason.
| The Gunpowder Plot Conspirators |
Sadly, you don't see children pushing around their home-made model of Guido Fawkes, asking for a contribution, any more, but many Bonfire Parties today still have figures burnt on their bonfires. Often today you can find more modern figures of hate - famous celebrities or sports figures, on top of the bonfires! The Edenbridge Bonfire in Kent is famous for their "Guys".
Many of the villages and towns in the South East, especially in Sussex, have strong November 5th Traditions that date back centuries. Villages and Towns often have societies who spend all year creating the "Guys" for the bonfires and raising money for charity - and they are known as Bonfire Societies and their members,"Bonfire Boys". Most of these groups tend to meet in the local pubs - each taking a specific pub as their HQ.
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| Parade through Lewes High Street on November 5th |
One of the most famous and spectacular Bonfire Nights is in Lewes. The roads are closed, transport is diverted and people travel from all over the country to witness through its narrow streets the parade of the six different Bonfire Societies of the town (there are actually seven societies in Lewes but only one does not preform on the main night). There is much music, dancing, flaming torches, and even poppers set off into the crowds! Then when they reach the bottom of the town everyone congregates to light the giant bonfire and watch the spectacular firework display.
Whatever you are doing for Bonfire Night, remember to keep warm and never go near fireworks once they've been lit and don't touch fireworks or sparklers once they have finished, they may still go off! Keep animals indoors, they don't like the fireworks as much as we do, and if you are having a bonfire party at home, do check for hedgehogs that may have settled in your bonfire pile!
Most of all, remember to enjoy yourself and keep in the back of your mind the fate of Guido Fawkes and his co-conspirators those 406 years ago!
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