Guy Fawkes

From The D Archives

Guy Fawkes or Guido Fawkes (he adopted the name "Guido"—in which he was indicted—while fighting for the Spanish in the Low Countries) (13 April 1570 – 31 January 1606) was a member of a group of Roman Catholic restorationists from England that planned the Gunpowder Plot. The plot's aim was to displace Protestant rule by blowing up the Houses of Parliament while King James I and the entire Protestant and even most of the Catholic aristocracy and nobility were inside. The conspirators saw this as a reaction to systematic discrimination against English Roman Catholics.

Although Robert Catesby led the actual plot, Fawkes was in charge of executing the plan because of his military and explosives experience. Authorities foiled the plot shortly before its final execution, when they captured Fawkes as he guarded the gunpowder. He aroused suspicion by wearing a coat, boots, and spurs, as if he intended to leave quickly.

Fawkes left a lasting mark on history and popular culture. Bonfire Night, held on November 5 in the United Kingdom (and some parts of the Commonwealth), commemorates Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. He has been mentioned in popular film (including prominent references in the movie V for Vendetta), literature (in the works of Charles Dickens, Charlotte Bronte, and Alan Moore), and music (including in the work of John Lennon). Geographical locations are named after Fawkes, such as Isla Guy Fawkes in the Galápagos Islands and Guy Fawkes River in Australia.

       Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
       The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
       I know of* no reason
       Why the Gunpowder Treason
       Should ever be forgot.
       Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t'was his intent
       To blow up the King and Parli'ment.
       Three-score barrels of powder below
       To prove old England's overthrow;
       By God's providence he was catch'd (or by God's mercy*)
       With a dark lantern and burning match.
       Holloa boys, holloa boys, let the bells ring. (Holla*)
       Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!