What Happened on November 5, 1605

400 Years of Celebration After Plotters Fail to Kill a King

Guy Fawkes by Charles Gogin, painted 1870. York Museums Trust.

Historical Events

Notable Fireworks

Gunpowder Plot: Catholic conspirator Guy Fawkes attempts to blow up King James I and the British Parliament. Plot discovered, Guy Fawkes caught, tortured and later executed along with seven others. Celebrated ever since as Guy Fawkes Day, where his effigy is traditionally burned on a bonfire, accompanied by fireworks.