Remember, remember, the 5th of

“Remember, Remember, the 5th of November.

Gunpowder, treason and plot.

I see no reason why gunpowder and treason, should ever be forgot!�

Children at Tannery Drift are looking forward to Bonfire Night next week. We have sent you some information on this special celebration.

In 1605 the King of England, James 1st, was very unpopular, mostly for religious reasons.

A group of noblemen plotted to assassinate the King by blowing up the House of Lords, a part of the English parliament.

The plotters rented a cellar under the House of Lords and packed it with enough explosive to kill the King and the most powerful men in the land as they sat in the room above.

The explosion was planned for the opening of Parliament on November 5th.

The explosives had been sailed up the River Thames.

Guy Fawkes (Guido) was selected to guard the explosives overnight.

Shortly before the day of the plan, Lord Mounteagle, a brother in law of one of the plotters, received an anonymous letter warning him not to attend the ceremony. The letter was passed to the King and the plot was foiled.

Lord Mounteagle lived in Royston and a plague on his house commemorates this event.

Guy Fawkes was captured and put to death, alongside the other members of the plot.

Since that day, all over England people celebrate the event by building a bonfire and burning a replica of Guy Fawkes.

Many children make their own Guy with their parent’s old clothes.

Maybe you would like to make one too.

There are a number of organisations in Royston that hold a communal firework display.

If you want to find out more about the Gunpowder Plot try watching www.bbc.co.uk/history/the_gunpowder_plot‎

We enjoy eating hot dogs and toffee apples while watching the fireworks