Guy Fawkes is remembered for the Gunpowder Plot, which took place on the night of 4–5 November 1605, with his arrest in the early hours of 5 November 1605.

Core date facts

  • The Gunpowder Plot aimed to blow up the English Parliament during its opening on 5 November 1605.
  • Guy Fawkes was discovered guarding barrels of gunpowder in a cellar beneath the House of Lords late on 4 November and arrested shortly after midnight, effectively on 5 November 1605.
  • The event is commemorated every year on 5 November in Britain as Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night.

Why that date matters

  • The plot targeted King James I and the opening of Parliament, which is why 5 November was chosen as the critical moment.
  • The failure of the conspiracy led to 5 November being marked by official acts of thanksgiving, evolving into the modern bonfire and fireworks traditions.

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