Remember, remember the 5th November!

As we are out of lock down for Bonfire Night this year, we wanted to write a blog post highlighting the history to this celebration!

What is Bonfire Night? People in the UK celebrate Bonfire Night because it is the anniversary of a failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament. We celebrate with fireworks, bonfires and sparklers. This was called the ‘Gunpowder Plot’ because a guy called Guy Fawkes plotted to blow up the Houses of Parliament with gunpowder. When we light the bonfires traditionally there is a dummy man on the top.

What was the gunpowder plot? Guy (Guido) Fawkes was part of the Gunpowder plot in 1605. He wanted to blow up King James I and his government. This was because of religion. England was a Protestant country, and the plotters were Catholic. They wanted England to be Catholic again and thought they could force change if they killed King James I and his ministers.

So, Fawkes and his group put 36 barrels of gunpowder in cellars underneath the Houses of Parliament in London, ready to set off a massive explosion.

However, one member of Fawkes' group sent a letter to his friend who worked in Parliament, warning him to stay away on 5 November. The King's supporters got hold of the letter and the plot was rumbled! Guards broke into the cellars where the gunpowder plotters were waiting. They were arrested and later executed.

How are you celebrating Bonfire Night this year? We’d love to know! Email us on sales@whatsoninkent.com or DM us on Instagram @whatsoninkent