Gunpowder Plot

Lore & Background

Catesby is suspected by historians to have embarked on the scheme after hopes of greater religious tolerance under James had faded, leaving many English Catholics disappointed. His fellow conspirators were John and Christopher Wright, Robert and Thomas Wintour, Thomas Percy, Guy Fawkes, Robert Keyes, Thomas Bates, John Grant, Ambrose Rookwood, Sir Everard Digby and Francis Tresham. Fawkes, who had 10 years of military experience fighting in the Spanish Netherlands in the failed suppression of the Dutch Revolt, was given charge of the explosives.

On 26 October 1605, an anonymous letter of warning was sent to William Parker, 4th Baron Monteagle, a Catholic member of Parliament, who immediately showed it to the authorities. During a search of the House of Lords on the evening of 4 November, Fawkes was discovered guarding 36 barrels of gunpowder—enough to reduce the House of Lords to rubble—and arrested. Hearing that the plot had been discovered, most of the conspirators fled from London while trying to enlist support along the way. Several made a last stand against the pursuing Sheriff of Worcestershire and a posse of his men at Holbeche House; in the ensuing gunfight Catesby was one of those shot and killed. At their trial on 27 January 1606, eight of the surviving conspirators, including Fawkes, were convicted and sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered.

Reader's Guide

The Gunpowder Plot represents a pivotal moment in English history, illustrating the deep religious tensions following the Protestant Reformation and the Elizabethan Religious Settlement. Although the plot failed, its discovery led to the introduction of anti-Catholic legislation soon after, though many important and loyal Catholics remained in high office during the rest of King James I's reign. The thwarting of the plot was commemorated for many years afterwards by special sermons and other public events such as the ringing of church bells, which evolved into the British variant of Bonfire Night of today. Some details of the assassination attempt were allegedly known by the principal Jesuit of England, Henry Garnet. Although Garnet was convicted of high treason and put to death, doubt has been cast on how much he really knew. As the plot's existence was revealed to him through confession, Garnet was prevented from informing the authorities by the absolute confidentiality of the confessional. The plot's legacy endures in annual celebrations and in the figure of Guy Fawkes as a symbol of rebellion.

Did You Know?

• The plan was to blow up the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament on Tuesday 5 November 1605.
• Guy Fawkes had 10 years of military experience fighting in the Spanish Netherlands in the failed suppression of the Dutch Revolt.
• Fawkes was discovered guarding 36 barrels of gunpowder—enough to reduce the House of Lords to rubble.
• The principal Jesuit of England, Henry Garnet, was convicted of high treason and put to death, though doubt has been cast on how much he really knew.