Gunpowder, treason and plot - The gruesome story of Guy Fawkes

An anonymous 17th century writer wrote the following:

Remember, remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes,
‘Twas his intent
To blow up the King and Parliament,
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow.
By God’s providence he was catched
With a dark lantern and burning match.


In 1605, towards the end of the year, a group of men (some would call idealistic) started to put their plans into effect. Their extreme objective was to blow up Parliament, killing the then King James in the process. In so doing they believed that they would then be able to lead a rebellion resulting in the restoration of a Roman Catholic state. History tells us that they did not succeed. But what was it that led these people to such a desperate plan?

Written by Clive Anderson, this book sets out the answer. I am not a historian but even I could grasp the subject matter. Originally I thought that it would tell me the “Guy Fawkes” story filling in the gaps in my general knowledge – so giving me the information I need for the young people’s talk I was doing.

In simple terms, the author does do this – but he puts it in the correct context. We will only fully understand this episode in our history if we are made aware of the general events happening during the preceeding 150 years. In effect, this story starts with Henry 8th and his resolve to divorce his wife, Catharine of Aragon. He created the Church of England in 1534 to enable him to do this.

As a result Protestant views started to emerge in this country and were at odds with Roman Catholic teaching. Henry’s son Edward was protestant. He introduced the common prayer book. The next in line was Mary, who tried to restore Roman Catholicism. She married Phillip of Spain and she persecuted the protestants. Her sister, Elizabeth, did not continue in her footsteps. She was protestant. In 1588 the Spanish launched the Armada. Bad weather stopped the potential invasion but the England was still in a state of war with Spain. In 1603 James 6th of Scotland became James 1st of England and the long war with Spain came to an end in 1604.

This historical perspective illuminates the events leading up to the plot in 1605, and it gives understanding to the tension that was around in our country over that time. Mr Anderson then focuses on the events immediately prior to November, the reason for the failure of the plot and the aftermath.

However, no matter how interesting the history lesson, we need to remember, as the author puts it, that “Underlying the plot was the question that has vexed people down the centuries: What is a Christian?”

As far as the author is concerned, the Gunpowder Plot is not a “story from England’s history; rather, it was a serious attempt to pervert the truth and blind people to the only way to God”.

As with so many traditional dates in our calendar, the danger is that we focus in on the event itself and forget what it is all about. Mr Anderson’s book is a timely reminder of what 5th November is all about. Not only is it well written, it is also relatively short so it should be an easy read, and well worth it, to boot!