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Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot - part 2

The problem with the Gunpowder plot was that a large number of

people had to know about it. Of course the more people that know

the greater the chance of discovery. Some of the conspirators

were also concerned about their friends who would be in

Parliament for the State Opening. One of them, perhaps Francis

Tresham, wrote a letter to Lord Monteagle, a prominent Catholic,

to warn him not to attend Parliament.

Although worried by the possibility of betrayal, they decided

that they would still go ahead with their plan after Guy Fawkes

inspected the cellar but found that nothing had been touched.

Meanwhile, however, Monteagle had shown the letter to Robert

Cecil, the Secretary of State.

From this point on the Gunpowder plot was doomed. Early in the

morning of 5th November a party of armed men discovered Fawkes

posing as a Mr John Johnson. In his possession he had a watch,

slow matches and touchpaper. A more thorough search revealed the

barrels of gunpowder and Fawkes was arrested for stating that it

had been his purpose to destroy the King and the Parliament.

Guy Fawkes was later questioned again, this time under torture.

The Gunpowder plot was uncovered. The planned revolt in the

Midlands also failed, and came to an end at Holbeach House,

where there was a dramatic shoot out ending with the death of

Catesby, and capture of several principal conspirators.

After nominal trial, at which the sentences had already been

predetermined, Fawkes, Wintour, and a number of others

implicated in the conspiracy were taken to Old Palace Yard in

Westminster, where they were hanged, drawn and quartered.

According to research by modern historians the gunpowder was

taken to the Tower of London magazine. It would have been

reissued or sold for recycling if in good condition. However, it

was discovered to be "decayed". That is, it rendered harmless

due to having separated into its component chemical parts, as

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happens with gunpowder when left to sit for too long.

If Guy Fawkes had managed to ignite the gunpowder, during the

State opening, it would only have resulted in a damp splutter.

People in general knew very little of the circumstances

surrounding the Gunpowder plot. All they knew was that their

king had been saved from a terrible death. On the night of 5th

November 1605 bonfires were set alight to celebrate the King's

safety. The fireworks of course represent the explosion that

would have ensued if the plan had been successful. Later

effigies of Guy Fawkes were added to the bonfires until the

traditional events that we now know as Bonfire Night appeared.

About the author:

This article may be freely reproduced with the following

resource box and must include a live link:

Lesley Pinkett lives and works in East Devon and is the owner of

http://www.east-devon-guide.com/guyfawkes2 which is packed with

information about this beautiful corner of England.