In 1605, a group of Catholic men were planning to blow up the House of Parliament in Britain with 36 barrels of gunpowder because they were tired of intolerance toward Catholics. In blowing up the House of Parliament, they figured they would kill King James I and gain more rights for people of their religion. The authorities learned of the plot and arrested one of the conspirators named Guy Fawke. He was tortured and executed as a traitor. This is commemorated every year on November 5th.
Recommended Resources
DLTK: Guy Fawkes Day Activities
Furnishes a brief history, crafts, coloring sheets, poems and a game.
http://www.dltk-holidays.com/guyfawkes/
Features information about the life and death of Guy Fawkes, the other co-conspirators, the reigning monarch, ceremonial trappings, chants and rhymes.
http://www.novareinna.com/festive/guy.html
Learn about the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 and about how Brits celebrate this observance today.
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1856603,00.html
