Monday 7 November 2011

Guy Fawkes night

Here in Britain November 5th is a Guy Fawkes and Bonfire night. For the past 3 years we always seem to be out of town when it is celebrated but this year we stay home. Most Americans have probably never heard of Guy Fawkes, I know I hadn't until I lived here.

In 1605 Guy Fawkes and other conspirators tried to blow up the house of Lords in hopes of killing King James the First. The plot was discovered and the group were executed. Since then every Nov 5th many villages have a bonfire night and fireworks to celebrate the failing of the plot. In some communities a effigy of Guy Fawkes is made and thrown on top of the Bonfire.

The children and I studied this part of history last year but were unable to take part in the festivities. So this year we purchased a few fireworks and the children enjoyed setting off a few fireworks to celebrate.









































Our local village had a much better firework show that we enjoyed attending:) But no bonfire:(, we really must find one and make sure we attend before we return to the states.




















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6 comments:

  1. So I guess the people didn't like Guy Fawkes then???? How awful, to have people celebrate your death every year for hundreds of years! Not exactly how I hope to be remembered.

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  2. AH, you must come and have a big bonfire at our house next year!!
    Apparently though, the place to go is Lewes in Sussex - they have such a huge bonfire that you can't get within 200 yards of it without getting a hot face!
    Yes, Guy Fawkes celebration is barbaric at best....as was the way he was executed....it is just an excuse to have a good time in the fall on a dark night. Sort of our equivalent to Halloween I suppose....
    Nice pics, as ever!
    R

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  3. Another fun post from you; as usual. I loved the brief history and the fireworks. I liked to read about other countries history.
    Blessings to you for sharing another fun adventure.

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  4. Guy Fawkes night is such fun. Same that your village had no fire. The display we went to in London had a bonfire although the crowds were such that we couldn't get anywhere near it.

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  5. We watched the fireworks but didn't get to go anywhere near a bonfire.

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  6. I love fireworks! Thanks for sharing your pictures with us.
    Stefanie/NOBH

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