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Why did the Plot start?

King James on the throne.

In 1605 a group of Catholics plotted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London with King James I inside and take control of the country.

The leader of the Plot was Robert Catesby. The man in charge of blowing up Parliament was Guy Fawkes.

King James on the throne.

Watch: Why did the Gunpowder plot happen?

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How was the Plot stopped?

  • The plotters put 36 barrels of gunpowder in a cellar underneath Parliament.

  • One of the plotters wrote to a friend in Parliament, Baron Monteagle, to warn him about the Plot. The letter reached the King.

  • The King's men searched the cellars under Parliament. They found Guy Fawkes dressed in a cloak and hat with the barrels of gunpowder. Guy Fawkes was arrested.

Watch: What happened during the Gunpowder Plot?

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What happened after the Gunpowder Plot?

Guy Fawkes in prison.
  • Guy Fawkes was tortured and told the names of the other plotters.

  • Robert Catesby and several others were killed or captured. The plotters were found guilty and were sentenced to death. Their heads were put on spikes for all to see that the Plot had failed.

  • Soon afterwards, bonfires and fireworks were lit every Fifth of November and still happen today.

Watch: After the Gunpowder Plot

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Activity 1: Gunpowder Plot poem

Write your own remembrance poem in the style of this famous one:

Remember, remember鈥

The fifth of November,

The Gunpowder Treason and Plot.

I know of no reason

Why the Gunpowder Treason

Should ever be forgot.

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Activity 2: Quiz 鈥 The Gunpowder Plot

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