Guy Fawkes Day

 

When was Guy Fawkes born?

Guy Fawkes was born in York in 1570. He was the son of Edward, a church lawyer and prominent Protestant in the city, and Edith, whose family included secret Catholics. He had two brothers, John and Christopher.

At that time, it was dangerous to be Catholic: many plots and rebellions against Elizabeth I were led by Catholics, which led to severe reprisals. Priests who were caught leading secret services were tortured and executed.

Why did Guy Fawkes convert to Catholicism?

To all outward appearances, Guy Fawkes' family were a law-abiding Protestant family, until his father Edward died when he was 8 years old. His mother remarried, this time to a Catholic, Dionysius Bainbridge.

The young Guy was drawn strongly to his stepfather’s religion, and although he knew of the dangers, he converted to Catholicism.

At the age of 21, the passionate young man set off to Europe to fight for Catholic Spain against Protestant Dutch reformers in the Eight Years War.

Why did Guy Fawkes try to blow up Parliament?

With the new reign, Catholics across the country had hoped for the end of the religious persecution they suffered for so long. After all, the King's mother - Mary, Queen of Scots - had been a devout Catholic. However, they were soon disappointed; the Protestant James I wasn't a tolerant King.

The conspirators, with Guy Fawkes now among them, decided on a drastic measure. Catesby’s plan was to blow up Parliament during its State Opening on 5 November, when James I, the Queen and his heir would also be present, and would be killed. The conspirators then hoped to crown the King's young daughter, Princess Elizabeth.

-Historic Royal Places