On 5th November 1605 a group of Catholic plotters placed barrels of explosives under the Parliament building in Westminster, intending to assassinate James I and his government during its State Opening. Fortunately, Guy Fawkes was discovered guarding the explosives, and arrested. The remaining plotters were eventually found, tried – and hanged, drawn and quartered. At the news of the King's survival, fires were lit throughout London in celebration.
A few months later the Observance of 5th November Act was passed, and the date became an annual public holiday in thanksgiving that the plot had failed. The celebration developed into an often violently anti-Catholic event with effigies of Catholic figures such as the Pope and Guy Fawkes himself being burnt on large bonfires. By the eighteenth century the 5th of November was being referred to as Guy Fawkes Night rather than the original Gunpowder Treason Day.
Children began to make effigies of Guy Fawkes and process them through the streets asking for 'a penny for the Guy'. Later 'Guy' would be made to resemble social or political hate figures such as – after the Second World War – Adolf Hitler (bonfires were forbidden during the war by the blackout regulations).
Although fireworks had been a popular part of celebrations, particularly for the rich, since the sixteenth century, their association with Guy Fawkes night is more recent. Nowadays they, rather than bonfires, tend to be the focus of the night of 5th November, particularly in urban areas. In recent years concerns over health and safety have tended to favour large public firework displays in local parks, rather than fireworks in individual gardens.
To make a Guy for Guy Fawkes Night you will need some discarded men's clothing (shirt, trousers, jacket, suit or pyjamas). Assemble the clothes to form the body of a man. Don't use anything synthetic that might release dangerous chemicals when burnt. Tie any ends (cuffs, trouser bottoms) and stuff with anything that is safely flammable. Old newspapers are ideal for the purpose.
The head can be made in various ways. You can make it with cloth, cut and sewn into a globe and then stuffed, or you could use papier mache moulded over an inflated balloon. The head can then be covered, at the front, with a mask either made with papier mache or bought.
This is rather frowned upon these days, particularly if you live in a built-up area, but if you live in the country and can set up a bonfire away from houses, it makes a great central focus to any activities and feasting and is essential if you've made a Guy to burn.
For health and safety reasons, setting off fireworks in your garden is not advisable unless it's a large space. It is now advised that we attend organised local firework displays – which are usually much more spectacular than domestic ones.
