The 5th of November

November 5th is Guy Fawkes' Night. For those of you who don't know the story, we'll give you a brief history lesson,  stock photography style.

© Robert Harding. Image #255-8326.

Sometime in 1604, Guy Fawkes came into contact with James Catesby, who planned on assassinating the King of England with the hopes of putting a Catholic monarch on the throne. They possibly met at Coughton Court (on the right) and discussed what would become known as the Gunpowder Plot.

© Beyond. Image #011959BL.

© Fogstock. Image #033372.

On November 5th, 1605, Guy Fawkes was discovered under Westminster Palace with 36 barrels of gunpowder. He was arrested and tortured and forced to reveal the details of the Gunpowder Plot meant to bring down The House of Lords.

© PhotoAlto Premium. Image #PAA154000045.

What happened next was not pretty. Fawkes was sentenced to be hanged and drawn and quartered. Reportedly, he jumped from the gallows to ensure that his neck would be broken so that he would not have to endure the pain of drawing and quartering. Not the prettiest way to go . . .

© Robert Harding. Image #505-2286.

Today, the British commemorate the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot with fireworks, bonfires and the burning of Guy Fawkes' effigies. As the saying goes, "Remember, remember the 5th of November . . ."

We hope you enjoyed this brief stock photo guided history lesson. For any John Lennon fans out there, this will also explain the last line of the song "Remember".