5th November in the UK is Bonfire Night, a time to celebrate the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, a plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate King James I and his government.

On the night of 4/5th November 1605, Gunpowder Plot conspirator, Guy Fawkes, was found with 36 barrels of gunpowder in a cellar beneath the Palace of Westminster, and the Gunpowder Plot was brought to an end.

But why was there a plot to kill the king and what has this event got to do with Tudor history?

Well, a lot, because the Gunpowder Plot had its roots in Elizabeth I’s reign.

Today is, of course, the anniversary of the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot on 5th November 1605.

It may have been a plot to kill King James I, and so a Stuart plot, but it had its roots in Elizabeth I’s reign.

You can find out more in the video and resources below:

Today is the anniversary of the discovery of Gunpowder Plot conspirator, Guy Fawkes, and 36 barrels of gunpowder in a cellar beneath the Palace of Westminster on the night of 4th/5th November 1605. The plotters were planning to blow up the Houses of Parliament on the opening of Parliament and assassinate the king, his government and leading bishops and nobles.

But why and what has this event in James I’s reign got to do with Tudor history?

Well, a lot, because the Gunpowder Plot had its roots in Elizabeth I’s reign.

Find out more about the Gunpowder Plot, and those involved, in today’s talk.