Special Report - Guy Fawkes
Guy Fawkes was discovered guarding the explosives disguised as a nobody named ‘John Johnson’. Guy Fawkes was arrested immediately taken to the Tower of London where he was tortured. For four days he refused to reveal the names of his accomplices. It was only upon learning that his co-conspirators had already given themselves up that he confessed. Fawkes and a number of his men were found guilty of treason at Westminster Hall on 31st January 1606 and taken to St. Paul’s Yard where they were to be hanged, drawn and quartered. A rebel to the end, Fawkes managed to cheat the hangman by jumping from the scaffold, breaking his own neck before he could be drawn and quartered.
Today, the cellars below the Houses of Parliament are searched every year by the Yeoman of the Guard as part of the State Opening of Parliament in order to prevent a modern day Gunpowder Treason. The
downfall of Fawkes’ plot is celebrated every year around November 5th with fireworks, bonfires and “Guys”. Here is the EN Magazine guide to some of the best displays in the area:
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