In KS2 Assembly this week, we explored the significance of  Fireworks day!

Whilst thinking like an historian, we looked at the sources available in 1605 London looking very different from what it looks like today. The magnificent building of the Houses of Parliament exists from over 400 years ago … JUST!

The story of the plot in which Guy Fawkes was behind, started back with Henry VIII. Despite the exciting stories of his 6 wives, the significance really lies in the formation of the Protestant Church and the separation of the Catholic Church, which affected the lives of England for many years to come.

James I came to the throne, uniting (much to everyone’s disgust!) England and Scotland and he wanted to make peace … but came to no success. The Protestant King had some Catholic enemies who came up with a plot. Robert Catesby and the gunpowder expert Guy Fawkes devised a plan to blow up this building, which would contain the King himself, in order to put a Catholic MONARCH back on the throne.

However, the plan was foiled, and the gang were arrested for treason.

The rest, as we say, is history. Briefly touching on torture … and the process of being hung, drawn and quartered, we now know why we celebrate the 5th November in the style in which we do!

Remember to be safe this weekend!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zd8fv9q/articles/zdrrcj6