Gunpowder, Treason and Plot

Tonight in England is Bonfire Night or Guy Fawkes Night, where we build bonfires and set off fireworks. It celebrates the defeat of the Catholic plot to blow up parliament. Traditionally an effigy of Guy Fawkes or Pope Paul the V is burnt - 'burning the guy.

The above picture shows a fireworks night at a local school near me in Medway where we used to take the children. The surbuban housing estate where I live being not entirely suitable for firework displays.

In the neighbouring county of Sussex they still have bonfire societies that mount parades and so on. These days the English have rather lost interest in religion so effigies other than the guy are often burnt. Recent 'guys' have included Osama bin Laden, George Bush, a gypsy caravan, Condoleeza Rice, Jordon (Katie Price), Jonathon Ross, Saddam Hussein, Russell Brand and Cherie Blair. This year, the Edenbridge Bonfire Society is burning Man U striker, Wayne Rooney.

As you can see, a great politically incorrect time is had by all. Desperate attempts to ban the events by health and safety committees and outraged politicians are usually ignored - although these days you will see car bumper stickers with the legend "Come back Guy Fawkes - all is forgiven".

Remember, remember the Fifth of November,

The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,

I know of no reason

Why the Gunpowder Treason

Should ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t'was his intent

To blow up the King and Parli'ment.

Three-score barrels of powder below

To prove old England's overthrow;

By God's providence he was catch'd (or by God's mercy*)

With a dark lantern and burning match.

Holla boys, Holla boys, let the bells ring.

Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!

And what should we do with him? Burn him!