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Gunpowder Plot (1605)

Study note

The Gunpowder Plot took place in 1605, during the reign of James I. A group of Catholics, the best known of whom is Guy Fawkes, planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament with barrels of gunpowder and to kill the king. The plot was discovered and failed before it could be carried out.

This event is remembered every year on 5 November, known as Bonfire Night, when people light bonfires and set off fireworks. Take care not to confuse this with 11 November, which is Remembrance Day for those who died in war. So the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 is marked on the 5th of November, and Guy Fawkes is the name most strongly linked to it.

Memory tip: Remember, remember the 5th of November, Guy Fawkes, 1605.

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Question 1 of 2

What is Guy Fawkes remembered for?

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Show all questions and answers for Gunpowder Plot (1605)(2 questions with explanations)

Gunpowder Plot (1605): questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. What is Guy Fawkes remembered for?

    • Defeating the Spanish Armada
    • Founding the Church of England
    • Writing the King James Bible
    • The 1605 Gunpowder Plot to blow up Parliament

    Correct answer: The 1605 Gunpowder Plot to blow up Parliament

    Guy Fawkes was part of the 1605 plot to blow up Parliament, marked on Bonfire Night.

  2. 2. Which of these statements is correct?

    • The Gunpowder Plot is remembered each year on 5 November
    • The Gunpowder Plot is remembered each year on 11 November

    Correct answer: The Gunpowder Plot is remembered each year on 5 November

    The Gunpowder Plot of 1605 is marked on 5 November, Bonfire Night.

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