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Guy Fawkes and Gunpowder Plot

Today is Bonfire Day, or Guy Fawkes Day, in England. Celebrated every November 5th since 1605, this celebration commemorates the plot and subsequent execution of conspirators lead by Robert Catesby against James I and his protestant government. Guido (Guy) Fawkes was in charge of the gunpowder kegs placed under the House of Lords. He was discovered, tortured and hanged for treason.

The story and nursery rhyme was used as a central motif in V For Vendetta, and the Guy Fawkes mask has been associated most recently with the hacker group Anonymous. Below is a short history of how the tradition began:



Remember, remember! 
The fifth of November, 
The Gunpowder treason and plot; 
I know of no reason 
Why the Gunpowder treason 
Should ever be forgot!

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