On November 5 for residents of Great Britain special date. Its celebration traditionally comes to the end with large-scale night fireworks through the whole country. Besides, this day it is accepted to burn an effigy of the person which name is known by any English school student on a fire. Guy Fox is responsible for this "celebration" symbolizing rebellious spirit and "A powder plot" which did not manage to be realized.
Guy Fox (13.04.1570) was born in noble family. His father worked as the notary and the lawyer, and mother was a successor of a merchant sort. Fox studied at free school of Saint Pyotr for children of aristocrats. After the death of the father and the second marriage of mother, having sold out all lands which were available for him, enlisted. In 1594 Guy Fox is involved in military battles on side of Spain under leadership of the archduke Albert. He held the commander's position.
In 1603 the secret mission in Spain concerning support by the king Philip II of the English Catholics who were oppressed by Elizabeth I adhering to Protestantism was charged to Fox. However the idea about invasion of the Spanish troops was not supported.
"Powder plot"
London beginnings of the 17th century. Elizabeth I dies, and the throne is occupied by the Scottish king James I. The English Catholics hoped that it unlike the predecessor who ruined his mother will maintain their belief. However James I remained is faithful to the orders established by the previous ruler. And then Catholics there is an idea to get rid of the objectionable king. In 1605 the group of supporters thought up the grandiose plan which became history as "A powder plot". Rebels it was decided to lift on air the English parliament with deputies of both chambers. To Guy Fox thanks to his military past the most responsible role was charged - to blow up barrels with gunpowder. Conspirators carefully prepared for the explosion appointed to November 5, 1605. The tunnel in the abandoned basement under House of Parliament was for this purpose dug. They could transport 36 kegs of gunpowder across the Thames and hide them there. Gunpowder was acquired in Holland. Explosion was calculated on total destruction of the building therefore conspirators bought the whole ton of gunpowder. However the artful plan did not manage to be finished. To one of members of parliament the anonymous letter in which "advised" it on November 5 at the regular meeting came not to appear. The lord transferred the letter to the king who ordered to search all building. As a result of search in the basement 36 powder kegs and also Guy Fox who was going to set fire to a match were revealed. Under brutal tortures the instigator gave the accomplices. All of them were sentenced to terrible and painful death. At first rebels were hung up, and then still half-dead quartered. According to some information, when hanging Guy Fox broke a neck, and when his body was quartered, he was already dead.
Tradition of burning of a scarecrow of Guy Fox
After "The powder plot" was opened, the English parliament claimed on November 5 as a holiday - Thanksgiving Day for rescue. After it it was cancelled, but traditions of burning of a scarecrow of the person similar to Guy Fox, strongly entered life of the British. At the same time night with 5 for November 6 began to be designated Night of fireworks. Also by tradition this day examine all basements of the building before the session of parliament. The English colloquial word "guy" which was originally meaning a scarecrow, and the person who then is badly dressed, lost negative coloring over time and began to designate any guy. The word went on behalf of the hero of "A powder plot".