Guy Fawkes

Profession: English Catholic Conspirator

Nationality:

Biography: Guy Fawkes was an English conspirator and member of a group of English Catholics involved in the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. He is remembered as synonymous with the plot, and more often with the annual fireworks celebrations that occur in many Commonwealth countries around the globe.

Born in York, his father passed away when he was eight, and his mother later married a Catholic, which influenced Fawkes's religious beliefs. He left England for mainland Europe, where he fought for Catholic Spain in the Eighty Years' War.

Fawkes converted to Catholicism and sought support for a Catholic rebellion in England, but was unsuccessful. He later met Thomas Wintour, with whom he returned to England, and was introduced to Robert Catesby, who led the Gunpowder Plot. Their goal was to assassinate King James I and replace him with a Catholic monarch. Fawkes was in charge of the gunpowder they stockpiled beneath the House of Lords.

Authorities, tipped off by an anonymous letter, discovered Fawkes guarding the explosives on 5 November 1605. After being tortured, he confessed to his role in the plot. Fawkes was sentenced to be hanged, drawn, and quartered. Unfortunately he died early from a broken neck during his execution on 31 January 1606.

Guy Fawkes Night, observed on 5 November since the plot's failure, commemorates the event. Traditionally, Fawkes's effigy is burned on a bonfire, often accompanied by fireworks.

Born: April 13, 1570
Birthplace: York, England, United Kingdom
Star Sign: Aries

Died: January 31, 1606 (aged 35)
Cause of Death: Hanging, drawing and quartering