guy fawkes

[sophie_1003]

when did the saying "remember remember the 5th of november, gunpowder treason and plot" start being used and why?

[mountainboo]

In 1605, Guy Fawkes and a group of co-conspirators attempted to blow up King James 1 and the Houses of Parliament in what has become known as the Gunpowder Plot. Before they were able to carry out their plan they were caught, and subsequently tortured and executed.
Every year since then on November the 5th, we have traditionally celebrated his notorious treasonous Gunpowder Plot failure by letting off fireworks and burning an effigy of 'Guy' on a bonfire. I pasted the above from www.guy-fawkes.com, that might give you bit more info. Regards MB

[sophie_1003]

Thank you very much, very informative but I was looking for the phrase particularly, maybe it's one of those ones that just emerged out of nowhere!

[Ethel]

Lots of information about the rhyme here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes_Night

I'm surprised as I thought it was made up by the advertisers of Standard Firewors.

[sophie_1003]

ooh thats good, didnt know it went on to be so nasty about the pope!

[andy-hughes]

It was common in earlier times for important events to be remembered and handed down via songs and poetry, which served as reminders in the days before everyone could read and write.