The Gunpowder Plot

There are many different interpretations of the Gun powder plot. The plot was established by Robert Catesby. Catesby was a Catholic noble. He was sick of Catholics being forced to go to Protestant churches, or to have to pay a fine. He came up with the Idea that if he and other Catholics killed the King and many of the other Lords of England. This was supposed to take place at the state opening of parliament. There were many Catholics involved. This was a chance to return England to a Catholic monarchy.

The plotters rented a house near to the houses of parliament, and attempted to tunnel their way under the House of Lords, this however was brought to a standstill when they reached a three meter thick concrete foundation. After this plan had failed, Thomas Perry discovered that the cellars under the House of Lords were for rent. So the plotters rented out a cellar right underneath the King’s throne. They filled up the cellar with Gunpowder that was concealed under coal and wood.

There were a couple of problems that occurred during the plan, for instance their financial provider had a brother in law who was in the house of lords, Lord Monteagle. His deal with the plotters was that he would help, only if he could warn his brother in law.

When Lord Monteagle received the letter he was confused, and took it straight to Robert Cecil, the King’s chief minister. Now where the letter went from there is somewhat a historical mystery, Cecil claims he took the letter straight to the King, but court was not due to meet for another ten days, and many people believe that Robert Cecil was in on the whole plot.

On the morning that the gunpowder was due to be detonated, the whole plot nearly went up in smoke, no pun intended. A guard was sent to search the cellar, but found nothing but wood coal, and Guy Fawkes, using an assumed name, and claiming to be a slave or Perry. In fact the gunpowder was concealed underneath the wood and coal.

In the evening, just before Guy Fawkes set alight the gunpowder, he was discovered by Cecil. He was captured and tortured on the rack, and subjected to the thumb screw. This made him unable to write, so when he finally broke, he was unable to write his own confession so another wrote it for him. It was very unlikely that he would have read it. He probably just signed it, and he didn’t bother to read the confession.

There are many mysteries regarding what actually happened on the first of November 1604, and the events leading up to the ultimate day. Most are regarding Robert Cecil, for instance how come the house in Scotland where the plotters were staying before guy Fawkes confessed? Many would think Robert Cecil was involved and there is plenty of evidence to suggest he was, but what you believe is up to you.