5 November 1605: the Gunpowder Plot is foiled

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY · 2026-11-05 Thursday, 5 November 2026 5 November 1605: the Gunpowder Plot is foiled Around midnight between 4 and 5 November 1605, a search beneath the House of Lords uncovered Guy Fawkes and 36 barrels of gunpowder. The conspirators had intended to destroy Parliament during the State Opening, killing King James I and those assembled. Why it is interesting: the failed plot gave Britain one of its longest-lived annual traditions. Parliament made 5 November a day of thanksgiving, and Bonfire Night is still marked with fireworks more than four centuries later. The Yeomen of the Guard also continue the ceremonial search of Parliament before a State Opening. Sources: https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/evolutionofparliament/parliamentaryauthority/the-gunpowder-plot-of-1605/collections/house-of-commons-journal/ https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/explore-the-collection/stories/the-monteagle-letter/ https://www.parliament.uk/about/faqs/house-of-commons-faqs/gunpowder-plot/