Читать книгу The Gunpowder Plot: History in an Hour - Sinead Fitzgibbon - Страница 5

Introduction

Remember, remember, the fifth of November,

Gunpowder, Treason and Plot.

I see no reason why Gunpowder Treason

Should ever be forgot.

Like all good conspiracy stories, the tale of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 is one that combines elements of mystery, intrigue, suspense and, of course, deception. It is the story of a small band of disaffected Catholics who, unhappy with the constraints placed on their religion by Elizabeth I and her successor, James I, decided to challenge the religious and political status quo. They would do this by committing the ultimate act of terrorism – the destruction of both king and Parliament. The plan was audacious and surprisingly simple – and came very close to succeeding. There have been innumerable terrorist conspiracies, both successful and otherwise, down through the ages, but the Gunpowder Plot has succeeded in capturing our imagination unlike any other. Over 400 years has passed since this daring scheme was discovered, and yet its legend continues undiminished. Every year, bonfires are lit the length and breadth of Britain to mark the Plot’s anniversary, a tradition which dates back to that fateful November night in 1605 when the Gunpowder Plot was uncovered at the eleventh hour.

This, in an hour, is the story of the Gunpowder Plot.