How did the 5th of November develop from a date known for attempted regicide, to a fun night out for many British Families?

 

'Remember, Remember the 5th of November'; a rhyme that we all know and love, was originally written by John Milton in 1626 at Cambridge University. The poem, of course, refers to Guy Fawkes and his now infamous plot to blow up London’s Houses of Parliament on November 5th, 1605.  Fawkes’s aim was to remove King James I from the throne and restore Britain’s Catholic monarchy.

 

But, in modern times, how is this, then, scandalous plot celebrated by the public?

 

Originally, in the 50s, The Fifth was a more 'hands-on' celebration that families started preparing for at the end of summer by collecting wood. Bonfire night was a local commemoration conducted within neighbourhoods and not in big, organised, and controlled environments like nowadays. In the 21st Century, however, Bonfire night is now marked by the setting off of fireworks with supervision in parks such as Alexandra Palace, Crystal Palace, Wimbledon Park, and many other places. Of course, some people still choose to celebrate from their backyards which is why fireworks can be heard all over the country on this night!

 

One place around the whole of the UK stands unique and authentic with its Bonfire night celebrations as it still incorporates ancient traditions into its festivities; Lewes in East Sussex. As stated on their website, 'there are in fact six separate Lewes Bonfire Society’s all celebrating the Fifth in various parts of the town, all with their own processions, traditions, costumes, fire sites, and fireworks.' Lewes is home to the largest and most celebrated festivities in the Sussex region which means that up to 30 Bonfire societies (around 5,000 people) are taking part in the celebration and up to 80,000 people are attending the county market town which has a regular population of only 17,000.

 

However, the celebrations in Lewes are not purely for fun but also to mark the demise of the 17 citizens who were burned at the stake during the reign of Mary I. To mark their martyrdom, 17 burning crosses are carried through the town, and a wreath-laying ceremony occurs at the War Memorial in the centre of town.

 

From remembering rich history to simply admiring the beautiful fire, there are so many ways to celebrate the 5th of November. Did you get involved in the festivities this year?