A-Z: General definitions: Gunpowder Plot

Definition

The attempted assassination of James I of England in 1605 by a group of Catholic dissenters in response to increasing persecution. The plan was to blow up the Houses of Parliament while parliament was in session. The plot was foiled when one of the group, Francis Tresham, sent a letter to his brother-in-law to warn him not to attend parliament that day. Guy Fawkes was discovered guarding 36 barrels of gunpowder under the building and tortured for information. This led to the arrest and execution of the whole group, except Francis Tresham who died in captivity.

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