If you are a Brit...you know what November 5th means...it's Guy Fawkes Day!
Guy Fawkes Day, commemorating the day in 1607 when a plot, led by Guy Fawkes, was foiled as he attempted to blow up Parliament. The day has always been celebrated with bonfires, fireworks and the effigy of Guy Fawkes, lovingly called The Guy, tossed on the flames to much mirth and partying. The kids get into the spirit of the thing by collecting money for weeks before with the cry "Penney for the Guy" which they use to buy fireworks. Here are a few historic photos of kids and guys I found....
This first photo with a group of kids looks exactly like one my husband's family have of the neighborhood children and their guy beside the bonfire pile in the late 1940s where he grew up in Lady Wood just outside Stratford-upon-Avon.
This photo of 2 boys collecting "for the guy" is from the website www.museumoflondon.org.uk and dates to the early 1950s
This photo is from the 1930s from www.bridgemanart.com
This is an illustration by the great Cruikshank from 1827 of the Guy being carried to the bonfire.
The tradition that both my family and my Honey's liked best, was the passing around of the baked potatoes cooked in the coals of the bonfire. I think the older folks liked the cider or beer that was usually circulating, and we all loved the fireworks. The USA's 4th of July is the closest we come, but with a different flavor! We always thought it funny, that a man was caught & executed for trying to blow up parliament, but we turn around and celebrate with bonfires and fireworks! Oh well...
For a great website with some 1940s Guy Fawkes old movies, I found:
Burning Down The House: Dangerous Guy Fawkes Videos which is quite fun! PLEASE DO NOT TRY THESE THINGS AT HOME!!!
Guy Fawkes Day, commemorating the day in 1607 when a plot, led by Guy Fawkes, was foiled as he attempted to blow up Parliament. The day has always been celebrated with bonfires, fireworks and the effigy of Guy Fawkes, lovingly called The Guy, tossed on the flames to much mirth and partying. The kids get into the spirit of the thing by collecting money for weeks before with the cry "Penney for the Guy" which they use to buy fireworks. Here are a few historic photos of kids and guys I found....
This first photo with a group of kids looks exactly like one my husband's family have of the neighborhood children and their guy beside the bonfire pile in the late 1940s where he grew up in Lady Wood just outside Stratford-upon-Avon.
This photo of 2 boys collecting "for the guy" is from the website www.museumoflondon.org.uk and dates to the early 1950s
This photo is from the 1930s from www.bridgemanart.com
This is an illustration by the great Cruikshank from 1827 of the Guy being carried to the bonfire.
The traditional poem is:
Guy Fawkes Day Poem
Remember, remember,
the 5th of November,
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot...
I know of no reason why Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes,
'Twas his intent.
To blow up the King and the Parliament.
Three score barrels of powder below.
Poor old England to overthrow.
By God's providence he was catch'd,
With a dark lantern and burning match
Holloa boys, Holloa boys, let the bells ring
Holloa boys, Holloa boys, God save the King!
Hip hip Hoorah !
Hip hip Hoorah !
The tradition that both my family and my Honey's liked best, was the passing around of the baked potatoes cooked in the coals of the bonfire. I think the older folks liked the cider or beer that was usually circulating, and we all loved the fireworks. The USA's 4th of July is the closest we come, but with a different flavor! We always thought it funny, that a man was caught & executed for trying to blow up parliament, but we turn around and celebrate with bonfires and fireworks! Oh well...
For a great website with some 1940s Guy Fawkes old movies, I found:
Burning Down The House: Dangerous Guy Fawkes Videos which is quite fun! PLEASE DO NOT TRY THESE THINGS AT HOME!!!
Have a fun day...we'll be having the baked potatoes tonight..."jacket potatoes" we call them, but will be passing on the beer or cider! And not a firework in sight!
Hi Ruth,
ReplyDeleteI was helping out at an Historic House Ghost Tour here in Missouri in a very small town and a gal told me about a family there in their town who celebrates Guy Fawkes every year. I had never heard of it and now to have you mention it so soon after is great. She said he invites everyone. She couldn't remember the poem though. So this was interesting to read just after hearing about it.
Have a great day,
gina
Hello Ruth, I feel like I am back in high school! For some reason, I remember studying Guy Fawkes Day. I had a great history teacher, so that is probably why! Anyway, it was really interesting reading your blog. Always love to visit.
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