Gunpowder Plot

Gunpowder Plot, conspiracy of a group of English Roman Catholics to blow up King James I, his family, and Parliament on Nov. 5, 1605. Guy Fawkes was arrested while setting charges under the Houses of Parliament; the conspirators were executed. In England Guy Fawkes Day, Nov. 5, is celebrated with bonfires, fireworks, and the burning of effigies.

See also: Fawkes, Guy.