According to J.A. Sharpe, Fawkes is sometimes referred to, jokingly, as "the only man ever to enter Parliament with honest intentions." Ha!
Every year on Nov. 5, people celebrate with fireworks, bonfires, notoriously riotous behavior and the occasional burning of an effigy of Guy (Yes, these bitter people throw a stuffed doll--a "Guy" on the bonfire just for spite). Sometimes they substitute other current hated public figures. I'm afraid to know who they'll throw on the fire this election season!
The self-proclaimed "commoners" of Wolvercote have put together a doozy of a bonfire beside the Plough Inn, just at the end of our street. The bonfire is as big as a small house and contains no less than three dressers, four picnic tables and countless felled trees. Our family will join the village in a BBQ where we'll eat "jacket" potaotes (baked potatoes) around the fire and watch fireworks--they've kindly moved the cows off the Green just for the occasion.
Maybe we'll "have a go" at some of these other traditional Nov. 5 foods while we're there: Bangers and Mash (sausages and mashed potatoes), Black Treacle (Molasses), Toffee Apples, Black Peas with Vinegar, and Potato pie with Pickled Red Cabbage. Yum!
I'll leave you with a traditonal rhyme that commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot. It sums up the story well, even if does end rather viciously:
Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t'was his intent
To blow up the King and Parli'ment.
Three-score barrels of powder below
To prove old England's overthrow;
By God's providence he was catch'd (or by God's mercy*)
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Holla boys, Holla boys, let the bells ring.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!
And what should we do with him? Burn him!
- (Pictures to come!)
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