The Gunpowder Plot: A Conspiracy to Blow Up the British Parliament (1605)
In 1605, a group of English Catholics, led by Guy Fawkes, conspired to assassinate King James I by blowing up the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament. The Gunpowder Plot, as it came to be known, aimed to restore a Catholic monarch to the throne. However, the conspiracy was foiled hours before the explosion was set to occur, leading to the arrest and execution of the plotters. The Gunpowder Plot has since become synonymous with treason and terrorism in British history and is commemorated every year on November 5th with fireworks and bonfires.
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