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Guy Fawkes - Guy Fawkes was born on April 13th, 1570 in York, England.

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Fighting for the Spanish - Fawkes worked with explosives while fighting in the Spanish in the Eighty Years' War. Around this time, he nicknamed himself "Guido."

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Arrested -

In 1604, he was arrested while stashing explosives beneath the House of Lords. A group of Catholic conspirators, Guy Fawkes among them, had planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament and kill the Protestant King James I. The plan was referred to as the Gunpowder Plot.

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John Johnson - Before and during the Gunpowder Plot, Guy Fawkes called himself John Johnson. This is the moniker he gave when he was arrested.

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Death of Guy Fawkes -

Guy Fawkes confessed to his involvement in the plot, and was sentenced to death.

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Bonfire - Meanwhile, the king lived. On November 5, 1605, Londoners celebrated this by making bonfires. An Act of Parliament designated a day of celebration for "the joyful day of deliverance," creating the annual event on the fifth of November. The Act remained in force until 1859.

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What if Guy Fawkes had succeeded? - If Guy Fawkes had succeeded in destroying Parliament, the explosion would have had a huge impact. The idea was to clear the way for a Catholic regime.

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Legend - In a 2002 poll by the BBC, Guy Fawkes was named the 30th Greatest Briton (of all time).

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Bonfire Night - On Bonfire Night, many British parks host a firework display. Bonfires are still lit, and burning an effigy of Guy Fawkes has become tradition. These effigies are known as "Guys." 

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Penny for the guy - In 1790, The Times reported that children begged for money for Guy Fawkes, all the while carrying the effigies (as can be seen in the photo). Asking for a "penny for the guy" has been tradition ever since.

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The Yeomen of the Guard - Even now, every year the Yeomen of the Guard search the cellars in the House of Parliament. They even use candle-lanterns to do it, for authenticity.

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Fire Master of England - Queen Elizabeth I loved these fireworks so much, she created the honorary title "Fire Master of England," given to the person with the best fireworks display.

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Impressive display -

London's Alexandra Palace hosts one of the largest firework displays, featuring burning floats and a huge parade.

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Fireworks -

There are some amazing fireworks displays all over the city, and many of them also feature activities for the whole family.

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Bonfire Night food -

It is tradition to eat toffee apples on Bonfire Night. Though toasted marshmallows are also a crowd favorite.

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No Bonfire Night at St Peter's School - Guy Fawkes and co-conspirator Christopher Wright both attended St Peter's School in York. The school does not celebrate Bonfire Night.

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Bonfire Night in other countries - Bonfire Night is also celebrated in other parts of the Commonwealth and Ireland.

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Burglaries on Bonfire Night - However, don't be complacent. Bonfire Night could still be a risky night for some. Leaving your house unattended to see the fireworks could tempt thieves.

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Guy Fawkes' influence - In 1982, Alan Moore published a comic series titled 'V for Vendetta.' It is loosely based on the story of Guy Fawkes.

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'V for Vendetta' -

'V for Vendetta' was later adapted into a movie starring actress Natalie Portman and Hugo Weaving as Guy Fawkes.

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Anonymous - Political protesters have adopted a mask of Guy Fawkes to hide their identity.

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Guy Fawkes Island - The extent of Guy Fawkes' influence is impressive. An uninhabited island in the Galapagos is named Guy Fawkes Island.

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Signature - Here's a copy of Guy Fawkes' signature. It could have been shaky due to the torture he suffered.

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Lantern -

The University of Oxford's Ashmolean Museum holds the lantern that Guy Fawkes carried on the night of his arrest.

See also: Historical sites before and after being excavated

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