November 5th marks the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot, a conspiracy led by English Catholic soldier Guy Fawkes, to attempt to blow up the English Parliament and King James I in 1605.

Guy Fawkes and his followers were angry that the King was making it illegal for Catholics to practice their religion, so they were going to blow up the Parliament building with King James in it. However, a letter was sent to Lord Monteagle that warned him of the fatal plot and the bombing was stopped.

Now, every year on November 5th, the averted crisis is celebrated with bonfires and fireworks. At the time, Guy Fawkes was executed for treason - if he had attempted the same attack today, we would have called him a terrorist.