The first terrorist?

Today is November 5th and throughout the United Kingdom people up and down the country prepare to remember Guy Fawkes' escapades. A gang of men that nowadays would be labelled as terrorists tried to blow up The Houses of Parliament. The gang were English Roman Catholics and regarded themselves as revolutionaries. They were lead by a man called Robert Catesby. Parliament was due to be opened by King James on 5th November 1605. An anonymous letter was received by Lord Monteagle, a Catholic peer that warned him not to attend parliament. Monteagle immediately set about warning the government and a search of both houses (House of Commons and House of Lords) was ordered. Guy Fawkes was discovered guarding 20 barrels of gunpowder which was hidden under a pile of coal and faggots.

The name of Guy Fawkes is taught to all children - many of whom are encouraged to make full scale images of him to place on the top of a bonfires and the whole thing is set fire to. At the same time, a fireworks display is arranged to represent the barrels of gunpowder that didn't go off!

For those who may be interested here is an account of the actual trial ... Gunpowder Plot Trial

Children are taught the following rhyme:

Remember, Remember ...

Remember, remember the fifth of November

Gunpowder, treason and plot.

I see no reason why - gunpowder, treason -

Should ever be forgot ...

The list of the main conspiritors: Robert Catesby, Christopher Wright, John Wright, Thomas Percy, Guy Fawkes, Thomas Winter, Robert Winter and Thomas Bates.