Remember, remember...the 31st of January?

On November 5th, many people post on Facebook about the Gunpowder Plot of England in 1605. The Plot was lead by Robert Catesby and was an attempt to kill King James I because he was not sympathetic to Catholics. November 5th is now known as Guy Fawkes Day because Guy Fawkes was the conspirator who was caught, tortured and gave up the names of his compatriots.

January 27th, 1606, the conspirators were tried. They were convicted and sentenced to death. Even after being tortured in the London Tower, their deaths included more torture. Between January 30th and January 31st, the conspirators were dragged through the streets, hung (but not killed), disemboweled and quartered. Guy Fawkes was sent to his death on the 31st and managed to die while hanging and avoided the rest of the torture.

Why do Americans always remember Guy Fawkes Day? The majority of Americans are not Catholics so that's not the reason. Perhaps it is because someone attempted to kill the king of England. Of course, Americans today are obsessed with the Royal Family. Guy Fawkes Day commemorates the failed assassination of the King. Generally, assassinations and terrorism are not activities condoned by Americans. Who knows.

(Photo: Entrance to the Tower of London)