Description
Alan Tolley
‘Treason, or Reason ? Some truths behind the Gunpowder Plot of November 1605’
In the early hours of 5th November 1605 Guy Fawkes was discovered in the cellars under the Houses of Parliament, with a fuse, a small lamp, a box of matches and 36 barrels of gunpowder. The intent was obvious, and a plot to destroy, not just the king, James I and his family, but the entire system of government, was averted at the very last minute. 420 years later Bonfire Night is still celebrated with an effigy of Guy Fawkes himself on the top of hundreds, if not thousands of roaring fires all around the country, but who were the plotters, what were the sources of their discontent, what were they ultimately hoping to achieve and why, given the passage of time, is the plot still shrouded in so much mystery and intrigue ? Alan Tolley will reveal, among many other things, the real reasons behind the plot, the individual stories of the plotters themselves, and how an unsigned letter handed to a footman in the street the night before, warning its recipient to stay away from Parliament is, according to our National Archives, the most (in)famous letter in British history.
Arrivals from 12.30pm, lunch will be served at 1pm
Please note that Holland House does not provide a choice menu at meal times and it is therefore very important that you note any food types that you are unable to eat due to an allergy or you can advise of a dietary preference of vegetarian, pescatarian, dairy free, gluten free or vegan.