Gunpowder Plot 400
Gunpowder Plot 400
Find out what is happening this year to mark the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot
The attempt by a band of conspirators which included Guy Fawkes to blow up the House of Lords during the state opening of Parliament on 5th November 1605 is one of the most well-known events in English history.
This year will see the 400th anniversary of the plot and a range of activities are being planned in London and elsewhere in connection with this. To mark the anniversary 12 institutions have devised a series of events - the Gunpowder trail - which will enable the public to discover the Gunpowder Plot for themselves.
Download the leaflet advertising the events for the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot.
This is an online version of the Westminster Hall exhibition (now closed) for adults and schools if you can't make it to Westminster
HM Tower of London
Gunpowder Treason. This new audio-visual display will tell the Tower's story of the arrest, imprisonment, torture and death of Guy Fawkes and the gunpowder plotters. From 2 July 2005.
National Portrait Gallery
Gunpowder, Treason and Plot. A display of paintings and engravings of the key figures involved in the Gunpowder plot. From 17 September 2005.
The National Archives
Display of signed confessions of Guy Fawkes. The signed confessions will be on display in the museum and online. From 1 October 2005.
Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition
Shakespeare and the Gunpowder Plot. We will look beyond the traditional story surrounding the events of 5 November 1605. From April 2005.
City of Westminster Archives Centre
The Sub Rosa Theatre Company and the Archives Centre join forces to present an explosive new play based on the story of Guy Fawkes and the plot. The Premiere will take place on Tower Hill on the 5 November 2005.
Museum of London
Understanding Guy Fawkes. Study day, 5 November 2005, Family events, 6 November 2005.
Hatfield House
Visit this great house, built by Robert Cecil, the King's chief minister who unmasked the Gunpowder Plot. Open from Easter Saturday.
Royal Gunpowder Mills
Remember Remember… Illustrated talks will take a close look at the background of the plot and the 13 conspirators. 10 & 11 September 2005.
Coughton Court
Coughton Court is the ancestral home of the Throckmorton Family. Four of the chief plotters were members of the Throckmorton family and Sir Everard Digby was living at the Court with his wife Lady Digby at the time of the Plot. A new exhibition planned for 2005 will detail this historical event.
Royal Shakespeare Company
Gunpowder. In the 400th Anniversary year of the Plot, the RSC presents an explosive season of political drama entitled Gunpowder. From 9 March 2005.
Syon House
Special Events at Syon House to commemorate the links between Henry Percy, 9th Earl of Northumberland, and Thomas Percy, with the Gunpowder Plot. From 29 May 2005.
Alnwick Castle
Petworth House
Home of the 'Wizard' Earl imprisoned in the Tower of London for his alleged role in the Gunpowder Plot.
Other events taking place to mark the 400th anniversary….
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust'A Little Local Treason': Warwickshire and the Gunpowder Plot
'A Little Local Treason', a study day organised by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, takes place on 29 October 2005. Download the leaflet for the study day.
Warwickshire played an important part in the Gunpowder Plot and events to mark the anniversary are being held across the county.
1605 Treason and Dischord: William Byrd and the Gunpowder Plot
Concert tour by The King's Singers and Concordia, in support of the Prince's Trust, June-September 2005. Download a flyer for the performance.
The Chart Gunpowder Mills, maintained by the Faversham Society, are the oldest of their kind in the world.
Discover more about Guy Fawkes and his connection with the City of York
The Royal Artillery MuseumAn exhibition which explores the connection between the Gunpowder Plot and firework night. 29th October to 31st December 2005
Derbyshire Record Office
Lunchtime talk, 2 November 2005, display of documents plus on-line exhibition (November to December 2005)
Brighton Early Music Festival
Gunpowder Plot concert, 9th October 2005
Find out more about the Gunpowder Plot...
Factsheet produced by the House of Commons Information Office
Notes for media enquiries
Further information about the exhibition at the Palace of Westminster and other Gunpowder Plot 400 events can be obtained from Chris Pond at the House of Commons Library (020 7219 3628) or David Prior at the Parliamentary Archives (020 7219 3073).
Back to Parliamentary Archives home page