Henry Percy, earl of Northumberland: the brains behind the Gunpowder Plot?

As we approach Bonfire Night on 5 November, Dr Paul Hunneyball of our Lords 1558-1603 project ponders whether we should be remembering a much more prestigious figure than Guy Fawkes… The Gunpowder Plot is one of the great ‘what ifs’ of British history. For more than four centuries we’ve commemorated the scheme’s failure – but if it had succeeded, and the House of Lords had … Continue reading Henry Percy, earl of Northumberland: the brains behind the Gunpowder Plot?

Catholic peers and the Gunpowder Plot

Remember, remember the fifth of November… Today we hear from Dr Ben Coates of the House of Lords 1604-29 Section about the warning of Catholic Peers before the Gunpowder Plot… On 26 October 1605 the Catholic nobleman William Parker, 5th Lord Monteagle, received an anonymous letter urging him to absent himself from the forthcoming session of Parliament, due to open on 5th November. This missive, … Continue reading Catholic peers and the Gunpowder Plot

Fighting in foreign wars: fears over English Catholics in the Netherlands’ war with Spain

Events in Iraq and Syria have led Dr Andrew Thrush, editor of the Lords 1603-1660 section, to reflect on a similar situation at the turn of the 17th century… The recent news that several hundred British nationals are fighting alongside Islamic extremists in Syria and Iraq has given rise to fears for British domestic security, and that the ISIS fighters of today might become the … Continue reading Fighting in foreign wars: fears over English Catholics in the Netherlands’ war with Spain

Apprehending Guy Fawkes, with the help of his garters

As the country prepares for Bonfire Night, we take a look at the two men, both MPs, who caught Guy Fawkes with 36 barrels of gunpowder… This last Night the Upper House of Parliament was searched by Sir Tho. Knevett; and one Johnson, Servant to Mr.Thomas Percye, was there apprehended; who had placed Thirty-six Barrels of Gunpowder in the Vault under the House, with a … Continue reading Apprehending Guy Fawkes, with the help of his garters