5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About The Gunpowder Plot

5. Guy Fawkes Was Not The Leader Of The Gunpowder Plot

Guy Fawkes is the most commonly associated name with the Gunpowder Plot, mostly because he was the one caught red-handed with the gunpowder underneath the House of Lords. He also managed to endure unimaginable torture for days on end and still refused to give up his counterparts who were also involved in the plot.

However, he was not in charge of the plot nor was it his idea. The actual leader of the group was a man named Robert Catesby, a high standing figure who had dabbled in politics and revolt several times before, both directly and indirectly. Catesby orchestrated the plot because he was frustrated with the mistreatment of Catholics in England after the Protestant Reforms of the 1530s.

Protestant King James I was of course the primary target, which meant Catesby had to be very selective with his recruits. Catesby chose Guy Fawkes to join his group because of his military experience and contacts, which meant he was familiar with the use of explosives, particularly gunpowder. Guy Fawkes got this crucial knowledge after serving in the Spanish Army against the Dutch during the 80 Years War (1568-1648).