5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About The Gunpowder Plot
2. The Escaping Conspirators Were Discovered By Accident
Contrary to popular belief, the Gunpowder Plot was not one isolated event, but it in fact dragged out for several days after the initial plot was foiled. Following Guy Fawkes' arrest, the remaining nine conspirators fled to Worcester, where they held out and planned further escape at Holbeche House. Guy Fawkes was tortured mercilessly for days after his capture, but still refused to give up the location of the others.
Much to their incredibly bad luck, not only was the plot foiled at the vital moment but they were also discovered by complete accident. The Sheriff of Worcester stumbled across the band of conspirators while looking for some thieves who stole artefacts from Warwick Castle a few days prior. The law flushed the men out the house with smoke from man made fires, taking shots at them as they fled.
Two of the conspirators were killed in the fighting including leader Robert Catesby, with the other seven being put on trial alongside Guy Fawkes and being found guilty of high treason shortly after.