Celebrate Guy Fawkes Night in London

For the last 406 years Londoners have held one of the biggest celebrations of the year on November 5.

Known as Guy Fawkes Day or Bonfire Night, the holiday celebrates the survival of the king and Parliament from an assassination attempt.

In 1605 Guy Fawkes and a group of five main conspirators attempted to blow up the House of Lords with gunpowder on State Opening Day, the opening of Parliament, when the king and the entire government would be in the House of Lords chamber. This would become known as the Gunpowder Plot. As Catholics, they were persecuted and hoped to install the King’s daughter as a Catholic ruler.

Supposedly a letter was sent to Lord Monteagle warn the fellow Catholic not to be in attendance the next day. A search was made of the storage cellars below the House of Lords and the 36 barrels of gunpowder, along with Fawkes who was keeping watch of it, were discovered. Every year now in Westminster the Houses of Parliament are ceremonially searched.

Fawkes and the conspirators were tortured and tried for high treason in Westminster Hall and sentenced to be hung drawn and quartered.

That night Londoners were told they could celebrate the failed assassination attempt by lighting bonfires. Parliament declared it a day of thanksgiving and has been celebrated ever since. Traditionally, effigies of Guy Fawkes were created by children and burned to mark the occasion. Since the 1650s fireworks have been a part of the celebration as well, a tradition that is carried on today in the form of large firework displays over London.

There are numerous places you can watch the fireworks display on November 5 this year. And with the 5th being a Saturday, most of the fireworks will be held on the official Guy Fawkes Night. Battersea Park has one if the biggest fireworks displays in London. It starts at 8 p.m. with a bonfire a half hour before. There is traditional Guy Fawkes Night fun for the whole family with food stalls and a bar. Located at the edge of Hackney and East End of London, Victoria Park usually gives a free fireworks show which brings in huge crowds. Blackheath also puts on a good show.

New York Habitat has plenty of flats in Westminster, as well as vacation rentals in Battersea and Clapham to accommodate your stay for that special event.

This one bedroom vacation rental in Westminster, London (LN-166) is a short walk from the scene of the 406-year old crime. The modern building has a doorman, gym, pool, spa, and elevator.

Nearby Battersea Park where you can watch the great fireworks show on Guy Fawkes Night, this two bedroom vacation rental in Battersea, London (LN-595) is minutes from the park and the Thames River, with it’s many activities. The gorgeous modern apartment has a balcony so you can try to catch some of the fireworks across London without leaving your room.

What is your favorite place to spend Guy Fawkes Night? Share your experiences with us