Who Was Guy Fawkes?

Over in Britain, the 5th of November becomes a special night where people up and down the country let off fireworks and light bonfires to celebrate Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night.

The tradition stems back to the events of the 5th November 1605. Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder plot, was caught guarding explosives which were set to go off under the House of Lords – in an attempt to assassinate King James I whilst he attended the State Opening of Parliament. Guy Fawkes was then found guilty and hung, drawn, and quartered; a rather grizzly end.

With the plot failed, the government proclaimed the 5th of November as a day of thanksgiving and since then celebrations in one form or another have taken place across the country on this day.

Most local towns and villages nowadays will have a fireworks display, and will occasionally burn an effigy of Guy Fawkes on the large communal bonfire. However, in Ottery St Mary in Devon, one of the older more unusual traditions still remains…

Torchlit processions and rolling tar barrels down the streets has long been a tradition of many towns and villages in the south west of England. However, in Ottery St Mary, it was decided that merely rolling tar barrels down the streets wasn’t enough and the heavy burning barrels were instead carried on the shoulders of local citizens.

These locals are fiercely proud of the annual event and you can see for yourself – videos of the event.

The thrilling fiery spectacle happens annually on the weekend of the 5th November, so if you are in the region and want to come along and see this exciting tradition first hand, My Favourite Holiday Cottages has some excellent country cottages for you to stay in nearby in neighbouring Sidmouth – only a few short miles away.

Boswell Farm is the home to 7 cosy period cottages which date back to the 1850’s. The cosiest of these is the charming Mill House which sleeps 6. Originally built as a dairy, this 4-Star character cottage is set within 45 acres of farmland making it ideal for a vacation at any time of the year. Being only 2 miles to the south coast, it is also perfect for a summer seaside holiday, while being centrally located for explorations of the stunning south Devon countryside in the fall. After you come back from a cold windy stroll you can also snuggle up in your own four poster bed!

So with that in mind for next November, you can go and see your own bonfire, let off fireworks, and see the extreme tar barrels carrying of Ottery St Mary.

~ Read more about Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot here.

~ Review past “Cottage of the Month” entries from My Favourite Holiday Cottages…

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