In the early hours of 5^th November 1605 Guy Fawkes was discovered in the cellars under the Houses of Parliament, with a fuse, a small lamp, a box of matches and 36 barrels of gunpowder. The intent was obvious, but an ill-planned plot to destroy, not just the king, James I and his family, but the entire system of government had just been foiled. Years later, the events of 5^th November are still celebrated each year with firework displays, community gatherings and effigies of Guy Fawkes on top of numerous bonfires throughout the country. Fawkes undoubtedly played a vital role in the plot but, remarkably, he was not the main man. So, who was the leader of the plot, who were his fellow plotters, what were the sources of their discontent, and what were they ultimately hoping to achieve? Given the passage of time, the plot remains very much a talking point for academics and historians alike and, even today, is shrouded in mystery and intrigue.

Speaker, Alan Tolley, will be hoping to reveal, among other things, the real reasons behind the plot, the individual stories of the plotters themselves, and how an unsigned letter handed to a footman in the street the night before, warning its recipient to stay away from Parliament is, according to our National Archives, the most (in)famous letter in British history.

Two-course lunch is served at 1.00 pm (special diets can be accommodated) but arrive early to get a drink and enjoy the lovely house and gardens. The talk will commence about 2.00 pm.