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10 FACTS ABOUT
BONFIRE NIGHT
(You probably didn't know)

Remember, remember the fifth of November…but not a lot else about bonfire night? These 10 facts will make sure your knowledge is up to scratch. So, whether you’re (still) trying to impress the in-laws or helping the kids’ with their school homework, now’s the time to brush up on the most colourful night of the year.

1. THE GUNPOWDER PLOT WAS MEANT TO KILL KING JAMES I

The Gunpowder Plot of 1605 was meant to kill the Protestant King, James I. and replace him with a Catholic Queen.

2. IT WAS ACTUALLY ROBERT CATESBY WHO LED THE THE GUNPOWDER PLOT

It was actually Warwickshire-born Robert Catesby who led the Gunpowder Plot, not Guy Fawkes. There were also 13 other people involved.

3. GUY FAWKES GUARDED THE 36 BARRELS OF GUNPOWDER

The job Guy Fawkes had in the Gunpowder Plot was to guard the 36 barrels of gunpowder that had been placed in a basement underneath the House Of Lords.

4. AN ALARM ABOUT THE PLOT WAS RAISED

The alarm was raised after an anonymous letter was sent to Lord Monteagle, warning him to stay away from the House of Lords.

5. GUY FAWKES WAS CAUGHT BY GUARDS

Explosive expert Fawkes, who had been left in a cellar to set off the fuse, was subsequently caught when a group of guards discovered him at the last moment on the 5th November. He was then taken to the Tower of London.

6. FAWKES LEAPT TO HIS DEATH

As he awaited his grisly punishment on the gallows, Fawkes leapt to his death to avoid the horrors of torture that awaited him. He died from a broken neck.

7. THE 5TH OF NOVEMBER WAS DECIDED TO BE A DAY OF CELEBRATION

King James I announced that the 5th November should be the day that people always celebrate that the Gunpowder Plot didn’t happen.

8. THE CELLAR WAS DESTROYED

The cellar that Fawkes and the gunpowder plotters used was damaged in 1834 by fire. When the Palace of Westminster was rebuilt in the 19th century, the infamous cellar was destroyed.

9. ST.PETERS SCHOOL IS THE ONLY PLACE NOT TO CELEBRATE BONFIRE NIGHT

St. Peters school in York is the only place in England that does not celebrate bonfire night as a show of respect for their former pupil, Guy Fawkes.

10. THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT ARE STILL SEARCHED

The Houses of Parliament are still searched by the Yeoman of the Guards before the state opening (where the reigning Monarch visits parliament each year) held in November. It is ceremonial rather than serious and is performed with lanterns.

WHAT TO WEAR ON BONFIRE NIGHT

While we can’t predict that your back garden firework display will go off without a hitch, or that the local display will start on time, we can confidently say that in typical November fashion, it will be cold. And it might even rain. So what should you wear on bonfire night? With a collection for women, men and kids’ we’ve got the whole family covered from head to freezing toes.

BONFIRE NIGHT OUTFITS FOR WOMEN

Despite needing to wrap-up with a scarf and all, you don’t have to compromise on style this bonfire night. A pair of corduroy trousers in a wide or straight leg, teamed with a long-sleeve top and a Fair Isle jumper for a seasonal twist will make a warm yet considered look - perfect if you’re starting (or ending) the celebrations at the local pub.

Ontop, the warmest winter coat you can find is an essential, opting for one with a hood will ensure you stay dry if the clouds appear. To elevate the look even more and avoid that ‘bundled up’ look, choose a coat with a waist that can be cinched-in to create a flattering silhouette even with all those layers underneath. The obvious choice of footwear is a pair of wellies, as those grassy fields tend to get muddied up in November. A pair of ankle wellies are a great pair to invest in, as they look like everyday boots, just with the added waterproof technology you need this time of year.

BONFIRE NIGHT OUTFITS FOR MEN

While he might be keeping himself warm from lifting the kids’ onto his shoulders, or running back and forth from the hotdog stand, he’ll still need a warm outfit for the night too.

A pair of cord trousers makes the perfect starting point as they’re timeless and hardwearing. Layering-up with a checked shirt as the base, followed by a men’s quarter zip sweatshirt or fleece gilet will ensure that not only will he stay warm, but stylish for when he enjoys that post-firework display pint in the pub.

When it comes to the top layers, a men’s gilet can provide an ample last layer for some, but for most a men’s winter coat will need to go over the top to ensure the chill doesn’t set in when standing around. Finish the outfit with a pair of men’s wellies over the top of the jeans and all the necessary accompanying accessories - hat, scarf and gloves.

BONFIRE NIGHT OUTFITS FOR KIDS'

From reaching new heights on the ferris wheel, to enjoying a stick of candy floss as big as their heads, bonfire night is extra exciting for the little ones. But also, extra cold too.

While they might be running around with their light up wand grandad bought them, they’ll still need plenty of layers, starting with a pair of girls’ leggings - printed ones will always be a winner - or comfortable wide leg trousers that have space for thick socks underneath too. A girls’ jumper worn over a long-sleeve top is an obvious essential, and if it’s got a character design or print on the front, then you’ll score even more points! Our collection of girls’ winter coats have styles for any weather, but choosing one that’s both waterproof and fleece lined will ensure you only need to invest in one. And opting for one with a hood will ensure the rain doesn’t stop play. Complete the look with a pair of girls’ wellies and a girls’ scarf - the brighter the better.

And for the boys? A pair of boys’ joggers will make the best starting point as they are often lined with brushed jersey making them warm, but they’re the most comfortable choice too. Team them with a long sleeve graphic t-shirt under a boys’ jumper (preferably with a fun design), to create the ultimate layered-up look, that’s cool too. If it’s even colder than previous November nights, a boys’ gilet will add additional warmth under a coat. No bonfire night outfit for kids’ is complete without a pair of boys’ wellies, along with a matching hat, scarf and glove set. Oh, and a sparkler in each hand!