when – Catius

Who was Guy Fawkes?

Guy Fawkes is famous for the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Guy was a Catholic who wanted to kill the Protestant King James I and put a Catholic monarch back on the throne.

Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators

The plotters rented a cellar under the Houses of Parliament and packed it with gunpowder. They planned to create a massive explosion when the King was in the Houses of Parliament. An anonymous letter was sent to the authorities warning them of the plot. This made them search under the Houses of Parliament and Guy Fawkes was caught guarding the gunpowder.

He was tortured and executed and ever since we have celebrated the failure of this plot on the 5th of November.

For a fun video explanation, please see below.

Who invented fireworks?

Fireworks were invented in 7th century China. The Chinese people believed they would ward off evil spirits and bring happiness and good luck.

Family looks holiday fireworks

Nowadays fireworks are used all around the world to celebrate various events. In the United Kingdom they are traditionally used on Bonfire Night, the 5th of November, to celebrate the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

Please see below video on how fireworks work.

For further reading on the history of fireworks please click on this link.

What/when is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is one of the world’s largest festivals and occurs in Munich, Germany every year. It is a beer festival and travelling funfair and is an important part of Bavarian culture. People attending often wear traditional Bavarian costume.

Two kids, boy and girl in traditional Bavarian costumes in wheat field

The festival begins in mid September each year and lasts for just over two weeks, ending in early October. Over six million people attend each year.

Although you may think it is aimed at adults, the Oktoberfest is also a great day out for families too. The Tuesdays during the festival period are designated ‘Family Days’ with discounted entry and rides. Children are allowed into the beer tents, but those under 6 years old must leave by 8pm.

Click here for a blog post of one family’s Oktoberfest experience.

For a video on the history of the festival, and an excellent showcase of German humour, please see below.

Who were the Anglo-Saxons?

The Anglo-Saxons were the people who lived in Great Britain during the period from around the year 400 to when the Norman Conquest occurred in 1066.

Anglo Saxons

They were descended from Germanic Tribes who moved to Great Britain after Roman rule ended.

The language they spoke developed into what we today call English.

For 10 facts about the Anglo-Saxons, please see the video below:

If you like to visit a Royal Anglo-Saxon burial site with an excellent exhibition, please find out more by clinking the link:

A link to more information about Sutton Hoo.

A further list of Anglo-Saxon sites to visit can be found by clicking the following link:

A list of sites from Archaeology Travel.

When was the Bronze Age?

In Great Britain, the Bronze Age was from around 2100 to 750BC, so it started from around 4000 years ago.

Stonehenge

This is when people started making bronze, which is an alloy of copper and tin. It was also the age when people started writing for the first time.

The Bronze Age happened at different times in other parts of the world due to people developing different technologies at different times.

For a video explanation please see below:

The video below shows in detail how they would have made an axe head in the Bronze Age.

For a slightly longer video which is specifically about the Bronze Age in Great Britain, please see below:

If you would like to visit some Bronze Age sites, please see the link below:

A list of English Heritage sites.

Great Orme Bronze Age Copper Mines in North Wales.

A list of Scottish sites from History Scotland.

A list of sites from Culture Northern Ireland.