Childhood Memories of Guy Fawkes Night

Remember, remember the Fifth of November
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,

I know of no reason

Why the Gunpowder Treason

Should ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t'was his intent

To blow up the King and Parli'ment.

Three-score barrels of powder below

To prove old England's overthrow;

By God's providence he was catch'd (or by God's mercy*)

With a dark lantern and burning match.

Holloa boys, holloa boys, let the bells ring. (Holla*)

Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!

And what should we do with him? Burn him!

 
Yesterday, November 5th, was Guy Fawkes Night in England. I must admit that it's been many years since I participated in the festivities so I had to check Wikepedia for all the words to this common rhyme! However, the memories of my childhood are easily recalled.

My family lived in a small viallge called Larkhall which is on the outskirts of the beautiful Roman city of Bath. Every Guy Fawkes Night, we joined our neighbours at a huge bonfire built on the allotments in the village. On top of the bonfire was a replica of Guy Fawkes who tried to blow up the Houses of Parliamnet in 1605.

Lighting the bonfire was the highlight, of course, but who could forget the Jacket Potatoes (baked potatoes for our North American friends) smothered with lots of salt and pepper! My father would find some suitable embers to bake our "spuds" and we would wait impatiently for them to cook.

It didn't take long in that heat, but this was before the days of aluminum foil so they were "naked" and the outside was always black. It didn't matter one bit. Those potates always tasted better than any others.

In addition to the bonfire, everyone brought a few fireworks that were enjoyed by everyone.

It's been such a long time since I was in the UK and I don't even know if people still celebrate this way. But, as a child, these are some of my best memeories and I shall always remember November 5th and will always cherish the tradition.