Facts About Bonfire Night!
Here are some weird and wonderful facts about Bonfire Night that I have found as the session is upon us!
1. November 5th is also celebrated by the National Association of Ted Heath Burners.
2. The traditional cake eaten on Bonfire Night is Parkin cake, made from oatmeal, ginger, treacle and syrup.
3. The first recorded fireworks in England were at the wedding of Henry VII 1486.
4. Captain John Smith the “discoverer” of Pocahontas, was the first man to set off fireworks in America.
5. Though the gunpowder plot happened in 1605, the now traditional “searching of the cellars” before each new session of parliament didn’t start until 1678.
6. Until 1806, the effigy burnt in England on November 5 was that of Pope Paul V who, after 1605, refused to allow Catholics to take the Oath of Allegiance to the Crown.
7. The word "bonfire" was originally "bone fire" - signifying the "bones" of the effigy burned.
8. November 5 is also known as "Ringing Night" (many torchlight processions held on the day feature bells being rung).
9. In the 1590s, Guy Fawkes served in the Spanish army.
10. Until 1959, it was illegal not to celebrate Bonfire Night in Britain.
If you know of any more let me know!
