Guy Fawkes was an English Catholic who took part in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. The plot aimed to blow up the English Parliament building with gunpowder while King James I was giving a speech, killing him and other Protestant leaders. Fawkes was found guarding 36 barrels of gunpowder in the cellar and was subsequently arrested, tortured, and executed. His failed attempt is still commemorated annually in the UK as Guy Fawkes Night on November 5th with fireworks and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes.