Source 1: Guy Fawkes’ signatures which appeared
on his confessions

Source 2: Orders sent to the Tower of London by James I on 6 November 1605

On 5 November 1605, Guy Fawkes was taken to the Tower of London. He had been caught red-handed trying to blow up Parliament. On 8 November Fawkes put his signature on a confession. This confession did not name all his accomplices. On 9 November Fawkes signed another,  more detailed confession with the names of all the others involved in the plot. The Tower of London has a reputation as a place of torture, but Guy Fawkes was no coward. Nevertheless, he confessed.

Was Guy Fawkes tortured? Take a look at the evidence and decide.

1a. What do you notice?

1b. Which one do you think was his first signature? Explain why.

1c. Think of all the possible reasons - other than torture - for the differences between the two signatures.

Look at this final source.

2a. Can you read any of the letters or words?

2b. What does it mean?

2c. Is this enough evidence to prove that Guy Fawkes was tortured?

‘If he will not other wayes confesse, the gentler tortours are to be first usid unto him...’
Source 2: Orders sent to the Tower of London by James I on 6 November 1605

Was Guy Fawkes Tortured?

Religion

On 5 November 1605, King James I was due to open his first Parliament. All the Lords and MPs would be crowded into the House of Lords to hear him speak. For many years, Catholics had been excluded from power. When James I became king in 1603, they had hoped for some changes: after all, James’ mother had been a Catholic. Protestants, especially James’ close advisor Robert Cecil, were worried in case Catholics did gain power at the expense of Protestants.

An Anonymous Letter

An anonymous letter was sent to Lord Mounteagle, a Catholic, on 2 November. It warned him not to attend the opening of Parliament. The letter hinted that an attempt on the King’s life and the lives of all those gathered in Parliament would be made. Cecil sent soldiers to search Parliament. Just before midnight, in the cellars under the House of Lords, they found 36 barrels of gunpowder hidden under piles of coal. The soldiers also found Guy Fawkes.

The Tower of London

Guy Fawkes was immediately arrested and taken to the Tower of London. Within 4 days Fawkes had told them everything. All the plotters were hunted down and put on trial for treason. In January 1606, the plotters were hung, drawn and cut into quarters. Their heads were set upon poles as a warning to others.

For more on Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot take a look at the following web sites:

www.gunpowderplot.parliament.uk This is suitable for Key stage 3 pupils and above and uses a wide range of original material to explain the political context of the gunpowder plot.
www.show.me.uk/gunpowderplot/ This is suitable for Key stage 2 pupils and can also be used on an interactive white board.

Go to your library and ask for:

• Donna Cooper and Bill Cliftlands Tudors and Stuarts