Back in school, it wasn't uncommon to hear the poem chanted in classrooms and round the playground. as with most of these poems and rhymes, the poem points towards our history, helping generations of kids to remember various events.
However, the poem doesn't tell the whole, complete, story. What was the 'gunpowder plot'? Why was such an action thought to be necessary in the first place?
As we all know, History is written by the victor, so in many instances we only really have one side of the story. And, naturally, each side at the time is convinced that they are correct in their views and the others are wrong - sounds familiar, right?
Remember, remember the 5th of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent
To blow up the King and the Parliament.
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow.
By God's providence he was catch'd
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring!
Holler boys, holler boys, God save the King!
And what should we do with him?
Burn him!
Should ever be forgot.
Certainly, in this day and age, we should be holding onto our history more than ever, if only to learn from the mistakes of those who went before us...
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