Faversham’s role in the Gunpowder Plot

November the fifth, a day where we traditionally celebrate (perhaps a little gruesomely) the defeat of a plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament along with the King of England.  Resulting in the traditional gathering around a large bonfire and burning a “Guy” and setting off fireworks.

Love or loath Fireworks night, there is one reason why anyone with a connection to Faversham should take a moment to remember the gunpowder plot.

Remember, Remember

The Fifth of November,

The Gunpowder Treason And Plot;

I Know of No Reason

Why the Gunpowder Treason

Should ever be forgot

In 1605 England was in a period of deep unrest, it had a Protestant (and Scottish) King James I, and many wanted to see a Catholic on the throne instead.

A plot was hatched to assassinate the King.  A group of conspirators headed up by Guy Fawkes, smuggled 36 barrels (approximately 2500 Kilograms) of gunpowder into the cellars beneath the Houses of Parliament.  Had the gunpowder not been discovered, the explosion was estimated to be so large that it would have flattened everything within a radius of 40 metres.

That is a lot of gunpowder! It had to come from somewhere; it’s highly likely it came from Faversham.  It would have been produced in Faversham’s “Home Works Factory” and due to its close proximity to London and the town’s documented support of the Catholic cause at this time, it seems very plausible.

So next time you spot a firework in the sky, take a moment to reflect, if it hadn’t been for Faversham, we may not have a 5^th of November to remember!

Parts of the Home Works Factory can still be visited today.  If you would like to find out more or walk along Faversham’s gunpowder trail, visit the Fleur De Lis Heritage Centre, which is home to The Faversham Society.