born 1570, York, Eng.
died Jan. 31, 1606, London
British conspirator.
A convert to Roman Catholicism and a religious zealot, Fawkes joined the Spanish army in the Netherlands in 1593 and became noted for his military skill. In 1604 he returned to England and joined a group of Catholic zealots intent on blowing up the Parliament building. When details of this Gunpowder Plot were discovered
Fawkes had planted and camouflaged at least 20 barrels of gunpowder in a cellar under the Parliament building
Fawkes was arrested on Nov. 4, 1605. After being tortured to reveal the names of his accomplices, he was tried and executed opposite the Parliament building. England celebrates Guy Fawkes Day on November 5 with fireworks, masked children begging "a penny for the guy," and the burning of Fawkes in effigy.