5th November 1605, English conspirator Guy Fawkes (1570 - 1606) is arrested whilst attempting to blow up the Houses of Parliament, in protest against anti-Catholic laws. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Remember, remember… on this day in 1605 Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators plan to blow up the Houses of Parliament was foiled

Today 420 years ago was supposed to see the State Opening of the Parliament for its second session. The 100-day first session had been frustrating and fruitless: a new king from a new dynasty, the Stuart ruler James I, had succeeded the childless Elizabeth I in 1603, but he was also James VI, King of Scots, and he wanted to unite his two kingdoms.

The Union of England and Scotland Act 1603 provided for a commission to negotiate a political union, but

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