What better way to celebrate Bonfire Night than doing something a little different – genealogy style! To celebrate this historic day, we decided to take a look at the family history of Guy Fawkes, the man who got it all started with a bang, almost…
Who Was Guy Fawkes?
Guy Fawkes is the most notorious figure linked to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
Fawkes teamed up with fellow conspirators to assassinate King James I on November 5th, 1605, with the suspected intent to restore a Catholic monarch to the throne. Fawkes hid beneath the House of Lords in the Houses of Parliament amongst stockpiled gunpowder but was caught before he could set it off.
Thankfully we still have the Houses of Parliament to this day, and Fawkes’ failure is celebrated on the 5th of November each year: Bonfire Night. Traditions include fireworks, bonfires, and ‘penny for the guy’.
Fawkes’ life of rebellion and drama could potentially even bear similarities to your own ancestors, read our blog about prospective criminals in your family history here.
The Fawkes Family
Guy Fawkes is recorded to have been born on the 13th of April 1570, with his parents being traced back as Edith and Edward Fawkes. Ironically, Guy’s immediate family had political links: Edith’s grandfather was the Lord Mayor of York, whilst Edward was an ecclesiastical lawyer who worked for York Minister. Edward died when Guy was just 8, with Edith subsequently remarrying into the Bainbridge’s of Scotton, a catholic family.
Guy was recorded to have several sisters: Anna, Anne, Anne (yes, again!), and Elizabeth. His sister’s lives sadly had varying longevities, with the original Anne passing away as a baby.
Guy Fawkes’ Descendants
Guy is recorded to have married Mary Fawkes (Pulleyn), who gave birth to their son Thomas Fawkes in 1590. Although much of the family tree is lost to history (and even the above is questioned), some unlikely modern-day descendants have emerged.
Philip Fawkes
One speculated modern-day descendant is Philip Fawkes, a UKIP politician who won the Hampshire seat in 2013. Although there does not appear to be clear proof of Philip’s relation to Guy, UKIP leader Nigel Farage made the controversial statement that both Philip and Guy Fawkes shared the “blood of rebellion.” This is all according to the Guardian article.
James Fawkes
James Fawkes is a supposed direct descendant of Guy Fawkes. In 2019, James embraced his heritage and ended up on “the rack” for the Derby Gaol’s Execution Day! The rack was a torture device, historically used to get information from prisoners. On the execution day, the rack was being “operated” by Chris Norton – the 13th great-great, grandson of renowned persecutor Thomas “Rackmaster” Norton.
Coincidentally, this pair of descendants – who historically would have been enemies – happened to share a workplace at the Northwest Leicestershire District Council!
Uncover Your Family’s History
Your family history may not include quite as many fireworks as Fawkes, but that doesn’t mean there won’t still be fascinating stories to discover about your ancestors.
As one of the UK’s leading high-street genealogist firms, we’re here to help you unravel the history of your ancestors. From just a seed of information, we can discover stories from throughout your family tree.
Whatever it is you’d like to uncover, get in touch with us today and see how we can help you.
