Fawkes of York

We all know how steeped in history York is. The city walls, the dungeons, the Minster, not to mention the incessant hordes of tourists, are all constant reminders of the heritage our city boasts. Yet when you consider the monumental impact that Guy Fawkes and his gunpowder plot had on Britain and its history, little is said of the relevance York played in the illustrious story.

Guy Fawkes was born in 1570 in the Stonegate area of the city. The exact spot holds some discrepancy; the plaque (pictured) sits on the wall outside what is now Cath Kidston on Stonegate, however the Guy Fawkes Inn around the corner also proudly boasts that Guy Fawkes was “Born Here 1570”. If asked, a surprising number of people have never even noticed these sites before. Fawkes was baptised in St Michael le Belfry church which is positioned just behind the Minster, and where his baptism record is displayed. He attended St Peter’s school where he met many of his fellow gunpowder conspirators. It is now a school tradition that the pupils and teachers of St Peter’s refrain from burning the customary guys on bonfire night so as not to advocate burning effigies of Old Boys.

Fawkes was born into a period of strengthened Catholic resistance, much of which centred here in York, and he quickly became devoted to the cause. Inspired by the brutal case of Margaret Clitherow who was famously executed on Ouse Bridge for harbouring priests in a secret room in her home on the Shambles, Fawkes joined the Spanish armed forces in fighting the Catholic cause at the age of twenty-one, by which point his treasonous plan had already been fostered.

So although most people think of London when they think of Guy Fawkes, his notorious story that had the potential to change British history forever all started off here in York.

Disappointingly, the City of York doesn’t actually do fireworks very well. You’re more likely to find the locals crammed into the Guy Fawkes Inn supping a pint on November 5th, than you are to find them round a bonfire oohing and aaahing up at the sky. Within the city walls, no displays are planned, but here are your options close (ish) by:

• Perhaps the most famous of all the displays is the York Maze display. Unfortunately tickets are all sold out now, but if you’re desperate for a glimpse, go stand at the No.4 bus stop at Heslington East 8pm tonight and look South Eastwards.
• The Old Manor School in Boroughbridge Road is having a firework display, although this is quite out of the way to get to, being past Acomb towards Poppleton.
• Perhaps easier to get to is the display at Greenfields School (near York Hospital).
• If you’re willing to go further afield, Selby, Harrogate and Scarborough are all promising excellent displays, as well as 6 different parks in Leeds.

Have a great Fireworks Night and stay safe!

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