Key Events
1603
ASCENSION OF JAMES I
James I, the son of Mary, Queen of Scots, becomes king of England. He has already been king of Scotland for 35 years. He succeeds Elizabeth I, who died childless, and his ascension marks the beginning of the Stuart period.
Although Fawkes has become the most well known, the plot was actually led by Robert Catesby.
1605
THE GUNPOWDER PLOT
Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators attempt to assassinate James I by blowing up Parliament. The intention is to try and establish a Catholic monarchy in England. However, the plan comes to nothing when the conspirators are caught before it can be carried out.
Miraculously only six people were killed during the Great Fire of London.