Guy Fawkes is known as the figurehead of the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. He, and several other conspirators, attempted to assassinate King James I during Parliament’s state opening by blowing the building up. The goal was religious freedom, as all the plotters were Catholics and were harshly oppressed. Fawkes lives on in the famous “anonymous” mask, now unfortunately used by internet trolls. Guy Fawkes Day is also celebrated to commemorate the failure of the plot, with a huge bonfire!