“Remember, remember the Fifth of November” or “Please to Remember” are variations of a nursery rhyme that commemorates the day in 1605 when a group of Roman Catholics, including Guy Fawkes, were caught in the act of trying to blow up the Houses of Parliament with 36 barrels of gunpowder.
When news of the plot got out, Londoners were so relieved that the conspirators had been caught that they lit bonfires throughout the city as a celebration. Over the centuries, the celebrations have become more elaborate, and now fabulous firework displays are featured throughout England on November the 5th. Before that day, children make effigies of Guy Fawkes, which they take door to door asking for ‘A penny for the Guy’. On Bonfire Night, these Guys are traditionally burnt on top of a bonfire.
“Remember, Remember the Fifth of November” Lyrics
Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t’was his intent
To blow up the King and Parli’ment.
Three-score barrels of powder below
To prove old England’s overthrow;
By God’s providence he was catch’d
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Holla boys, Holla boys, let the bells ring.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!
And what should we do with him? Burn him!
“Please to Remember” Original version
Please to remember,
The Fifth of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot;
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
A popular children’s version to commemorate the 5th of November
Guy, guy, guy
Poke him in the eye,
Put him on the bonfire,
And there let him die