Thursday, 6 November 2025

A possible relic of the Gunpowder Plot


Yesterday was the anniversary of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot and its failed attempt to blow up the King, Lords and Commons at the State Opening.
 
The BBC News website had a tropical story with a report about a gold ring found by a metal detector close to the Warwickshire birthplace of the leader of the Plot, Robert Catesby. The house was later occupied by another of the conspirators, John Wright. Wright and his brother Christopher had been at school with Guy Fawkes in York, and were killed in November 8th alongside Catesby at Holbeche House in Staffordshire in the immediate aftermath of the discovery of Fawkes and the gunpowder at Westminster. 

On the inside of the ring is an inscription about being a friend in deed that could well be linked to the Plot, if “deed” is taken to mean the act of blowing up Parliament.

The ring is due to be auctioned next month. One would hope it goes to a public collection where it can be displayed.


Wikipedia has biographies of Catesby and the Wright brothers at Robert Catesby and at John and Christopher Wright


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