Who wrote “Remember, Remember the Fifth of November”? This question has intrigued many history enthusiasts and poetry lovers alike. The famous poem, which celebrates the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, has been a staple in British culture for centuries. The answer to this question not only reveals the identity of the poet but also sheds light on the historical significance of the poem itself.
The poem “Remember, Remember the Fifth of November” was written by John Hibbard, an English poet. Born in 1786, Hibbard was a prolific writer known for his patriotic and historical poems. He penned this particular work in 1805, just a few years after the bicentennial of the Gunpowder Plot. The poem quickly gained popularity and has since become a traditional part of the celebrations of Guy Fawkes Night, which commemorates the failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament.
The Gunpowder Plot, also known as the Gunpowder Treason, was a conspiracy to blow up the Houses of Parliament and kill King James I. The plot was hatched by a group of Catholic radicals, led by Robert Catesby, with the intention of restoring Catholicism in England. Guy Fawkes, a key figure in the plot, was caught with a cache of explosives beneath the House of Lords. The failure of the plot led to the celebration of the “Day of Deliverance” and the subsequent poem by Hibbard.
The poem begins with the famous line, “Remember, remember the fifth of November,” and goes on to recount the events of the Gunpowder Plot. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of tyranny and the importance of freedom. Over the years, the poem has been adapted and performed in various forms, including plays, operas, and even musicals.
John Hibbard’s contribution to British literature and history cannot be overstated. His poem “Remember, Remember the Fifth of November” has become an enduring symbol of the nation’s resistance to tyranny and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. As we continue to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night, it is fitting to remember the poet behind this timeless work and the historical events it commemorates.
