The King's soldier catching Guy Fawkes in his treasonous plot

Remember Remember

Remember, remember, the fifth of November,
The Gunpowder, Treason and Plot.
I know of no reason why the Gunpowder Treason,
Should ever be forgot.

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Posted in All Rhymes, Historical & Traditional, Moral & Lesson, People & Characters

Tagged history, naughty, November, remembering, treason

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Meaning

“Remember, Remember” is a British folk verse recited each year on November 5th—Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night—to commemorate the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, in which Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament. The rhyme acts as a cautionary reminder against treason and celebrates the thwarting of the plot.

Origin

The rhyme was first documented in the 17th century, soon after the Gunpowder Plot, though variations of it have appeared over the centuries. It evolved from folk memory and public celebrations that marked the event with bonfires, fireworks, and effigies (“guys”) of Fawkes.

Time Period

Originating around 1605–1606, the rhyme was subsequently popularized in songbooks, ballads, and public celebrations throughout the UK, and has remained a part of British tradition for over four centuries.

Why It Became Popular

Its memorable, rhythmic lines, historical focus, and association with an annual national event helped fix it in the collective memory. The spectacle of Bonfire Night, with communal bonfires and fireworks, ensures its continued presence in British culture.

Structure and Style

Meter: Rhythmic iambs and trochees, suited for chanting or recitation
Rhyme Scheme: Irregular but driven by repetition and rhyme for emphasis
Line Count: Varies by version; typically 5 to 16 lines in popular forms
Style Notes: Narrative, historical, cautionary

Themes

Treason and justice
National memory
Cautionary tales
Public celebration

Language Notes

The rhyme uses accessible language and striking imagery (“dark lantern and burning match,” “three-score barrels of powder”) to relay the shocking nature of the plot and its capture. Older English forms like “catch’d” and “Parli’ment” reflect historical usage.

Moral or Lesson

The verse promotes vigilance against treason and frames the historical event as a lesson of national unity and security, warning not to forget the dangers of subversion.

Historical or Cultural Notes

The rhyme is chanted at Bonfire Night events across the UK, often as effigies of Guy Fawkes are burnt atop large bonfires and fireworks fill the sky. The tradition continues to this day, often accompanied by discussion of the history and legacy of civil dissent.

Notable Variants

Shorter versions exist (“Please to remember the Fifth of November…”), and many add lines urging punishment for conspirators or commentary on justice.

Appearances in Media or Literature

The rhyme appears in literature (notably “V for Vendetta“), educational programs, history books, and pop culture tied to Guy Fawkes Night and its iconic masks.

Suggested Activities

Recitation: Recite or perform the rhyme during Bonfire Night events or history lessons.
Art Project: Create artwork depicting bonfires, Guy Fawkes, or Parliament.
Discussion: Explore the Gunpowder Plot, English history, and the role of public memory.
Creative Writing: Write a poem or story imagining the night of November 5, 1605.

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