Burning the Guy / 1848
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Burning the Guy / 1848
A large group of boys gather around the bonfire to watch their guy, which has been suspended from a tree, disappear in the flames
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 613411
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10090627
1848 Bonfire Burning Disappear Fawkes Flames Gather Suspended Watch
EDITORS COMMENTS
November 5, 1848: A Gathering of Boys Around the Bonfire, Witnessing the Burning of the Guy (Mary Evans Picture Library/Mary Evans) This evocative image captures the excitement and anticipation of a group of boys as they stand huddled around a bonfire on the chilly night of November 5, 1848. The boys' faces are illuminated by the flickering flames as they watch intently, their eyes fixed on the figure suspended from a tree above. This is the "Guy," a effigy made of old clothes, straw, and other materials, which represents Guy Fawkes, the notorious plotter of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. The annual tradition of burning the Guy on November 5th commemorates the discovery of the plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate King James I. The plot was foiled when the authorities found Guy Fawkes guarding the explosives in the cellar beneath the Parliament. Since then, the night of November 5th has been celebrated with bonfires and the burning of effigies as a way to remember the failed plot and to mark the safety and security of the monarchy and the state. The large crowd of boys in this photograph reflects the popularity of the tradition in the mid-19th century. The image also serves as a reminder of the rich historical customs and traditions that have shaped the identity of the British people over the centuries. The boys' joyful and carefree expressions add to the sense of community and camaraderie that this tradition fosters, making it a cherished part of the nation's cultural heritage. As the Guy begins to disappear in the flames, the boys cheer and laugh, their voices blending with the crackling of the fire and the roar of the crowd. This moment, captured in the photograph, encapsulates the spirit of the occasion and the enduring appeal of this age-old tradition.
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