Tuesday, 3 November 2026
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The Guardian World· World

Law behind Bonfire Night among records sent from parliament to National Archives

Collection gems include 1605 Thanksgiving Act passed after Guy Fawkes’s failure and the longest act in the archivesAs Bonfire Night approaches and firework displays light up the UK, in a file on a shelf in the labyrinthine National Archives can be found a flat vellum page, inscribed in exquisite calligraphy, and the origin of this week’s explosive celebrations.The 1605 Thanksgiving Act was passed

Published Tuesday, 3 November 2026 at 08:00
Law behind Bonfire Night among records sent from parliament to National Archives
Collection gems include 1605 Thanksgiving Act passed after Guy Fawkes’s failure and the longest act in the archivesAs Bonfire Night approaches and firework displays light up the UK, in a file on a shelf in the labyrinthine National Archives can be found a flat vellum page, inscribed in exquisite calligraphy, and the origin of this week’s explosive celebrations.The 1605 Thanksgiving Act was passed by James I after Guy Fawkes’s failure to assassinate the king, the Lords and the Commons, at the opening of parliament that year. Continue reading...

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