November 5 is Guy Fawkes day! What is taught in schools now? Was he a "notorious traitor", or a "revolutionary hero"? Or has he become just a grey person of history neither good or bad?

Dear Korvo One,

When I was teaching cytology at the University of Washington in the 1970's, Seattle, I would always bring up Guy Fawkes' Day for special commemoration... but it was just a special twist, a break from the usual!

I did not put any special spin of hero or traitor; it was a plot to blow up the British Parliament with King James I inside, and with his death restore the monarchy to Catholicism. This sabotage was to have taken place on November 5, 1605...but was thwarted just the night before.

Folks instead had bonfires on that night, celebrating that the king did not get killed. And they have done so ever since, even to this day.

For pure erudition, go read Virginia's answer again.

She only missed one point. Because of his love for the Cathoilic Church and his attempt to build the world's first religiously-motivated IED Pope Whatzis XXII had him beatified and canonised, and he is now St. Guy of Fawkes, the patron saint of pyrotechnicians.

I'm older than dirt and had never heard of him until his mask became popular in the movie V for Vendetta.

American here.  I've heard of him, mostly thru reading outside of school.  He was tied into a plot (The Gunpowder Plot) to blow up Parliament.  And that is all I know. 

I agree with Hippy and Rooster.

Virginia is correct, I am not sure what is taught in schools now, Fawkes wasn't alone he was just the guy tasked to plant the charges. He wasn't burned he was executed.

Bonfire night actually comes from a Pagan background just like Halloween.

https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2013/oct/31/halloween-traditions-pagan-rituals-bonfire-night

Today I think people are more familiar with V for Vendetta than Guy Fawkes.

I have to agree with Hippy as I had never heard of him either. Hard to answer your question by looking him up also. Sorry.

I live in Canada and the only thing I know about Guy Fawkes day is I've never heard of it.