Absolutely correct. He was one of a group of conspirators who plotted to assassinate King James I on the opening day of Parliament in 1605 by setting off a large cache of gunpowder in the basement. The plot was uncovered, and Fawkes was executed.

Guy Fawkes day is celebrated in England by both opponents and proponents of the movement. Opponents celebrate it as a quashing of insurrection. Proponents celebrate it as a valiant attempt to establish equality before the law for all British subjects.

The holiday is celebrated on November 5 each year on "Bon Fire Night" on which effigies of Fawkes are burned. It is similar to our Halloween on which British children knock on doors and ask for "A penny for the Guy".

The movement was immortalized in the nursery rhyme...

                    "Remember, remember the fifth of November,
                     The gunpowder treason and plot,
                     I know of no reason
                     Why the gunpowder treason
                     Should ever be forgot."

Recommended movie of related interest..."V...For Vendetta" in which the main character orchestrates explosions of protest to the canon fire of the 1812 Overture. It has a great ending with a modern interpretation of a viking funeral.  All that was missing was the dead dog at the decedent's feet.

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