London. The Gunpowder Plot (also known as the Jesuit Treason) deals a mortal blow to the Catholic cause in England. At the opening of Parliament, 36 barrels of gunpowder were hidden in the Westminster vaults, which were intended to blow up the king, his family, and all members of Parliament during the inaugural session. The plotters were discovered and executed. The plot was hatched on May 20, 1604, by Robert Catesby, who argued that all peaceful avenues to achieve a policy of tolerance for Catholics had already been exhausted; in the face of unrelenting persecution, only violence remained. His initial companions were Thomas Winter, Jack Wright, Thomas Percy, and Guy Fawkes. The five plotters were later joined by Thomas Bates, Robert Keyes, Robert Wintour, Christopher Wright, John Grant, Ambrose Rookwood, Everard Digby, and Francis Tresham. The plan was revealed by a mysterious letter, now preserved in the Public Record Office, delivered to Lord Monteagle on October 26 and presented to the king on Friday, November 1, 1605. On the night of November 4, Fawkes was found in possession of thirty-six barrels of gunpowder; he was then arrested and tortured. The conspirators were subsequently hanged, and Fawkes was quartered after his death.
