Remember, remember, the 5th of November,

Gunpowder, treason and plot.

I see no reason

Why gunpowder treason

Should ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent

To blow up the King and the Parliament

Three score barrels of powder below

Poor old England to overthrow

By God's providence he was catch'd

With a dark lantern and burning match

Holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring

Holler boys, holler boys

God save the King!

​

​

​

Hereford Times - 22nd November 1851

KNIGHTON

FIFTH OF NOVEMBER. - On the memorable Guy Fawkes' night, this town was in the greatest tumult ever known; fire-balls and sticks of burning wood were flying in all directions to the great annoyance of all the respectable inhabitants. About eleven o'clock at night a mob of the very dregs of the town congregated and bid defiance to all law. We think it high time these lawless proceedings was put a stop to.

 

Hereford Times - 13th November 1852

KNIGHTON

GUY  FAWKES' DAY. - Yesterday se'nnight the effigy of Guy Fawkes was exhibited through the streets of this town, amidst the groans and hisses of a mob, being illuminated with torches, and saluted with squibs, crackers, and a discharge of pistols, guns, &c. It was conveyed to a bonfire which had been made near the late Town Hall; and, after going through the usual ceremonies, the effigy was committed to the devouring element, and soon disappeared. The throwing of fire balls then commenced, spreading fear and alarm wherever they appeared. One of them having been randomly thrown, broke a pane in the window of the sitting-room of Mr. Phillips, druggist; and the flame of the fire-ball caused the curtain to ignite and communicate to the carpet, but fortunately timely aid being instantly on the spot, the fire was extinguished before any further damage was done. We sincerely hope that the police and legal authorities will, upon future occasions, use their authority to put down such dangerous practices, and thereby protect the lives and property of her Majesty's subjects.

 

Hereford Times - 11th November 1854

KNIGHTON

THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER.—Through the exertions of P.C. Constance, Guy Fawkes' celebration was not allowed to be held in our streets in the old fashion, to the terror of a great many of the inhabitants. In order, however, to afford all reasonable facilities for the sports, the police got Permission to have the fire-works let off in a meadow adjoining the town, belonging to the Chandos Arms Hotel. The lovers of the sport adjourned thither accordingly on Monday evening, after parading the streets with an effigy of the Emperor of Russia, who on  this occasion occupied the post of our ancient foe, "Guy."

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Nicholas I, Russian emperor (1825–1855)

​

The reason Nicholas I, Russian emperor was used as a 'Guy' for fireworks night in 1854 was because he led Russia into the Crimean War (1853–56) with disastrous results, Russia lost to the British, French, Turkish and the Kingdom of Sardinia forces.

​

In 1875 an Act of Parliament was passed on the use of Fireworks.

 

Section 80 of the Act - Penalty for throwing fireworks in thoroughfare.

 

If any person throw, cast, or fire any fireworks in or into any highway, street, thoroughfare or public place, he shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

 

The fine for level 5 today is Unlimited (for offences committed after 13 March 2015)

 

Shrewsbury Chronicle - 12 November 1880

KNIGHTON

THE "FIFTH"--The youth of the town of Knighton were quite on the qui vive on Friday evening in anticipation of the pyrotechnic display kindly promised them by Mr. W. P. Campbell, of the Norton Arms Hotel. This gentleman, as in former years, was most energetic in his endeavours to provide an enjoyable evening's amusement for all who cared to celebrate the good old custom, and actively "remember the fifth of November." Through his exertions a fair sum of money was contributed by local gentlemen and tradesman, thus enabling him to fire a very creditable display of rockets, Roman candles, and other piece, which were thoroughly enjoyed by all present. Mr. Campbell also put his field at the disposal of the small boys, who delighted themselves to their hearts content.

​

Wellington Journal - 13th November 1880

GUY FAWKES' DAY. —The juveniles of Knighton were highly pleased on the evening of the 5th with a display of fireworks, by Messrs. Campbell, Buckley, and Banks, in Mr. Campbell's meadow. There was also a good display of fireworks in Kinsley Quarry, but unfortunately three lads were burned with powder—one very severely.

 

Wellington Journal - 12th November 1881

THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER.-The celebration of Guy Fawkes' night, at Knighton, was not of so lively a character as on previous years; nevertheless there was in the back streets and thoroughfares, especially in Kinsley Road, a little show of keeping the observance up. In Broad Street some rockets, squibs, &c ,were let off by those who enjoy the sport.

 

Hereford Times - 11th November 1882

KNIGHTON

"GUNPOWDER PLOT."—The attempt to blow up the King and Parliament by gunpowder was commemorated on  Monday evening in this town by the discharging of crackers and other fireworks, and by a procession of a number of youths bearing blazing torches. The drum and fife band headed the procession, playing a tune which has now become quite familiar to the inhabitants.

 

Wellington Journal - 10th November 1883

LETTNG OFF FIREWORKS.—Edwin Lewis, of Knighton, a lad, was charged by Police-constable Price with letting off crackers in Market Street on the 9th October.—Defendant was discharged with a caution.

GUY  FAWKES DAY. —This event was celebrated here as usual. A torchlight procession was formed in Market Street, and was headed by the Knighton Drum-and-Fife Band, under the able leadership of Mr. J. H. J. Rocke. It was witnessed by a large number of spectators. Squibs, rockets, &c., were discharged until a late hour.

 

Radnorshire Advertiser - 13th November 1885

GUY  FAWKES' DAY. — This day was commemorated in Knighton, by a torchlight procession, passing through the principal streets of the town, headed by a drum and fife band, and the rest of the evening was spent in letting off various kinds of fireworks.

 

Radnorshire Advertiser - 8th November 1889

GUY  FAWKES' DAY. — This celebration was duly observed here on Tuesday night last. A torchlight procession was formed, headed by the Drum and Fife Band, not omitting the inevitable effigies, and paraded the principal streets of the town. Afterwards they proceeded to an open space near Kinsley, where the effigies were consigned to the flames, and they had to smoulder under the influence of sweet music, which was discoursed by the band near to the scene. A large number of persons witnessed the conflagration, and fireworks were rattling in all directions. With careful training and attention to their music Knighton will soon have an efficient drum and fife band.

 

Radnor Express - 13th November 1902

GUY  FAWKES' DAY. — There was no organised demonstration in commemoration of the gunpowder plot, but, as in former years, there was an occasional discharge of fireworks in different parts of the town.

 

Letting off Fireworks

It is a common misconception that you can only let fireworks off on or around Guy Fawkes. You can in fact let fireworks off any time of year and any day of the week including Sundays, but you must let them between 7am and before 11pm.

 

Exceptions to the 11pm rule are:

 

November 5th (Bonfire Night / Guy Fawkes): You can let fireworks off until midnight.

 

December 31st (New Year’s Eve): You can let fireworks off until 1am.

 

Diwali : You can let fireworks off until 1am.

 

Chinese New Year : You can let fireworks off until 1am.

 

The full law for Fireworks can be  seen here:- Fireworks and UK Law

 

 

​

​