Gunpowder, Treason and Plot at Holbeche House

Did you know? Holbeche House is the final resting place for some of those involved in the Gunpowder plot of 1605. Although many of us think the end of the plot was 5th November when the infamous Guy Fawkes was arrested in the cellars at the Houses of Parliament after the attempted assassination of King James. A number of his fellow plotters in fact actually fled up North where they met their end at Holbeche House on the 7th November.

Unbeknown to most, Guy Fawkes was just the ‘hit man’ of the whole operation. Robert Catesby was the central character in the plot who led his men up to the West Midlands where they hid at Holbeche House. In tow with them, they had a store of weapons and gunpowder which became wet from the rain. Perhaps from lack of knowledge, they thought the best way to dry out the gunpowder was to put it in front of the fire. The fire sparked and caused a huge explosion which injured many.

The explosion attracted attention and Holbeche House was surrounded the next day. Catesby died from his injuries as well as a number of others, some were arrested and others continued to flee around the country.

This part of the plot will be shown in the third episode of the BBC Drama ‘Gunpowder’ starring Kit Harrington, Liv Tyler and Mark Gatiss

Although much of the original building was destroyed in the explosion, evidence from it still remains at Holbeche House where bullet marks can be seen on the walls from the stand-off. There is also a priest hole in the home that is on display for all to see. It was thought that this was a tunnel made by the plotters in an attempt of escape, but it was in fact just used for water storage under the house.

The home will also feature on the third episode of another BBC Programme called ‘Elizabeth I’s Secret Agents’ which details the plot from a difference perspective.

For more information about Holbeche House Care Home, please visit their home page.