WELCOME! THE GUNPOWDER PLOT A contemporary engraving of eight of the Gunpowder Plot conspirators 1605: This year on the fifth of November was discovered that horrid plot, commonly called Gunpowder Treason ; by which Catesby and some few others his accomplices designed to have blown up the parliament house; which, though it were indeed a most wicked and detestable enterprise (for which the conspirators were justly punished) is most unjustly urged against catholics in general. For why should the wickedness of a handful of men, whose doings were both then, and ever since, abhorred by the whole body of catholics, both at home and abroad, be laid to the charge of such as had no more hand in the guilt, than the apostles had in the treason of Judas? 'Tis more than probable that this was originally a ministerial plot, set on foot by Cecil, then secretary of state. "Some have been of opinion," says the author of the Political Grammar , lately published, p. 46. "that the gun...