James I was the English king targeted by the Gunpowder Plot commemorated on Bonfire Night.
James became king of England in 1603 after already ruling Scotland as James VI. His accession united the crowns of England and Scotland under one monarch, although the two kingdoms remained separate states. Catholic conspirators hoped his rule would bring greater religious tolerance, but some became disillusioned with his policies.
Robert Catesby and his fellow plotters planned to kill James, his ministers and both Houses of Parliament by exploding gunpowder beneath the House of Lords. The attack was scheduled for the State Opening of Parliament on 5 November 1605.
James’s government treated the discovery as evidence of a major Catholic threat. The king’s survival was celebrated with bonfires, and the annual observance became linked to loyalty to the Protestant monarchy. James is also known as James VI and I because he was James VI of Scotland and James I of England.