Guy Fawkes’ Alleged Lantern, Linked to Gunpowder Plot, Exhibited in Oxford

An artifact, identified as a lantern purportedly used by Guy Fawkes during his apprehension, is currently exhibited at a museum. This item is accessible for viewing at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, over four centuries after the Gunpowder Plot was thwarted on November 5, 1605. Fawkes was taken into custody within the cellars beneath the Houses of Parliament, where he intended to detonate explosives targeting King James I. Xa Sturgis, the museum director, stated that the lantern would have “held the candle that was going to light the fuse, that was going to blow up Parliament.” He further commented, “There are lots of museums with items like this that claim to be Mary Antoinette’s slipper or Queen Elizabeth’s handkerchief – but this is almost certainly that lantern.” He elaborated on its authenticity, noting its early arrival in Oxford. “It arrived in the collection at Oxford in 1641, it was given by the brother of the man who arrested Guy Fawkes under Parliament and so that’s as good a provenance as you can get.” Mr. Sturgis expressed that it was “exciting” to feature the lantern at the institution. He added, “It’s a very particular lantern because it has a mechanism within it that allows you to shut off the light.” He suggested, “He could have been hiding down there with the flame of the candle concealed in the dark and so that’s a lantern designed for such a conspiracy.” For updates, BBC Oxfordshire can be followed on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. This content is copyrighted by BBC, 2024. All rights are reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding the BBC’s policy on external linking is available.