The Guy Fawkes House

In the run up to Warwickshire Open Studios 2021 things were getting really exciting. Art in Dunchurch was to become a reality once again having been pandemically-postponed the year before. In honour of the event Dazzler18 had some thinking time to create something that would portray the pretty village of Dunchurch at its quintessential and historic best. What better than a portrayal of that arch drude of ‘treasonous’ intent - Guido Fawkes - himself?

Dunchurch, for those that don’t know, was the hot bed of activity of the famous gunpowder plotters determined to return England to its previous Catholic ways. As one of the main plotters, Guido (or Guy) was to amass gunpowder kegs under the network of tunnels under the Houses of Parliament in order to destroy the Protestant governance of King James on the state opening of Parliament, 5th November 1605. Then, alongside the other plotters of Robert Catesby and co., the plan was to kidnap the young Princess Elizabeth (James’ daughter), who was being educated at Coombe Abbey a few miles away past Brinklow en route to Coventry, and convert her to Catholicism. There is some evidence that the plotters met at the house which at that time was called ‘The Lion Inn’ (and sometimes the ‘Red Lion’) in order to plan their deadly deed; and Guido was meant to rendezvous with them post Boom to stir up rebellion in the Midlands and spread it round good and proper. Dunchurch was on a key road that intersected routes both North and South which made it an ideal meeting place. Of course, some sick, bum-licking King lovin’ dude snitched on Guido, the bombs never went off and the plotters were rounded up, often horribly tortured and killed. The rest, they say, is history…

This scene depicts the beautifully black-timbered Guy Fawkes House opposite the village green. Guido takes his place proudly on the Lord John Scott statue (which incidentally gets an annual fancy dress make over each Christmas by the never-seen Dunchurch fairies), foot on keg holding a Dazzler18 special in his left hand, with sword in the right. Those with a keen eye will recognise the V for Vendetta reference. In honour of its former name, Parsley the Lion from The Herbs, (quite possibly the most peaceful and laid back of lions that there ever was) peeks out meekly from behind the roof and chimneys. The scene contains many Dunchurch references including a titular spin on Dunchurch’s ongoing reputation for gold medal winning floral excellence… Dazzler18 presents you with Dunchurch in Boom. Oh, and there are some fireworks thrown in for good measure.