Shakespeare had personal connections to the Gunpowder Plot.
The head conspirator was Robert Catesby, whose father was good friends with Shakespeare’s father. They shared illegal Catholic writings, which were found in the attic of Shakespeare’s father.
The Mermaid Tavern in London, where Shakespeare often visited, was the preferred meeting place of the conspirators.
In his next play, Macbeth, Shakespeare demonstrates his loyalty to King James and distances himself from the conspiracy.
It is his only play set in Scotland, the homeland of King James.
King Duncan is portrayed as a good king, while Macbeth is portrayed as a murderous and ambitious traitor.
King James was believed to be a descendant of Banquo and Fleance, who appear in the play.
Interesting trivia:
The British still celebrate Guy Fawkes Day (or Bonfire Night), in memory of the most notorious conspirator.
The well-known phrase, “Remember, remember the 5th of November” is a reference to a song about the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
