AS the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot approaches, Coughton Court will be marking its own part in the history of the chain of events that brought about the tradition of Bonfire Night...

IN November 1605, a small group of conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, planned to assassinate King James I, along with most of the country's nobles, bishops and Members of Parliament.

The plan involved hiding 36 barrels of gunpowder under the House of Lords, to be detonated during the state opening of Parliament on November 5.

Coughton Court (pictured) was home to a leading Catholic family, the Throckmortons, who had rented it out to one of the plotters, Sir Everard Digby.

Chief conspirator Robert Catesby's mother was a member of the Throckmorton family and Digby's role in the plot was to manage the Midlands operations.

Digby's wife and a group of supporters were waiting at Coughton when they heard Fawkes had been caught with the fuses clutched in his hands and the plot had failed.

The group fled to Dunchurch, Warwickshire, then Holbeach House, Staffordshire. As they tried to dry out some sodden gunpowder in front of an open fire, an accidental explosion left several severely wounded.

Seeing it as a sign God had deserted them, several - including Digby - deserted their friends.

The Sheriffs of Worcestershire and Warwickshire arrived the following morning, surrounding the house. Several plotters were killed and the others were caught and imprisoned in Worcester jail before being transported to London to await trial.

The remainder were gradually caught and on January 27, 1606, Fawkes and his fellow conspirators who were still alive were found guilty of high treason and sentenced to death.

On January 30, Digby and three others were dragged through the streets of London before being hung, drawn and quartered in front of the crowds in St Paul's Courtyard.

The next day, other plotters including Guy Fawkes were also hung, drawn and quartered at Westminster.

The traitors' heads were put on spikes as "prey to the fowls of the air", a grim warning to others who may threaten the king or his government.

Although none of the conspirators were burned, the tradition was begun on November 5 to hold a bonfire and light fireworks - starting the 400-year-old annual celebration.

An exhibiton detailing the Gunpowder Plot and its association with Coughton Court is on show at the stately home.

Entrance is free with a House and Gardens ticket.

Historia Theatre Company will also present a new drama, Five Eleven, which compares the Gunpowder Plot to modern terrorism.

The premiere will be staged at Coughton Court on Saturday.

Tickets are available on 01789 400702.

Supper tickets are available at £30 for the play and supper (children £15) and £15 for just the play (children £10).