7/ With effigies traditionally burnt of Guy Fawkes and Pope Paul V (Pope during the Marian persecutions), more recently Lewes Bonfire has been known to host more contemporary effigies of political figures.

6/ By the 1850s celebrations began to take form of how it is today, with the creation of Bonfire societies, creating more of an order to the conduct of the event, each with procession routes, bonfire sites and firework demonstrations on the edges of the town.

5/ Historically the celebrations on the 5th became host to the manifestation of nationwide stirrings, where groups of young men known as Bonfire boys would protest and riot. In 1847 the police were sent from London to stop the Bonfire boys after a local magistrate was injured in 1846.

4/ Although the celebrations remember Guy Fawkes’ foiled attempt to blow up the House of Lords, Lewes also commemorates the execution of 17 protestant martyrs from the town by Mary I from 1555-1557, represented by 17 burning crosses during the processions.

3/ Yet today, Lewes is famously known for its historic bonfire night celebrations. On the 5th, the population quadruples in size, hosting a lengthy procession of lit torches, flaming tar barrels, and burning effigies. [MY IMAGE]

2/ In 1264, the Battle of Lewes took place, with the army of Simon de Monfort defeating Henry III. You can read more about the Battle and its aftermath here: historyofparliament.com/2014/05/14/s...