In 1605, the Gunpowder Plot was foiled — a daring plan by Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate King James I. Their discovery sparked nationwide relief and celebrations that continue today as Guy Fawkes Day, with fireworks and bonfires marking the night England narrowly escaped disaster.

Nicholas Owen, a Jesuit martyr, built secret priest holes to hide clergy in Tudor England—his genius saved lives, but cost him his own.