Introduction
London, November 4, 1605. You are a spy for Robert Cecil. An anonymous letter warns that someone will blow up Parliament tomorrow. The King will be there. Your mission: investigate clues, identify the culprit, and decide – warn the King or let the plot happen?
Task
By the end of this WebQuest you will:
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Decode a secret message (using a simple cipher).
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Identify the main conspirator.
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Find the hidden gunpowder on a map.
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Write a 3‑sentence report: “Arrest them” or “Let the explosion happen”.
Process
Step 1: Read the background
Open this short BBC article:
🔗 Gunpowder Plot
Step 2: Decode the letter
Use this simple substitution cipher (A=1, B=2, etc.).
The coded name is: 7-21-25 6-1-23-11-5-19 → ?
👉 Insert the words into the link and open it:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes
Step 3: Explore the map
Open this interactive map of Westminster Palace (1605):
🔗 National Archives UK – Gunpowder Plot map
Click on the “cellar” – where was the gunpowder hidden? How many barrels do you see?
Step 4: Watch a short video
🔗 The Gunpowder Plot
Then discuss: What would happen if the plot succeeded? Name some key facts from the video. Write your report.
Evaluation
| Criteria | 1 point (Beginner) | 2 points (Agent) | 3 points (Master Spy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decoding | Wrong name | Correct name | Correct name + opened the link |
| Map task | Location not found | Cellar found | Cellar + how many barrels (36) |
| Video understanding | No key facts | 1-2 facts | 3+ facts (date, king, result) |
| Final report | No decision | Decision without reason | Clear decision + 2 reasons |
Max 12 points.
10-12 = “Secret Service Medal”
7-9 = “Probation”
<7 = “Training needed”
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have uncovered one of Britain’s most famous plots. Today, every November 5th, Britons burn a Guy Fawkes effigy and say: “Remember, remember the 5th of November.” The plot led to stricter anti‑Catholic laws. Would you have made the same choice as King James? Share your report with your class.