Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis fronts Guy Fawkes series
Matthew Lewis is set to explore the truth and conspiracies behind the Gunpowder Plot.
Matthew Lewis is fronting a new Guy Fawkes series for the BBC.
The former Harry Potter actor, who played Neville Longbottom in the original film series based on JK Rowling's wizarding novels, is teaming up with BBC Local and BBC Radio York for a new podcast called Gunpowder and Treason: The Real Guy Fawkes.
Leeds-born star Matthew said: "I’ve always been fascinated by history and felt that I already knew as much as there was to know about the Gunpowder Plot.
"Working on this series I discovered so many new elements, particularly with regard to the Yorkshire roots of the conspiracy. Much of which is still visible in the county today, if you know where to look.
"For those unaware of the story, this should be a rollercoaster of a ride, and for those that think themselves familiar with it, I’m sure there’ll be more than a few surprises.
"From desperate and audacious adventure to macabre and gruesome reality. As they say, it’s a story we should remember."
The three-part podcast from Secret North Yorkshire is available from today (30.10.26) on BBC Sounds, and explores the events of 1605 "from a fresh perspective", promising "new evidence, hidden family histories and the lasting legacy of one of Britain's most infamous conspiracies".
The BBC teased: "The podcast questions how well we really know the famous story of bonfire night, asking was Guy Fawkes really the mastermind behind it all, or was he, in fact, set up all along?"
The programme will explore the theory that Fawkes was used by plotters for his military skills before "becoming the face of a conspiracy that involved many others".
The broadcaster added: "At the heart of the story is Yorkshire itself and the series visits several historic locations across the county.
"Guy Fawkes was born in York, and nearby Ripley Castle has connections to the conspiracy.
"Its owner, Sir Thomas Ingilby, investigates his family’s historic links to the plot, while Tony Beacock, a descendant of Gunpowder Plotters John and Christopher Wright, explores the brothers’ role in the conspiracy.
"At the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, the series examines Fawkes’ military experience whilst a visit to York’s Bar Convent uncovers a grizzly tail that gives a glimpse into the religious persecution of the time. (sic)"
The programme has arrived just days before Bonfire Night on November 5, which is celebrated annually across the UK with fireworks and effigies.
Chris Burns, Head of Local Audio Commissioning, added: “This is exactly what BBC Local does best, uncovering remarkable stories hidden within our communities and bringing them to life through the voices of the people most closely connected to them.
"This podcast offers a fresh perspective on one of the most famous events in British history.”
