Podcast Summary: "Fireworks: From the Tudors to Guy Fawkes"

Introduction

In the episode titled "Fireworks: From the Tudors to Guy Fawkes," hosted by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb on the "Not Just the Tudors" podcast from History Hit, listeners are taken on an illuminating journey through the history of fireworks in England. The episode delves into the origins, evolution, and cultural significance of pyrotechnics from the Tudor era up to the infamous Gunpowder Plot, featuring insights from guest John Withington, a seasoned journalist and author of A History of Fireworks: From Their Origins to the Present Day.

Early Fireworks in England

Professor Lipscomb begins by setting the stage for the discussion, highlighting the inaugural use of fireworks in England. She notes, “the coronation of Elizabeth of York in 1487” marked England’s first recorded firework display, tying it to the significant historical context of the Wars of the Roses ending with Henry VII’s victory. John Withington elaborates on this:

“The first account that I could find of a firework display in Europe, a major firework display, was in 1379 at Vicenza in Italy... the first account that I found about fireworks in England was 1487, the coronation of Elizabeth of York.” (03:52)

This event featured a dragon-shaped barge emitting fire, establishing the Thames as a favored venue for future displays and setting dragons as a popular motif in early fireworks.

Distinctiveness of Early Fireworks

The conversation shifts to the contrast between historical and modern fireworks. Withington explains that early displays, often conducted in daylight, lacked the vibrant effects achievable at night:

“...the fireworks probably weren't that bright. It was about the early 19th century when they discovered a chemical called potassium chlorate that the brightness of colors really appeared.” (05:38)

He also recounts the grand spectacle at the Field of the Cloth of Gold in 1520, where Henry VIII and Francis I of France showcased fireworks to demonstrate their might and foster diplomatic relations.

Symbolism and Political Use

Fireworks were not merely for entertainment; they served as symbols of power and prestige. Professor Lipscomb asks whether fireworks demonstrated the right to rule and English supremacy, to which Withington responds affirmatively:

“They’re certainly intended to enhance the prestige of the monarch and the ruler.” (07:45)

He highlights the use of fantastical elements like "green men"—monstrous wild men casting fire—as part of the displays, drawing from Celtic and pagan mythology to add layers of symbolism and awe.

The Green Man: A Symbolic Figure

The Green Man, often seen in cathedrals and linked to fireworks, embodies the intersection of mythology and spectacle. Withington suggests:

“They were appearing, for example, as characters in English drama by about the 1570s... it's possible that there were no major firework displays where you didn't have a Green man in those days.” (09:30)

This figure became an enduring symbol within the pyrotechnic community, symbolizing the blend of natural mythology with elaborate displays.

Origins Linked to Warfare

The origins of fireworks are discussed, emphasizing their ties to military advancements. Withington traces fireworks back to ancient China and notes:

“Warfare was a major... stimulant to the development of fireworks as it has been to so many other technologies.” (10:06)

He explains how gunpowder innovations for warfare inadvertently propelled the evolution of fireworks for public spectacles.

Establishment of Fire Masters under Elizabeth I

Elizabeth I was a patron of fireworks, appointing her own fire masters to oversee grand displays. Withington details the role of the fire master as the "fireworks supremo," often a military man responsible for orchestrating large ceremonies:

“Elizabeth seems to have absolutely loved fireworks... He put on this display... which set fire to a house and killed a family.” (11:30)

Despite a tragic accident during a display at Warwick Castle, Elizabeth continued to support and expand the use of fireworks in royal festivities.

Grand Firework Displays and Royal Patronage

The episode recounts notable displays, such as Robert Dudley’s elaborate fireworks at Kenilworth Castle. These spectacles were not only entertainment but also political statements, showcasing power and attempting to court favor with the Queen.

“...fireworks could be seen 20 miles away. But as we know, if there was a proposal and didn’t stick, he married someone else and she never married at all.” (14:16)

Bonfire Night and the Gunpowder Plot

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Bonfire Night, commemorating the 1605 Gunpowder Plot. Withington traces the origins and evolution of this tradition:

“From 1605, it was decreed that the failure of the plot must be celebrated every year... by 1632, Bonfire Night was being associated with disorder...” (17:56)

He explains how Bonfire Night became intertwined with celebrations, disorder, and later, public participation in smaller firework displays, sometimes leading to chaos and accidents.

Public Participation and Firework Manufacturing

The transition from royal displays to public participation is explored, highlighting how fireworks became accessible, albeit often dangerous, to ordinary people:

“They certainly were involved in the firework displays... People were certainly making their own fireworks.” (24:02)

Withington discusses the cottage industry nature of firework manufacturing, marked by frequent explosions and lack of regulation until the 19th century.

Impact of the Great Fire of London on Firework Regulations

While largely unrelated, the Great Fire of London led to a ban on firework making within the city:

“In 1666, yes, firework making was banned in the City of London... it drove firework making underground.” (25:53)

This prohibition inadvertently pushed firework production into unregulated, clandestine operations, complicating safety and governance.

Regulation and Safety Innovations

The 19th century brought efforts to regulate and make firework manufacturing safer. Charles Brock, a prominent figure in firework history, pioneered methods to minimize accidents:

“He did things like he had what they called dispersals... he was regarded as quite a pioneer.” (28:14)

These innovations laid the groundwork for modern safety standards in pyrotechnics.

International Comparisons and One-Upmanship

Withington compares English fireworks to those of other European powers, noting that Italy and Germany were leaders in firework innovation due to their fragmented political structures fostering competition:

“...Italy was divided into all of these small states, each with its own ruling family, each putting on firework displays.” (28:36)

By the 19th century, Britain had emerged as a world leader in fireworks, rivaling the grand displays of Louis XIV’s Versailles.

Universal Function of Fireworks: Spectacle and Triumph

Despite varying cultural and political contexts, fireworks consistently served as tools for spectacle and triumph across different courts and eras:

“...big firework displays were put on then... when the 1530s... major occasions, royal occasions, so births, marriages, coronations, also things like victories.” (30:38)

Their universal appeal lay in their ability to awe and inspire, reinforcing the power and prestige of those who commissioned them.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Professor Lipscomb encouraging listeners to explore John Withington’s comprehensive book for an even deeper dive into the history of fireworks. The discussion underscores fireworks' enduring role as symbols of power, celebration, and technological innovation from the Tudor period to modern times.

Notable Quotes

• John Withington (03:52): “The first account that I could find of a firework display in Europe... was 1487, the coronation of Elizabeth of York.”

• John Withington (05:38): “It was about the early 19th century when they discovered a chemical called potassium chlorate that the brightness of colors really appeared.”

• John Withington (07:45): “They’re certainly intended to enhance the prestige of the monarch and the ruler.”

• John Withington (09:30): “They were appearing... as characters in English drama by about the 1570s... no major firework displays where you didn't have a Green man.”

• John Withington (11:30): “Elizabeth seems to have absolutely loved fireworks... set fire to a house and killed a family.”

• John Withington (14:16): “Fireworks could be seen 20 miles away... he married someone else and she never married at all.”

• John Withington (17:56): “Bonfire Night was being associated with disorder... inextricably mixed up with the night ever since it appeared.”

• John Withington (24:02): “People were certainly making their own fireworks... cottage industry.”

• John Withington (25:53): “Firework making was banned in the City of London... drove firework making underground.”

• John Withington (28:14): “He did things like he had what they called dispersals... quite a pioneer.”

• John Withington (28:36): “Italy was divided into all of these small states, each with its own ruling family...”

• John Withington (30:38): “...big firework displays were put on then... victories.”

Final Thoughts

"Fireworks: From the Tudors to Guy Fawkes" offers a captivating exploration of the intricate history and multifaceted role of fireworks in English society. Through expert analysis and engaging storytelling, Professor Lipscomb and John Withington illuminate how fireworks have been intertwined with political power, cultural expression, and technological advancement over the centuries. This episode is a must-listen for history enthusiasts interested in the vibrant legacy of pyrotechnics.