Our front page for November 5 — written and set by The Yesterday Times from the events below. Not an archival document.
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On November 5 in 1605, 421 years ago, Guy Fawkes Seized in Parliament Cellars With 36 Barrels of Powder. This page reports 12 stories from the date, 25 people born on this day.
The stories in full
Westminster Intelligence
1605 — Guy Fawkes Seized in Parliament Cellars With 36 Barrels of Powder
Guy Fawkes was captured in Parliament's undercroft with 36 barrels of gunpowder on the morning of November 5, after an October 26 warning letter prompted a cellar search on the evening of the 4th, exposing a plot to destroy the House of Lords during the State Opening and revealing eight conspirators beyond their slain leader Robert Catesby.
The undercroft beneath the House of Lords where the gunpowder was hidden — William Capon
LONDON, November 5 — Guy Fawkes, a man of dark purposes and darker faith, was this morning haled from the undercroft beneath the House of Lords, where he stood watch beside 36 barrels of gunpowder sufficient to reduce that chamber to rubble and destroy the King and nobility assembled for this day's Parliament.
The discovery came upon the evening of the 4th instant, when the Lord Chamberlain's men, acting upon intelligence received, searched the vaults and found the fellow booted and cloaked, slow match in hand, ready to fire the train that would have ended Protestant England.
The warning that preserved the Crown came by anonymous letter to William Parker, Baron Monteagle, on the 26th of October past; his lordship, showing prudence, conveyed it to the Council. The missive spoke of a terrible blow to be struck at Parliament, and so the cellars were searched and the villain taken.
The design was to have blown the House of Lords during the State Opening this very day, killing King James and his heirs and plunging the realm into Catholic chaos. The conspirators, it is now known, are eight in number besides their leader, one Robert Catesby, who was shot dead at Holbeche House in Worcestershire on Friday making defiance against the Sheriff.
Guy Fawkes was discovered guarding 36 barrels of gunpowder during a search of the House of Lords on the evening of 4 November 1605.
The gunpowder was enough to reduce the House of Lords to rubble, according to the source.
An anonymous letter of warning was sent to William Parker, 4th Baron Monteagle, on 26 October 1605, who showed it to authorities.
Eight surviving conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, were convicted and sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered on 27 January 1606.
Robert Catesby, the plot's leader, was shot and killed during a last stand at Holbeche House against the Sheriff of Worcestershire.
1940 — Roosevelt First President Ever Elected to Third Term
Roosevelt, 58, marks the first time in the Republic's 151 years that a President has won a third term, ending the two-term limit followed since Washington.
The president whose third-term victory broke a century-old precedent — Wikimedia Commons
WASHINGTON, November 5 — For the first time in the 151 years of the Republic, the American people have elected a President to a third term. Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 58-year-old Democrat from Hyde Park, New York, shattered today the two-term precedent established by George Washington and observed by every successor since.
The returns from today's balloting give Mr. Roosevelt a decisive margin over Wendell Willkie, the Republican challenger, confirming what pollsters had predicted. The victory extends New Deal control of the White House into unprecedented territory.
No Chief Executive has sought or won a third term since the founding generation.
Franklin D. Roosevelt is the first and only President of the United States to be elected to a third term.
2013 — India Launches First Interplanetary Probe to Mars on PSLV-XL Rocket From Andhra Pradesh
India's ₹450-crore probe, approved on 3 August 2012 after ₹125 crore in studies, launched on November 5 aboard PSLV-XL C25.
The Mars Orbiter Mission probe approaches the red planet — Nesnad
SRIHARIKOTA, Andhra Pradesh, November 5 — The Indian Space Research Organisation launched the Mars Orbiter Mission today, India's first interplanetary probe, from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre aboard a PSLV-XL rocket C25.
The mission, approved by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 3 August 2012 after ISRO completed ₹125 crore of required studies, carries a price tag of approximately ₹450 crore (US$73 million), making it the least-expensive Mars mission to date.
The Mars Orbiter Mission lifted off from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh using a PSLV-XL rocket C25.
ISRO became the fourth space agency to achieve Mars orbit, after the Soviet space program, NASA, and the European Space Agency.
The mission cost approximately ₹450 crore (US$73 million), making it the least-expensive Mars mission to date.
The orbiter irrecoverably lost communications with Earth after entering a seven-hour eclipse period in April 2022 that it was not designed to survive.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh approved the project on 3 August 2012 after ISRO completed ₹125 crore of required studies.
2024 — Trump Wins Non-Consecutive Second Term, First in 132 Years
Donald Trump becomes the first president since Grover Cleveland in 1892 to reclaim the White House after losing it.
The president-elect in a formal portrait session — Daniel Torok
WASHINGTON, November 5 — The president-elect in a formal portrait session, Donald Trump stood victorious tonight as the first man in 132 years to win a non-consecutive second term, breaking a streak of single-term or consecutive reelections that stretched back to Grover Cleveland's return to the White House in 1892.
The 2024 election restores Mr. Trump to the presidency he lost four years ago, a feat unmatched since Cleveland defeated Benjamin Harrison to reclaim the office he had surrendered in 1888. No president since that Gilded Age contest has managed to lose the White House and win it back.
The 132-year gap underscores how rare this path to power has been in American politics. Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th president, remains the only other man to serve two separated terms; Mr. Trump now becomes the 45th and 47th.
Returns from battleground states delivered the electoral majority tonight, confirming what forecasters had projected. The victory defies the modern pattern of incumbency and interruption that has governed presidential succession for more than a century.
Mr. Trump, 78, will take the oath in January as the oldest president ever elected, surpassing the record he set upon his first inauguration in 2017. His return to power after the defeat of 2020 reverses the customary pattern of American political retirement.
Donald Trump becomes the first president of the United States to be elected to a non-consecutive second term in 132 years, since Grover Cleveland won the 1892 election.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov. 5 — The mobile phone business faces its most serious shake-up in years. Google today unveiled Android, an open-source operating system built to power handsets from multiple manufacturers and break the grip of proprietary software on the market.
The announcement confirms months of speculation that the search company would make a direct play for the pocket. Unlike rivals that lock their code, Google will let any phone builder use Android without charge. The first Android handset sits on a table at the press event, a sleek prototype meant to show carriers what is possible.
Google has lined up thirty-four partners, including handset makers Motorola and Samsung and carriers Sprint and T-Mobile. The software integrates Google services from the start.
The Android mobile operating system is unveiled by Google.
1996 — Clinton Wins Second Term, Becomes First Democrat Re-elected Since FDR
The president becomes only the second Democrat this century to win a second term, and the first since Roosevelt to do so.
The president addresses supporters at an Ohio campaign rally — President (1993-2001
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 — In an era of diminished political trust, the American electorate has again placed its faith in a candidate who promised to feel their pain. Bill Clinton was reelected President of the United States tonight, becoming the first Democrat since Franklin D. Roosevelt to win a second term and only the second overall in this century.
The president addresses supporters at an Ohio campaign rally after victory became clear.
Bill Clinton is reelected President of the United States.
The former vice president takes 37th office — Wallace carries five states — Chicago violence shadows the count
NEW YORK, Nov. 5 — Richard Nixon is elected 37th President of the United States, completing a remarkable political resurrection that began with his 1962 defeat for California governor.
Richard Nixon is elected as 37th President of the United States.
The New Jersey governor becomes 28th president — Roosevelt splits Republican vote — Taft falls to third
PRINCETON, N.J., Nov. 5 — Woodrow Wilson is elected the 28th President of the United States, defeating incumbent William Howard Taft in a four-way contest that shattered the Republican coalition.
Woodrow Wilson is elected the 28th President of the United States, defeating incumbent William Howard Taft.
2006 — Saddam Hussein Sentenced to Death in Al-Dujail Trial
Former Iraqi president and two co-defendants face hanging for 1982 massacre of 148 Shia Muslims.
BAGHDAD, Nov. 5 — Saddam Hussein, the former president of Iraq, was sentenced to death today for his role in the 1982 massacre of 148 Shia Muslims in the town of al-Dujail.
Saddam Hussein, the former president of Iraq, and his co-defendants Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti and Awad Hamed al-Bandar, are sentenced to death in the al-Dujail trial for their roles in the 1982 massacre of 148 Shia Muslims.
1872 — Susan B. Anthony Fined $100 for Illegal Vote
Suffragist defies federal law in Rochester — punishment sets stage for national test of women's citizenship rights.
ROCHESTER, N.Y., Nov. 5 — The $100 fine imposed upon Miss Susan B. Anthony has placed the question of woman suffrage squarely before the federal courts. She had cast her ballot November 2 at the Eighth Ward polling place here, telling inspectors she possessed the same citizenship rights as male voters. The fine remains unpaid.
Women's suffrage in the United States: In defiance of the law, suffragist Susan B. Anthony votes for the first time, and is later fined $100.
1556 — Mughal Forces Capture and Execute Hindu Emperor Hemu at Panipat
Akbar claims title of Ghazi as 10,000 cavalry overcome 30,000 horse and 500 armored elephants — severed head sent to Kabul, body gibbeted at Delhi.
DELHI, Nov. 5 — The struggle for Hindustan that has convulsed the north since the death of Sher Shah has ended with the decisive victory of the young Timurid prince Akbar and the fall of the upstart Hindu emperor Hemu.
Hemu was wounded by a chance arrow and fell unconscious during the battle.
Hemu was captured and subsequently beheaded by Akbar, who assumed the title of Ghazi.
The Mughal army was led by Ali Quli Khan Shaibani with a 10,000-strong cavalry force.
Hemu's army included a 30,000-strong cavalry and 500 war elephants, each protected by plate armour.
Hemu's head was sent to Kabul to be hanged outside Delhi Darwaja, while his body was gibbeted in Purana Quila, Delhi.
1913Vivien LeighVivian Mary Olivier, known professionally as Vivien Leigh and styled as Lady Olivier after 1947, was a British actress.
1988Virat Kohli(38 this year)Virat Kohli is an Indian international cricketer and former all-format captain of the Indian national cricket team.
1892J. B. S. HaldaneJohn Burdon Sanderson Haldane, nicknamed "Jack" or "JBS", was a British-born scientist and polymath, and a foundational figure in the modern synthesis of evolutionary biology.
1943Sam ShepardSamuel Shepard Rogers III was an American playwright, actor, director, screenwriter, author and musician whose career spanned half a century.
1955Kris Jenner(71 this year)Kristen Mary Jenner is an American media personality, socialite, and businesswoman.
1818Benjamin ButlerBenjamin Franklin Butler was an American major general of the Union Army, politician, lawyer, and businessman from Massachusetts.
1946Gram ParsonsIngram Cecil Connor III, known professionally as Gram Parsons, was an American musician.
1271GhazanMahmud Ghazan was the seventh ruler of the Ilkhanate from 1295 to 1304, division of the Mongol Empire based in modern-day Iran.
1607Anna Maria van SchurmanAnna Maria van Schurman was a Dutch painter, engraver, poet, classical scholar, philosopher, and feminist writer who is best known for her exceptional learning and her defence of female education.
1846Duncan Gordon BoyesDuncan Gordon Boyes VC was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
1881George A. MalcolmGeorge Arthur Malcolm was an American lawyer who emerged as an influential figure in the development of the practice of law in the Philippines in the 20th century.
1901Martin Dies, Jr.Martin Dies Jr., also known as Martin Dies Sr., was a Texas politician and a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives.
1906Endre KabosEndre Kabos was a Hungarian sabre fencer.
1911Marie Osborne YeatsMarie Osborne Yeats, credited as Baby Marie between 1914 and 1919, was an American actress who was the first major child star of American silent films.
1917James Lawton Collins Jr.James Lawton Collins Jr. was a brigadier general in the U.S. Army who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, a military historian, and a viticulturist.
1922Cecil H. UnderwoodCecil Harland Underwood was an American politician who served as the 25th and 32nd governor of West Virginia from 1957 to 1961, and again from 1997 to 2001.
1935Lester PiggottLester Keith Piggott was an English professional jockey and horse trainer.
1945Peter Pace(81 this year)Peter Pace is a retired United States Marine Corps general who served as the 16th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
1949Armin Shimerman(77 this year)Armin Shimerman is an American actor who played Quark the Ferengi in the Star Trek franchise, appearing as the character in all seven seasons of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993–1999).
1953Joyce Maynard(73 this year)Joyce Maynard is an American novelist and journalist.
1955Karan Thapar(71 this year)Karan Thapar is an Indian journalist, news presenter and interviewer working with The Wire.
1955Bernard Chazelle(71 this year)Bernard Chazelle is a French computer scientist.
1963Brian Wheat(63 this year)Tesla is an American hard rock band from Sacramento, California.
1965Angelo Moore(61 this year)Angelo Christopher Moore is an American musician, best known for his work as lead singer and saxophonist for the Los Angeles ska and funk metal band Fishbone.
1967Judy Reyes(59 this year)Judy Reyes is an American actress, model, and producer, best known for her roles as Carla Espinosa on the NBC/ABC medical comedy series Scrubs, as Zoila Diaz in the Lifetime comedy-drama Devious Maids (2013–2016), as Annalise "Quiet Ann" Zayas in the TNT crime comedy-drama Claws (2017–2022), and as Selena Soto in ABC crime drama series High Potential (2024–).
Quote of the Day
“I celebrate myself, and sing myself.” — Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass
November 5 History Quiz
Which U.S. president was elected to an unprecedented third term on November 5, 1940?
Franklin D. Roosevelt
In 1605, Guy Fawkes was arrested for attempting to blow up which British institution?
Westminster Palace
Which U.S. president won a non-consecutive second term on November 5, 2024?
Every event on this page was picked by hand from the historical record, written up as a news report, and checked against its source. Photographs are matched to the event they illustrate and verified before they are used. Sources are linked on each story.
“Last Train To Clarksville”, 
Valley of the Dolls, Jacqueline Susann
“You Light Up My Life”, 
The Silmarillion, J. R. R. Tolkien
“Islands In The Stream”, 
“I'll Make Love To You”, 
Insomnia, Stephen King
“Gold Digger”, 
Knife of Dreams, Robert Jordan
The Best of Me, Nicholas Sparks
Long Shadows, David Baldacci
