Commercial Square Bonfire Society

Welcome to the official site of Commercial Square Bonfire Society. Formed in 1855, CSBS are one of the oldest bonfire societies in the world. This year is an exciting one for us because not only is it the 400th anniversary of the gunpowder plot itself but it is also our 150th anniversary as a bonfire society. For many years our headquarters have been the Elephant & Castle public house in White Hill, Lewes. From here we plan our November the Fifth celebrations and on the night it is here that we form up for each of the processions through the town.
	Great pride is taken by all of our members as we parade through the streets on the Fifth. Our American Indian pioneer costumes are spectacular in their number and variety. These costumes were first worn in the late 1800's by a number of our members who had returned from America after working on constructing the great American rail network. Their experience of the persecution of native Americans led them to create these costumes as a sign of respect for the Indians and act as a form of protest against their persecution. Our second pioneer costumes from the period of the American Civil War together with our strong contingent of Smugglers form the bulk of
our torchlit procession. Intermingled with these are a vast range of other costumes including Egyptian, Medieaval, Georgian, Victorian, First & Second World War to name but a few. The sight of our 850 society members, each carrying a flaming torch through the streets of Lewes, together with our numerous badges, banners and set pieces is truly a sight to behold. Our traditional bonfire celebrations climax at our firesite late in the evening where, led by our Archbishop and his Clergy, we burn effigies of Guy Fawkes and Pope Paul V. Our topical tableaux and aerial firework display are second to none.
	Lewes is not a place for the faint hearted on November 5th. This night belongs to Bonfire, to it's traditions, to fire and noise, to those of us who are not afraid to remember and celebrate things long past. We, along with all of the other societies, conduct the celebrations for ourselves. Large crowds are an unwelcome addition to our evening and the fewer people that come into Lewes on the night, the better! If you do wish to come have fun but be prepared and be safe. You come to Lewes at your own risk and we cannot be held reponsible for any misfortunes that you suffer on the night.
	Bonfire Prayers Remember Remember The Fifth of November The Gunpowder Treason and Plot I see no reason why Gunpowder Treason Should ever be forgot Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes 'twas his intent To blow up the King and the Parliament Three score barrels of powder below Poor old England to overthrow By Gods providence he was catched With a dark lantern and burning match Holloa boys Holloa boys ring bells ring Holloa boys Holloa boys God save the King Hip, Hip, Hooray Hip, Hip, Hooray Hip, Hip, Hooray A penny loaf to feed old Pope A farthing cheese to choke him A pint of beer to rinse it down A faggot of sticks to burn him Burn him in a tub of tar Burn him like a blazing star Burn his body from his head Then we'll say old Pope is dead Hip, Hip, Hooray Hip, Hip, Hooray Hip, Hip, Hooray What shall we do with him? BURN HIM!