The Yateley Gunpowder Plot Myths

Pages prepared by Peter Tipton

There have been persistant local rumours for more than two centuries that Monteagle House played a leading role in the Gunpowder Plot. This story appears to have been taught in local schools, has appeared in official publications, and is repeated in recently published local histories of Yateley. Even roads in a newly built housing estate called Monteagle Park have been named after characters in the Gunpowder Plot.

The Myths

There are various legends connecting Monteagle House with the Gunpowder Plot. One version claims that the Plot was hatched at Monteagle House, another that it was here that Lord Monteagle received the anonymous letter which revealed the plot.

Yet another version of the legend claims that the gunpowder intended to be used to blow up Parliament had previously been hidden in the cellars of Monteagle House.

All versions claim that Monteagle House was owned by Lord Monteagle at the time of the Plot in 1605, and that is why the house is named after him.

Where did these myths come from and what are the facts?

The Gunpowder Plot in a nutshell

Sources for the Yateley Gunpowder Plot Myth

Why the Yateley Plot Myth is wrong

Possible explanation of the Yateley Myth

The Essex Rebellion in a nutshell

Was Lord Monteagle ever in Yateley?

Was Monteagle House even built in 1605?

I have spent the last 30 years trying to prove connections with Lord Monteagle and the Gunpowder Plot. This is the present sum of all this research so what is my current verdict?

VERDICT: Yateley had no connection with the Gunpowder Plot ...

but there appears to be good circumstantial evidence that Lord Monteagle could well have rented Monteagle House around 1600 before he was enobled

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