The intrigues of the Gunpowder Plot are associated with Gayhurst House, for the mansion was once owned by Sir Everard Digby, one of the principal conspirators. An accomplished musician, and perhaps the finest swordsman of his day, he had been told of the Plot in October, 1605 at a meeting with Robert Catesby at Harrowden, near Wellingborough, and, agreeing to provide £1,500 to buy gunpowder, he became a willing participant. He was then appointed as Commander of the Warwickshire Rising, such that in the wake of the event this would rally under the guise of a hunting party and seize the King’s daughter at Combe Abbey. However, when the Plot was discovered the conspirators had to flee for their lives, and Digby was captured at Holbeach, Staffordshire. Brought for trial at Westminster Hall, on being sentenced he addressed the bench with a bow, and saying that ‘If I could hear any of your Lordships say you forgive me, I should go more cheerfully to the gallows’, was met with the response ‘God forgive you, and we do.’ Digby was then dragged through the streets of London on a hurdle to St. Paul’s courtyard to be hung, drawn and quartered and, by a macabre tradition, when the executioner plucked out his heart he held it high and proclaimed ‘Here is the heart of a traitor.’ With his final breath Digby replied ‘Thou lyest.’ His remains were exhibited on Tower Hill, and of all the conspirators he alone had confessed and accepted all blame. He was just 28.