THE most explosive story in York's long history was brought to vivid life today, as the black sheep of the city returned to his old haunts.

A special walking tour telling the tale of Guy Fawkes was launched as part of a series of attractions marking the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot.

The new Guy Fawkes trail lets residents and tourists step back in time - and chart the footsteps of the 17th century conspirators.

A modern day Guy - York actor Gary Stephenson - made a "return visit" to Fawkes' old school of St Peter's to herald the launch.

Fawkes, who was born and educated in the city, was one of the main conspirators in the plot to blow up Parliament and King James I on November 5, 1605. It was famously foiled and the date quickly became a public holiday, launching the tradition of Bonfire Night, when effigies of Fawkes are set ablaze.

Now, in a landmark year, the new trail asks key questions about York's notorious native: Who was Guy Fawkes? How did he get in involved in treason? What were the politics of the time? What happened to the last priest to offer communion in York's Shambles?

The quiz takes in his birthplace, school and other city landmarks involved in the saga, including Kings Manor, St Mary's Abbey, Lendal Tower, the city walls, Micklegate Bar, the Bar Convent, York Dungeon, and Shambles.

Tony Bennett, chair of the First Stop York Tourism Partnership, today hailed the trail.

He said: "This latest in the series of York's trails explores the life and times of one of York's most notorious citizens.

"Through this publication visitors and residents alike can enjoy the sites and buildings of 17th century York still visible today. And we're delighted so many businesses in York have worked with us to put on such a superb programme of events for Guy Fawkes 400."

An action-packed calendar - the Guy Fawkes 400 - will reach an exciting grand finale on November 5.

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of York Tourism Bureau, said: "Guy Fawkes 400 offers a host of new reasons to visit York in 2005, not just for the grand finale on November 5 but throughout the summer and autumn season."

:: Rhyme and treason at Fawkes-based festival

Fawkes-themed events include:

York-based national theatre company the Riding Lights perform Remember Remember The Tragedy Of The Gunpowder Terror, at the Friargate Theatre, Lower Friargate, York, between October 31 and November 5

The National Centre for Early Music hosts Ye Traitors All - Music From The Time Of The Gunpowder Plot, by York early music band, The York Waits, at 7.30pm on November 3

A concert by The King's Singers and Concordia - '1605 Treason and Dischord' - at York Minster on September 30, as part of a national tour for the Prince's Trust

Special exhibitions are running at Clifford's Tower and York Dungeon, with a whole host of extra events detailed in the new walking trail

On November 5 itself, a city centre celebration including pyrotechnics, street entertainers and fire breathers will hit the city and wow residents.

For more information about events, visit

www.guy-fawkes.org.uk

Updated: 10:32 Wednesday, August 10, 2005