Thomas Percy, Catesby's friend and John Wright's…

Thomas Percy, Catesby's friend and John Wright's brother-in-law, is introduced to the plot.

Percy had found employment with his kinsman the Earl of Northumberland, and by 1596 was his agent for the family's northern estates.

He had served in about 1600–1601 with his patron in the Low Countries.

At some point during Northumberland's command in the Low Countries, Percy had become his agent in his communications with James.

Percy is reputedly a "serious" character who had converted to the Catholic faith.

His early years were, according to a Catholic source, marked by a tendency to rely on "his sword and personal courage".

Northumberland, although not a Catholic himself, plans to build a strong relationship with James in order to better the prospects of English Catholics, and to reduce the family disgrace caused by his separation from his wife Martha Wright, a favorite of Elizabeth.

Thomas Percy's meetings with James had seemed to go well.

Percy had returned with promises of support for the Catholics, and Northumberland had believed that James would go so far as allowing Mass in private houses, so as not to cause public offense.

Percy however, keen to improve his standing, had gone further, claiming that the future King would guarantee the safety of English Catholics.

The first meeting between the five conspirators takes place on May 20, 1604, probably at the Duck and Drake inn, just off the Strand, Thomas Wintour's usual residence when staying in London.

Catesby, Thomas Wintour, and John Wright are in attendance, joined by Guy Fawkes and Thomas Percy.

Alone in a private room, the five plotters swear an oath of secrecy on a prayer book.

By coincidence, and ignorant of the plot, Father John Gerard (a friend of Catesby's) is celebrating Mass in another room, and the five men subsequently receive the Eucharist.

Following their oath, the plotters leave London and return to their homes.