THE DUKE OF MONMOUTH | The return of King Charles II & Restoration England

James Scott, the Duke of Monmouth was the illegitimate son of King Charles II and Lucy Walter. He was born whilst his parents were in exile in the Netherlands whilst England was experiencing the Interregnum under Oliver Cromwell. Monmouth would be snatched from his mother and taken to England during the restoration of his father to the throne.

Even though a young boy, he was plunged into a military career and saw service with his uncle, James Duke of York. Following naval service, he joined the army and went from strength to strength to finally become Captain General. He also gained famed on the continent when he was a hero at the Siege of Maastricht, fighting alongside John Churchill, the future Duke of Marlborough and Captain D'Artangan.

But he was soon to become involved in political scandal such as the Rye House Plot and the Green Ribbon Club. A war of words over the succession meant that he was seen as the Protestant Duke versus his uncle, the Catholic Duke.

But England was too hot for him and he fled into exile, but terrible news followed bad. Early in 1685, his father died and his uncle, his enemy became king. Pushed an goaded into a rebellion, Monmouth with a tiny force invaded England and raised an army. Despite some initial successes, he was turned away from Bristol and found himself surrounded in Bridgwater.

Deciding on a night attack against the pursuing royalist army, his final battle at Sedgemoor failed. His army was destroyed. Dragged to London in front of his uncle, he received no mercy and was gruesomely beheaded by Jack Ketch. His death would be followed by Judge Jeffreys and the Bloody Assizes. So Monmouth's life was not a quiet one. He had true potential and had a gift for leadership and popularity. But he was let down by his illegitimacy and his at times, weak character.

But he is still, one of my all time heroes!

In this second episode, we see the kidnapped boy brought to restoration England as his father is crowned Charles II. He will be showered with gifts, titles and honours as well as being flung into the scandalous and vice-filled Stuart court.

He will get married, as well as begin his military career. A career which begins under his uncle, James Duke of York, High Admiral of the fleet. The man, who one day would sign Monmouth's death warrant!

For the mystery of the black box - THE DUKE OF MONMOUTH & THE MYSTERY OF...
For the Bloody Assizes and Judge Jeffreys - Wells, the Bloody Assizes & the Monmo...

#history #dukeofmonmouth #monmouthrebellion