programme 6 england s last battle the west … · programme 6 england’s last battle: the west...

PROGRAMME 6 ENGLAND’S LAST BATTLE: THE WEST COUNTRY Introduction

With Dorset, Devon and Somerset as the brilliant backdrop, this walk brings to life the events of the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685. You can view the rebellion as a coda to the English Civil War or the very first step towards the Glorious Revolution of 1689. One thing is certain though - it led to Sedgemoor, the very last pitched battle ever to take place on English soil. From Dorset’s Jurassic Coast to the battlefield on the Somerset Levels, this walk sticks largely to the route taken by the charismatic Duke of Monmouth and his rebel army on their march to Sedgemoor and their final stand against the army of James II.

.Walking Through History

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Day 1 Starting at the seaside village of Charmouth, we kick off along the South West Coast Path, through Lyme Regis where the Duke of Monmouth arrived from Holland. The afternoon is spent walking the Undercliff as far as the mouth of the River Axe.

Charmouth to Axmouth, via Lyme Regis (with option of Golden Cap) Distance: 9 miles (15 miles with Golden Cap)

Day 2 Today is largely spent zig-zagging up the route of the Axe Valley, starting with a visit to the quaint but rebellious town of Colyton, before moving on to the busier market and railway town of Axminster. We then leave the river and climb the East Devon hills to a high point at Bewley Down where the rebel army camped before dropping down into Somerset and an overnight stop at Chard.

Axmouth to Chard, via Colyton, Axminster and Bewley Down Distance: 19 miles

Day 3 The River Isle guides us north towards Ilminster, before we head west across the gentle Black Down Hills, following in the footsteps of the rebels to Somerset’s county town – Taunton. We overnight by the River Tone on the outskirts of Taunton at Creech St Michael.

Chard to Creech St Michael Distance: 20 miles (24 miles with Ilminster and Dillington Estate)

Day 4

The final day kicks off along the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, heading for the town of Bridgwater where Monmouth and the rebels spent their final nights. Then it’s out across the Somerset Levels following the route taken in the dark by the rebel army, on their way to confront the king’s troops near Westonzoyland village. From there, there’s an optional stroll to a final vista and a moment to reflect at the evocative Burrow Mump.

Creech St Michael to Westonzoyland, via Bridgwater Distance: 16 miles (20 miles with additional visit to Burrow Mump)

Please use OS Explorer Maps 116, 128 and 140 (1:25k) or OS Landranger Maps 193 and 182 (1:50k). All distances

are approximate.


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Today can be an easily accomplishable stroll along the South West Coast Path, lingering a little in Charmouth and Lyme Regis. But for those who can’t resist a challenge, there is Golden Cap. On a fine day, the views are spectacular. The Cap can be easily reached along the Coast Path from Charmouth. Simply follow signs heading east out of the village before returning to Charmouth the same way.

Day 1 – Places of Interest.s

Charmouth to Axmouth, via Lyme Regis Distance: 9 miles (15 miles with Golden Cap)

The Trouble with Charles…

To understand the Monmouth Rebellion, we need to understand a little about the West Country and the big issues of the late 17th century. The West Country at that time was a hotbed of anti-establishment sentiment, both in politics and religion. Many of the towns and villages had supported the parliamentarians in the civil war of 1642 and 1651. Like most of the country, the population was mainly protestant but the West Country in particular had witnessed an explosion of ‘protestant dissent’ as communities turned against the established Church of England. These non-conformists had thrived during the interregnum under the puritan Oliver Cromwell but had been persecuted since the Restoration of 1660, as Charles II sought to strengthen his rule through a re-invigorated Anglican Church. But if there was one thing worse than being forced to adhere to the established Church, it was the prospect that that Church might soon be Catholic. Charles II was justifiably rumoured to be a secret Catholic... Meanwhile, his brother and heir, James Duke of York, was a fully signed-up Catholic. And that spelled trouble.

From the Coast Heritage Centre and café on Charmouth Beach, we follow the South West Coast Path signs west towards Lyme Regis. Don’t be surprised when your route swings inland quite markedly. Recent cliff falls between Charmouth and Lyme mean the path is constantly having to be re-routed. Signage is nearly always very clear and up to date however along this well-used National Trail. The present route (autumn 2014) takes you across Lyme Regis Golf Club and through woods to some excellent views down on Lyme and the Cobb as you approach the town.


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James Duke of Monmouth

In February 1685, Charles II died suddenly and the events of this walk swiftly took off as Catholic James II ascended the throne. Even before Charles’ death, two potential protestant alternatives to James had become apparent. One was William of Orange, ruler of what we now know as the Netherlands. In the interconnected world of European rulers, he was not only James II’s nephew, but also his son-in-law by virtue of his marriage to James’ daughter Mary. The other candidate was James, Duke of Monmouth – the illegitimate son of Charles II via a short-lived romance with a beautiful welsh girl called Lucy Walter. An illegitimate son would never normally be a credible heir, but Monmouth had proved himself a hero on the battlefield, and a populist figure that the anti-Catholic movement could unite behind. His supporters boosted Monmouth’s credentials by spreading rumours that his parents had actually been married. They also encouraged Monmouth to make an immediate strike against the new king.

A Rebellion Begins

Just four months after his father Charles II’s death, the Duke of Monmouth sailed up the channel from his base in Holland on a mission to topple his uncle James II. He left Holland at the very end of May 1685, accompanied by a 32-gun frigate, two fishing vessels and just 83 men. He approached Lyme on 11 June, but had little idea what kind of reception he would receive. He was aware that the Cobb had been fortified with cannon since the time of Henry VIII, so he prudently sailed around the enclosed harbour and landed on the open beach just to the west, now known as Monmouth Beach. Upon landing, he theatrically kissed the ground and unfurled his banner which read ‘Fear Nothing But God’. The locals quickly recognized Monmouth as their protestant champion and cheered his arrival. It’s said that 60 men pledged their support straight away. Monmouth soon made a public declaration of his intention to free the country from the tyrant and usurper, James Duke of York, and over the next four days nearly 1500 more men from the local area joined what was now a genuine rebel army.

Lyme Regis is a bustling seaside town with a wealth of history and attractions. Look out for Monmouth Street – believed to be the site of a former hotel where the Duke slept – and the Town Hall where men from all over the area were recruited to join Monmouth’s rebel army. Head through town to the Cobb area. Just beyond Lyme’s most famous feature - the 14th century harbour - is the rather stony Monmouth Beach.


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Why the West Country?

Five years before the rebellion, in the summer of 1680, the Duke of Monmouth had carried out a profile-raising ‘PR tour’ of the West Country. It was orchestrated by his great mentor and promoter the Earl of Shaftesbury. Shaftesbury was a political heavyweight and leader of the non-conformist movement during Charles II’s reign. By 1685, Shaftesbury was dead, but without him it’s highly unlikely that Monmouth would have had the profile or credibility needed to launch the rebellion. Monmouth’s tour was a massive success and saw him courting the hospitality of almost every influential landowner between Bath and Exeter. He was welcomed as a royal figure, and a hero following his defeat of the Dutch at the Siege of Maastricht. More importantly he was confirmed as a serious alternative to the king’s hated Catholic brother – the future James II. In 1685, Monmouth was simply returning to where he believed his support was strongest.

We keep the sea firmly on our left until we’ve passed across the Axe Cliff Golf Course and down almost as far as the river mouth itself. Then simply turn right and follow the estuary to Axmouth. Those wishing to reduce tomorrow’s mileage may wish to push on to Colyford or Colyton.

Make sure you’re stocked up with water and snacks as once we leave Lyme; there’s very little until we reach Axmouth almost six miles away. The National Trust land known as The Wares is the best exit point from Lyme (and the point at which we pass into Devon), leading us back on the South West Coast Path and through the distinctive undergrowth of the Undercliff. This is a stretch of coast much changed since 1685. Several massive landslides, most famously in 1839, have created a new and almost untouched ecosystem along a ‘walker’s platform’ halfway between Devon-proper and the crashing sea below.


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Those wishing to reduce mileage this morning might like to cross the Axe to Seaton in order to ride the Seaton and District Electric Tramway to Colyton. Otherwise, head north from Axmouth along the B3172 until you pick up the footpath crossing the wide flood plain (and its road bridge) heading up the Coly valley to Colyton. This small town, with its excellent Heritage Centre, is well worth some time if you can spare it.

We head north east out of Colyton, past the terminus of the Electric Railway and along the narrow lane over Kingsdon Hill. Pass through Nunford Dairy and cross the Axe once again to Musbury. The direct route to Axminster is then to follow the old Trill Lane to Little Trill before rejoining the Fosse Way (A358) into the town. The more adventurous route adds almost 3 miles and involves climbing Mounthill Lane out of Musbury, past Hart Grove Farm and the disused railway line out of Lyme, to the plantation of Woodhouse Hill and the nature reserve of Trinity Hill. From here we can see Axminster clearly (as the rebels would have done) as we descend under the A35, past Old Park Farm and into Axminster.


Axmouth to Chard, via Colyton, Axminster and Bewley Down Distance: 19 miles The Most Rebellious Town in Devon

Colyton is not a large place today, but don’t let that deceive you. In the middle ages, the town was the fourth highest contributor of taxes in the county, all thanks to its bustling role in the cloth and wool trade. The magnificent 15th century lantern tower atop the parish church is evidence of local wealth. By 1685, the industry had created a local community stock full of skilled workers, merchants and craftsmen – who today would be regarded as ‘self-employed’ and ‘entrepreneurs’. They were independent in their thinking, progressively minded, and imbued with a spirit of direct action left over from the civil war. These were Monmouth’s kind of people.

One hundred and five men – a quarter of the adult male population of Colyton – put their lives and livelihoods on the line to join Monmouth’s army. Twenty local families risked two men, and one family – the Bagwells – sent six. Far from being the ‘pitchfork rebellion’, as it’s sometimes known, this was a rebellion filled with members of an emerging middle class. Why did they do it? For fifteen years or more these people had been persecuted by Charles II. They were all devout Protestants but didn’t subscribe to the old-fashioned and hierarchical ‘high church’ values being enforced by Charles and his Church of England. As non-conformists and dissenters they had been forced to worship in secret (often in local woodlands). Now they faced the greater threat of a new catholic king and all the connotations of absolute divine monarchy that brought with it. Europe, and France in particular, was being hit by a wave of anti-Protestant persecution, and there was a very real threat that England would slip the same way.


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Monmouth’s March Begins

The Duke of Monmouth spent four days in Lyme Regis, by which point he’d amassed a force of 1500 men. To succeed, his mission needed to continue gathering support so on Monday 15 June, he marched north out of Lyme. His intention was to secure a major base in the south west from which he could control affairs, but his first stop was just four miles north – Axminster. But he wouldn’t have things all his own way. By the time he left Lyme, the king was well aware of the situation. He declared Monmouth a traitor, and placed a colossal bounty of £5000 on the Duke’s head. His first line of defence – the county militia – were also called into action, and the Devon and Somerset branches were now heading to Axminster to confront the rebels. The county militia were well funded and equipped. On the downside, they were locally trained, part-time, and liable to share many of the rebels’ sentiments. The Duke of Albermarle, commander of the Devon militia, cancelled his advance to Axminster because of the perceived risk of rebel ambush along the local hedgerows. The Somerset militia heard this news and clearly got cold feet. The few militia men that did meet the rebels at Axminster, did so merely to join forces with them.

The Rebel Camp

It’s known that the rebel army made a camp on the ridge of high ground stretching north from Axminster. Bewley Down, a 250 metre highpoint, some 5 miles north of the town is almost certainly the spot they chose. It offers a fantastic vantage point over the surrounding farms, towns and villages and would have served as a further recruitment hub for a couple of days after leaving Lyme. Monmouth was well aware that he was on a ‘hearts and minds’ mission to win support from the local population. But this presented him with his greatest headache – how to feed and support his army (swiftly passing 2000 in number) without letting it ransack and pillage local areas for food, shelter and supplies. His solution was to keep them away from settlements as much as possible, sending organized delegations into towns to pay fair prices for produce. In reality, it seems plenty was ‘paid for’ on credit – payment only being forthcoming if and when Monmouth actually succeeded in toppling James II. Most rebels at the camp would have slept in the open with perhaps just one spare shirt by way of baggage and accessories. Many were armed with scythe blades – essentially an adapted farming implement. But muskets and horses were donated to the rebel movement as their march progressed.

From the triangulation point marking the top of Bewley Down, we take the footpath through the plantation passed Oatlands Farm to the beautifully-hidden hamlet of Wambrook. This stunning settlement is our first site in Somerset. Continue along the lane towards Chard turning right at the Red Post crossroads. There is then a footpath on the left that takes us down into Chard and the end of today’s walk.

Head out of Axminster down Castle Hill and over the railway line and river. Take a right and follow the footpath along the valley bottom to Smallridge. Coaxdon Hall – where Monmouth stayed having reached Axminster – is just nearby, but this is a private residence with no public access. Follow the narrow Smallridge Road uphill past Churchill and on up Brinscombe Lane until you reach a T-junction at a property called Selah. Turn right and follow the straight road along the ridge to the top of Bewley Down. From here, you should be able to look back all the way to Axmouth.


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After the River Isle this morning, we now have the Blackdown Hills as our backdrop. Head along the road to Horton Cross from the big roundabout, where a footpath can take you to Sugg’s Lane. At the top of the lane, cross the road with Broadway on your left, and continue up the footpath all the way to the tiny settlement of Windmill Hill. Opposite the Square & Compass pub we find a path leading downhill to a very straight road. Turn right along the road a short distance to find the Barrington Hill nature reserve, which offers wildflowers, rare grass species and views over Fight Field.

Day 3 – Places of Interest.s Chard to Creech St Michael Distance: 20 miles (24 miles with Ilminster and Dillington Estate)

The West Country Gentry

The Duke of Monmouth’s West Country tour, some five years before the rebellion took place, had been carefully designed to introduce him to the region’s most important figures. The success of that tour meant this was the most logical area for Monmouth to base his rebellion. He believed men like George Speke of the Dillington Estate, Edmund Prideaux of Forde Abbey and William Strode of Barrington Court were all very much on his side in the battle for turning the nation against the catholic James II. All these great manors are close to Ilminster, but as Monmouth and his army arrived in the town on 17 June, he already knew their support was proving far weaker than he’d hoped. Despite agreeing with his cause, the gentry were simply not prepared to put their necks quite literally on the line by rebelling against the new king. There was no question that James was the lawful king, however unpleasant that truth may be, and if there was one thing the civil war had proved it was to avoid messing with the royal succession at all costs. It had been one thing to welcome Monmouth as a guest in 1680… quite another to support him in an act of treason. Many of the gentry quietly supplied Monmouth with a few horses, or even some money, but this was far from the public backing that might have begun to tip the balance of national and political support in Monmouth’s favour.

The old railway line to Taunton is our path out of Chard. Head out of town on the old trackbed, past the Chard Reservoir which now serves as a nature reserve. Except for a half mile diversion after Peasmarsh Farm, the footpath sticks to the trackbed all the way to the edge of Ilminster. Those up for a few extra miles should branch right near Donyatt village, climb up and over Herne Hill and on into Ilminster. The market place is well worth a visit before finding the old gates to Dillington Estate on the eastern fringes of town. You can walk through the estate, once owned by the Speke family, and out through Winterhay Green before rejoining the main route at the A303 roundabout. The rest of us should stay on the trackbed until Park Farm, following the River Isle footpath to Rose Farm and a road crossing at the very busy A303 roundabout.


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Leave the nature reserve as you entered, back onto the straight road. Turn right and continue until you pick up the East Dene Way heading right up Curry Mallet Drove. Follow the Way for almost two miles to Boon’s Farm. Cross the road and head steadily uphill along footpaths to Stroud’s Farm. Then go steeply downhill through Thurlbear Wood to Stoke Court and Greenway Farm. There is there a much flatter path beside fields Broughton Farm. Head around the farm and continue north beside the Broughton Brook. At this point there’s a choice. The county town of Taunton is historically interesting but less than rural in its scenery. If you’d like to skip it all together there is a footpath across farmland passed Haydon, that roughly follows the route of the M5. This will lead you for two miles all the way to the River Tone and the approach to Creech St Michael. Otherwise follow the road system to the centre of Taunton where the old market area, Museum of Somerset and the soaring St Mary Magdalene Church are all of interest.

Fight Field

Monmouth and the bulk of his army passed through Ashill and the edge of the Blackdown Hills on 18 June, but the following day a rebel patrol of around 20 horsemen encountered another patrol of about 20 horsemen - it was the vanguard of the royal army. This unit was just a small section of the cavalry regiment dispatched by James II to contain Monmouth in the West Country. Commanding the regiment was Baron John Churchill, a local man from the Axe Valley and a brilliant young leader who had served under Monmouth. A skirmish took place next to what’s now called Venner’s Water at the foot of Barrington Hill nature reserve. Gunfire was exchanged and the rebels came out much the worse, suffering four fatalities.

King Monmouth

On Thursday 18 June, Monmouth, his officers and most of his army, marched into Taunton. They paraded up East Street to rapturous acclaim. This was an undoubted high point of the rebellion. It’s said so many people turned out to greet the Duke that he found it difficult to make his way along the street to the centre of town. The rebels stayed for two full days and many of the officers enjoyed their first nights in a bed since leaving Lyme. Many local men – perhaps 400 or more – joined the army. But Taunton also marked a significant shift of purpose for the rebellion. Up until this point, Monmouth had been careful to talk only of removing James II from the throne. Many of his supporters were of a republican leaning and he didn’t want to alienate them by

assuming that he himself would replace James. That tactic was now to end. Monmouth was very publically proclaimed king in the Market Cross area (now largely filled by The Market House in Fore Street). We can’t be sure quite what prompted this sudden action. Quite possibly, Monmouth was on a high from all the public acclaim. Quite possibly it was intended to make Monmouth appear more credible and therefore acceptable to the West Country gentry. What’s clear is that even some of Monmouth’s officers thought it was a risky plan. The proclamation was repeated at several other towns in the coming days and weeks. There were now two King James’ at the same time, so to avoid confusion the more recent arrival on the throne was known as ‘King Monmouth’.

Taunton is an obvious overnight spot for those that wish to spend a night in town. Otherwise, we continue north up North Street to (briefly) follow the West Deane Way as it follows the course of the River Tone. We keep the River Tone on our left until we’re out of town and beyond the M5. Tonight’s overnight can be in either Ruishton or Creech St Michael, both of which sit alongside the river.


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Leaving Creech St Michael we part company with the River Tone, and instead follow the Taunton & Bridgwater Canal. For the next 8 miles, navigation couldn’t be simpler as we follow the canal past locks, farms and villages all the way to Bridgwater. The Quantock Hills can be seen disappearing behind us, whilst the vast openness of the Somerset Levels develops on our right.

By the time the canal path approaches Bridgwater it has become the River Parrett Trail. We continue under the M5 once again, only stepping off the Trail to access the centre of town marked by the very obvious spire of St Mary’s Church. Having looked round the town centre, the easiest route out is to walk down the pedestrianised Fore Street and over the river until we can turn left down the Bath Road (A39). After a mile and a quarter, we cross the M5 one final time before taking a right off the main road into Bradney Lane. We are now very much in the Somerset Levels.


Creech St Michael to Burrow Mump, via Bridgwater and Westonzoyland Distance: 20 miles

Bristol – A Key Turning Point

Monmouth’s plan was always to secure a base in this region. If he could fortify his position in a key city, he and his followers would become very difficult to shift. Far and away the greatest prize in the south west was Bristol, so Monmouth drove his forces on, through the Mendips to the Avon valley. But valuable time had been wasted, particularly at Taunton, and by the time Monmouth reached Keynsham the city just downstream had been well protected by the Duke of Beaufort and his troops from the Welsh Marches.

Meanwhile the brilliant June weather of 1685 had deteriorated markedly and Monmouth’s 4000+ rebels were getting rained on day and night. John Churchill and his cavalry regiment constantly nipped at their heels. And to the east, the king’s full army was moving steadily in their direction. A major assault on Bristol now seemed out of the question. Having held the initiative in Taunton, in less than a week, Monmouth had now lost it. He took the decision to retrace his steps back to rural Somerset… where our walk rejoins his movements.


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Bridgwater and the Build Up to Battle

Having failed to capture Bristol, the rebel army marched into Bridgwater on 3 July 1685. Morale was low with hundreds having quietly quit the army over the preceding days. Monmouth had returned here because he’d been led to believe that a vast number - perhaps 10,000 - of agricultural workers in Somerset were now prepared to join him. In Bridgwater, it became clear the number was more like 160. But events were soon to be drawn to a head, as the King’s army arrived in the area. A farm worker called Godfrey came from the Levels to tell Monmouth that James II’s forces had arrived in Westonzoyland village, less than four miles away. Monmouth and his officers could see the camp themselves from the top of St Mary’s Church tower. But Godfrey made it clear that the king’s army hadn’t entrenched themselves at Westonzoyland. They clearly didn’t expect the rebels to attack them. So Monmouth duly planned to do exactly that. He would seize back the initiative by launching an attack, across the Levels, and in the dark.

6 July 1685 - The Battle of Sedgemoor

Monmouth left Bridgwater at 11.30pm on 5 July, and marched his forces in total silence across the Levels. It must have been quite a sight. Most likely there were 3000 infantry carrying a mixture of muskets, pikes and scythe blades, and 600 cavalry. The column of soldiers probably stretched for a mile and a half. The rebels almost certainly outnumbered the king in raw numbers but came up short in skills and weapons. The Duke’s plan was to use his cavalry in the form of a commando raid. He used Black Ditch (now the much larger King’s Sedgemoor Drain) to guide his forces towards Westonzoyland. Roughly halfway between Chedzoy and Westonzoyland, his army split. The infantry left the Ditch and took a direct line towards Westonzoyland. The cavalry continued close to the Ditch intending to come around the side of the king’s

army, launching a surprise attack on their camp near what’s now Bussex Farm. The plan worked brilliantly until the rebels were just 500 metres or so from their enemy. At this point a gun-shot went off - most likely a warning shot fired by a king’s sentry who’d finally spotted the approaching column. The cavalry proceeded however, all the way to the ditch called the Bussex Rhine, which in 1685 ran almost parallel to the modern track where we find the memorial and right in front of the royalist camp. For whatever reason Monmouth’s cavalry failed to cross the ditch and instead made the fatal error of walking along Bussex Rhine right in front of the king’s infantry rapidly forming up outside the camp. From that point on Monmouth was doomed. Under fire, his cavalry turned and fled back towards Bridgwater right through his own infantry. After 90 minutes exchanging fire his infantry proved as out-gunned and out-drilled as Monmouth had suspected. By dawn, the rebels were all fleeing, hundreds being mown down in the process.

Across the Levels, our walk sticks as close as possible to the route taken by Monmouth’s army on their way to the battlefield at Sedgemoor. Take the grassy footpath left off Bradney Lane, which bends gently to the right until it reaches King’s Sedgemoor Drain (previously the much smaller Black Ditch). Follow the drain for almost two miles, eventually turning right at Mount Batch for a further three-quarter mile walk along Moor Drove Rhyne. Turn left and with the tower of St Mary’s, Westonzoyland to guide you, cross two fields to reach a farm track. Turn left and follow the track to another track on the left which runs alongside Langmoor Drove. The battlefield memorial is just a few hundred metres along Langmoor Drove.


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We return along the farm track to Bussex Farm where a right hand turn will lead into the centre of Westonzoyland where we find the church of St Mary’s and the Sedgemoor Inn, which is crammed full of Monmouth and Sedgemoor artefacts and displays

Westonzoyland makes for an entirely fitting end to the walk, but for those who wish to delve slightly further into the fascinating Levels landscape there is an additional four-mile ‘warm down’. Take the path south out of Westonzoyland heading along the Langmead Drove. Approaching Coronation Farm, turn right over the only small hill in the area and continue past Thorngrove to Shepherd’s Drove and the River Parrett. A left turn will reveal the very obvious landmark of Burrow Mump, which offers a remarkable view back across our final day’s walk.

The Rebels Defeat

As the battle ended, around 500 rebels were rounded up and brought to Westonzoyland church. Twenty-two of them were given summary executions the very next day. Monmouth himself took flight and headed south east. He was eventually found in a ditch near Ringwood in Dorset some two days later. As a declared traitor, there was to be no trial. He was conveyed to the Tower of London and executed on Tower Hill on 15 July. But Monmouth’s death, and those of the 22 Westonzoyland prisoners, was merely the tip of the iceberg. The Bloody Assizes, overseen by the notorious Judge Jeffreys, was James II’s brutal response. Here, 1600 rebels were tried in just nine days at various sites across the West Country. More than 300 were issued with death sentences. Some 850 more

were sent to work forced labour on the plantations of the West Indies.

The Monmouth Legacy

James Duke of Monmouth is nothing but a minor footnote in British history. But the situation that he rebelled against – an autocratic monarch who failed to represent the political or religious beliefs of his subjects – did not go away. If anything the Bloody Assizes merely proved that James II was every bit the brutal autocrat he was suspected of being. Just three years later, in November 1688, Monmouth’s great protestant contemporary William of Orange picked up the mantle of ‘national saviour’ and arrived on British shores with his wife Mary, the daughter of James II. This time, support for the Catholic king crumbled in a matter of days. James II fled to France and, in 1689, William and Mary were invited to take the throne. But in doing so, they also agreed to sign the Bill of Rights, a document that enshrined the notion that British monarchs, from now on, could only rule with the will of Parliament.

programme 6 england s last battle the west … · programme 6 england’s last battle: the west...

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