Taunton, June 19. 1685
Early this morning, we are drumming the men to their colours and once formed we marched the short distance into Taunton, with our Drums and Colours in front of each company. We enter the town to see great crowds in the streets and loud cheers of ‘Of Liberty and Property, a Monmouth, a Monmouth and Protestant Cause!’ welcome us. For until yesterday, when our advance guard had arrived, the town had been in the hands of the Militia. But they had left early, leaving a great quantity of weapons and ammunition. As we reach the Castle his Grace orders that we double our files and close ranks, so that the whole Army can form up into one, but our ranks are too many and most of the horse stand in the streets. Then ordering the officers to get them men to stand easy, he retired into the house of Captain Hucker, one of our Horse officers, with some of the other officers. It was while we waited for his Grace to return, a small party of Ladies and children entered the square, with Blue Foot colours and Horse Gideon’s. Then his Grace came back out from Capt. Huckers house to great cheers from the men and the people gathered around, then once again we chant ‘Of Liberty and Property, a Monmouth, a Monmouth and Protestant Cause!’. On his Grace, now mounted upon his horse, raised an arm and the Officers ordered the men ‘stand to, stand to and look to your files, advance your arms’. This the men did in some disorder, for many had neither weapon or the first understanding of the commands. Once the ranks had settled into silence, the noble Lady approached his Grace with a drawn sword in one hand and the bible in the other, now his Grace announced that the Army would be reformed and a new Regiment, the Blue’s would be created from Taunton-men, under a Taunton-man ‘Colonel Bovett’, they would be the Blue Regiment. With this the crowd and men broke into cheers with cries of ‘a Monmouth, a Monmouth and Protestant Cause!’. It took some time for the officers and sergeants to get the men back into order, then they gave the order to ‘present your arms’, too which most of the men stood as they were but the officers look very smart. Once this was done, the Lady brought forward the Colonels’ Colour for the Blues, upon which Col. Bovett announced and named the officers and ensign for his company, each man stepping forwards. This then proceeded for all the remaining nine companies, followed by the Horse officers and their cornets. There now remained but one colour, it was a Foot colour of a Gold field, with a lace fringe and the large letters ‘J.R.’ and crown emblazoned upon it, which the Lady now took and presented it to his Grace. On this act, the officers gave the order that the men should ‘stand at their ease’ .
With this the officers ordered all men from Taunton to leave the ranks and join with Col. Bovett. Once this was complete the White, Yellow and Green reformed their companies filling their numbers with the vast number of recruits that had joined the Army over the past few days. Our companies now become 80 or even 100 men each, whilst the Quartermasters were ordered into the town to distribute the Militia stores from St Mary Magdalene church and then go into the county to gather tools to arm the men. Whilst the other Regiments reformed, the Red Regiment moved to cover the roads into the town.
This evening, Capt. Kidd return from Chard with a report of a skirmish with Regular horse at Chard. With this news, I visited his Grace at Capt. Huckers house. The officers there present were talking of success and a quick campaign but with the news of Chard, and word that the Devonshire and Somerset Militia were at Wellington, some 10 miles distant, the tone returned to sombre discussion. His Grace, a the council if it was agreed to guard against the Militia but that we needed to drill, arm and prepare for our march north. Next his Grace, took Major wade, Dr Ferguson, Lord Grey and others to one side to discuss the matter of Kingship. Whilst the Horse and Companies put themselves in readiness, Major Wade sent out-guards to cover the roads south. Now I slept soundly in a bed for the first time since leaving the United Provinces.
Texel, May 30. 1685
Today we sailed in the Heldevenberg for England together with the Duke of Monmouth and 81 other gentlemen of honour
Today we sailed in the Heldevenberg for England together with the Duke of Monmouth and 81 other gentlemen of honour
Today we sailed in the Heldevenberg for England together with the Duke of Monmouth and 81 other gentlemen of honour
The Channel, June 9. 1685
This evening the Duke of Monmouth issues his commissions and gives instruction on the forming of his Army
This evening the Duke of Monmouth issues his commissions and gives instruction on the forming of his Army
This evening the Duke of Monmouth issues his commissions and gives instruction on the forming of his Army
Seatown, June 10. 1685
This evening a small party is landed at Seatown to send word of Monmouth's landing at Lyme tomorrow.
This evening a small party is landed at Seatown to send word of Monmouth's landing at Lyme tomorrow.
This evening a small party is landed at Seatown to send word of Monmouth's landing at Lyme tomorrow.
Lyme, June 11. 1685
Monmouth and his supporters land at Lyme to cheering crowds.
Monmouth and his supporters land at Lyme to cheering crowds.
Monmouth and his supporters land at Lyme to cheering crowds.
Lyme, June 12. 1685
Monmouth's Army now numbers over 1500 men, yet news arrives that Royal Militia is close at hand.
Monmouth's Army now numbers over 1500 men, yet news arrives that Royal Militia is close at hand.
Monmouth's Army now numbers over 1500 men, yet news arrives that Royal Militia is close at hand.
Lyme, June 13. 1685
Today we drew first blood after a skirmish with the Militia Horse, leaving two of them dead on the field.
Today we drew first blood after a skirmish with the Militia Horse, leaving two of them dead on the field.
Today we drew first blood after a skirmish with the Militia Horse, leaving two of them dead on the field.
Bridport, June 14. 1685
Today we fought our first battle with the Militia at Bridport. Our Foot accounted themselves very well.
Today we fought our first battle with the Militia at Bridport. Our Foot accounted themselves very well.
Today we fought our first battle with the Militia at Bridport. Our Foot accounted themselves very well.
Axminster, June 15. 1685
This day we marched to Axminster and put the Militia to flight.
This day we marched to Axminster and put the Militia to flight.
This day we marched to Axminster and put the Militia to flight.
Chard, June 16. 1685
Today Monmouth's Army reaches Chard, whilst it continues to grow, now over 3000 men have joined his Grace.
Today Monmouth's Army reaches Chard, whilst it continues to grow, now over 3000 men have joined his Grace.
Today Monmouth's Army reaches Chard, whilst it continues to grow, now over 3000 men have joined his Grace.
Ilminster, June 17. 1685
The Duke of Monmouth and his Army reaches Ilminster
The Duke of Monmouth and his Army reaches Ilminster
The Duke of Monmouth and his Army reaches Ilminster
Taunton, June 18. 1685
Monmouth and his Army reach Taunton this evening.
Monmouth and his Army reach Taunton this evening.
Monmouth and his Army reach Taunton this evening.
Taunton, June 19. 1685
Today we entered Taunton and a new Foot Regiment, the Blue, is raised from Taunton-men.
Today we entered Taunton and a new Foot Regiment, the Blue, is raised from Taunton-men.
Today we entered Taunton and a new Foot Regiment, the Blue, is raised from Taunton-men.
Taunton, June 20. 1685
The Duke of Monmouth is proclaimed King at the market cross.
The Duke of Monmouth is proclaimed King at the market cross.
The Duke of Monmouth is proclaimed King at the market cross.
Bridgwater, June 21. 1685
We can now field an Army of 5 Horse Squadrons, 5 Foot Battalions & 4 field cannon.
We can now field an Army of 5 Horse Squadrons, 5 Foot Battalions & 4 field cannon.
We can now field an Army of 5 Horse Squadrons, 5 Foot Battalions & 4 field cannon.
Glastonbury, June 22. 1685
There is a skirmish between our Horse and those of the enemy at Langport whilst the clubmen look to join with us.
There is a skirmish between our Horse and those of the enemy at Langport whilst the clubmen look to join with us.
There is a skirmish between our Horse and those of the enemy at Langport whilst the clubmen look to join with us.
Shepton Mallet, June 23. 1685
This day we have progressed to Shepton Mallet but the heavy rain is slowing our advance.
This day we have progressed to Shepton Mallet but the heavy rain is slowing our advance.
This day we have progressed to Shepton Mallet but the heavy rain is slowing our advance.
Pensford, June 24. 1685
This day we reach Pensford but have word the enemy has damaged the Keynsham Bridge
This day we reach Pensford but have word the enemy has damaged the Keynsham Bridge
This day we reach Pensford but have word the enemy has damaged the Keynsham Bridge
Keynsham, June 25. 1685
This day we crossed the Avon by the repaired Bridge at Keynsham and fought of the enemy Horse
This day we crossed the Avon by the repaired Bridge at Keynsham and fought of the enemy Horse
This day we crossed the Avon by the repaired Bridge at Keynsham and fought of the enemy Horse
Philips Norton, June 26. 1685
Monmouth and his Army reach Philips Norton after a long march in heavy rain.
Monmouth and his Army reach Philips Norton after a long march in heavy rain.
Monmouth and his Army reach Philips Norton after a long march in heavy rain.
Philips Norton, June 27. 1685
Today there is a Battle between Monmouth's Army and the enemy at Philips Norton.
Today there is a Battle between Monmouth's Army and the enemy at Philips Norton.
Today there is a Battle between Monmouth's Army and the enemy at Philips Norton.
Frome, June 28. 1685
This day Monmouth and his arrive exhausted at Frome after a night march in the rain
This day Monmouth and his arrive exhausted at Frome after a night march in the rain
This day Monmouth and his arrive exhausted at Frome after a night march in the rain
Frome, June 29. 1685
The council of War debate the General Pardon issued by the enemy and elect to fight on.
The council of War debate the General Pardon issued by the enemy and elect to fight on.
The council of War debate the General Pardon issued by the enemy and elect to fight on.
Shepton Mallet, June 30. 1685
Monmouth and his Army finding the path to London closed retires West to Shepton Mallet.
Monmouth and his Army finding the path to London closed retires West to Shepton Mallet.
Monmouth and his Army finding the path to London closed retires West to Shepton Mallet.
Wells, July 1. 1685
This day we captured enemy baggage as Wells and rest here for the night.
This day we captured enemy baggage as Wells and rest here for the night.
This day we captured enemy baggage as Wells and rest here for the night.
Sedgemoor, July 2. 1685
This day as we marched to Pedwell to meet the grand Clubmen Army of Somerset, yet upon our arrival, they only number some 200 men.
This day as we marched to Pedwell to meet the grand Clubmen Army of Somerset, yet upon our arrival, they only number some 200 men.
This day as we marched to Pedwell to meet the grand Clubmen Army of Somerset, yet upon our arrival, they only number some 200 men.
Bridgwater, July 3. 1683
Monmouth and his Army return to Bridgwater and start to fortify the town
Monmouth and his Army return to Bridgwater and start to fortify the town
Monmouth and his Army return to Bridgwater and start to fortify the town
Bridgwater, July 4. 1685
The Army remains at Bridgwater and this evening the local men are allowed to return to their homes as the enemy doesn't press us.
The Army remains at Bridgwater and this evening the local men are allowed to return to their homes as the enemy doesn't press us.
The Army remains at Bridgwater and this evening the local men are allowed to return to their homes as the enemy doesn't press us.
Bridgwater, July 5. 1685
This afternoon we prepare to march overnight to Axbridge meanwhile the enemy has advanced to Westonzoyland
This afternoon we prepare to march overnight to Axbridge meanwhile the enemy has advanced to Westonzoyland
This afternoon we prepare to march overnight to Axbridge meanwhile the enemy has advanced to Westonzoyland
Castlefield, July 5. 1685
By late afternoon it is clear our enemy camps at Weston but leaves their right flank in the air.
By late afternoon it is clear our enemy camps at Weston but leaves their right flank in the air.
By late afternoon it is clear our enemy camps at Weston but leaves their right flank in the air.
Longmoor, July 6. 1685
This night we march to Longmoor to surprise the enemy but a troopers pistol goes off at half-cock.
This night we march to Longmoor to surprise the enemy but a troopers pistol goes off at half-cock.
This night we march to Longmoor to surprise the enemy but a troopers pistol goes off at half-cock.
Sedgemoor, July 6. 1685
The Armies of the two King's fought a great Battle at Sedgemoor, the victor wrote the History. This is an account from one side.
The Armies of the two King's fought a great Battle at Sedgemoor, the victor wrote the History. This is an account from one side.
The Armies of the two King's fought a great Battle at Sedgemoor, the victor wrote the History. This is an account from one side.
Ilfracombe, July 7. 1685
With the Rebellion lost, it is every man for himself, Wade, Goodenough, Ferguson and a party make their Escape from Ilfracombe.
With the Rebellion lost, it is every man for himself, Wade, Goodenough, Ferguson and a party make their Escape from Ilfracombe.
With the Rebellion lost, it is every man for himself, Wade, Goodenough, Ferguson and a party make their Escape from Ilfracombe.
Tower Hill, July 15. 1685
This is an account of the bloody and botched execution of James, Duke of Monmouth on Tower Hill.
This is an account of the bloody and botched execution of James, Duke of Monmouth on Tower Hill.
This is an account of the bloody and botched execution of James, Duke of Monmouth on Tower Hill.
Dorchester, July 18. 1685
With the Rebellion over the Tyrant paid bloody retribution on those that fought for your Liberty
With the Rebellion over the Tyrant paid bloody retribution on those that fought for your Liberty
With the Rebellion over the Tyrant paid bloody retribution on those that fought for your Liberty
