Bridgwater, July 5. 1685
This morning I have a report from our out-guards near Weston that the enemy have left Somerton in force and now march towards Middlezoy. On taking this report to his Majesty, we now discuss the different paths that could take us towards Bristol. The first, and quickest with baggage, takes us back over the Sedgemoor, retracing our steps from last week to Wells, but this would expose our movement to the enemy and risks a disadvantageous encounter. The second, and shorter, takes our march via Axbridge, yet the roads will be difficult for our baggage beyond the Poldens, which will require us to move the baggage in advance of the main Army. His Majesty agree’s with this assessment and based on the approach of the enemy, the second path is the one chosen and orders issued accordingly.
Yet, it is now some hours past noon and the Army is only now been put in order. Very few of the men sent home did not return, so we still have around 4000 men at arms, and the regiments remain as we formed at Taunton. By now I have good intelligence to show that the enemy is advancing on our location, with their out-guards now at Weston and Chedzoy, Whilst ours have been withdrawn to cover the entrances to the town and our planned movements. The Troops send to Minehead have not yet returned. The Baggage is moving through the old ford to cross the River and here, in Castlefield, the men stack their arms and rest. The Lyme Company will act as baggage guard, for it has been agreed that they will move out this evening, whilst the main body of the Army will follow once we have made a strong display to the enemy.
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
