Battle of Sedgemoor
The Battle of Sedgemoor, fought in southwestern England during the night of July 5-6, 1685, was a significant conflict in the context of Monmouth's Rebellion. It pitted approximately 2,850 troops loyal to King James II, led by Louis Duras, Earl of Feversham, against a rebel force of around 3,600 soldiers commanded by James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, who was the illegitimate son of Charles II. Monmouth had invaded England from the Netherlands in an attempt to claim the throne. Despite being outnumbered and experiencing desertions, he launched a night attack intending to catch the royalists off guard. However, the attack was thwarted when a sudden shot alerted the royal troops, leading to intense fighting through the night. By dawn, Monmouth had fled the battlefield, leaving his men vulnerable. The battle resulted in significant losses for the rebels, with around 1,000 casualties compared to only 80 royalists. Following the defeat, Monmouth and many of his supporters were captured and faced execution. The brutality of the aftermath, with many rebels executed and their remains publicly displayed, ultimately contributed to the decline of James II's reign and the events leading to the Glorious Revolution of 1688-1689.
Battle of Sedgemoor
Type of action: Ground battle in Monmouth’s Rebellion
Date: July 5-6, 1685
Location: Near Weston Zoyland in Somerset, southwestern England
Combatants: 3,600 of Monmouth’s rebels vs. 2,850 royal troops
Principal commanders: Rebel, James Scott, duke of Monmouth (1649–1685); Royalist, Louis Duras, earl of Feversham (1640?-1709), John Churchill, later first duke of Marlborough (1650–1722)
Result: Monmouth was defeated and executed, and his rebellion failed
At Sedgemoor in southwestern England, on the night of July 5-6, 1685, about 2,850 troops loyal to James II, commanded by Louis Duras, earl of Feversham, and John Churchill, later first duke of Marlborough, defeated 3,600 forces of James Scott, duke of Monmouth, the illegitimate son of Charles II, who had invaded England from the Netherlands in an attempt to seize the throne in what is known as Monmouth’s Rebellion. Monmouth’s force had been reduced through desertion, yet he eschewed flight and chose to strike boldly in a night attack. Such an assault, which required extreme discipline and quiet, was initiated at 11:00 p.m. The men marched along narrow lanes for several miles in a heavy mist until they reached an eight-foot-wide ditch filled with water, known as Langmoor Rhine. Near 1:00 a.m., as the troops were bunching up, a shot rang out. The origin of the shot is unknown, but the royalists were aroused and engaged the rebels. Fighting continued through the night, and at dawn, the royal army made a general advance. Monmouth fled the battlefield, leaving his men to be cut down. About 1,000 of his men died, but only 80 royalists died. Monmouth and others were captured on July 7, 1685, and executed on July 15, 1685. About 250 of the 500 captured rebels were executed, and their remains were displayed in towns until 1687.
Significance
Although the rebellion failed and James II remained on the throne, such brutality reflected badly on him and was a factor in his overthrow during the Glorious Revolution, 1688–1689.
Resources
Chandler, David. Sedgemoor: 1685. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1985.
Earle, Peter. Monmouth’s Rebels. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1977.
MacDonald, W. Wigfield. The Monmouth Rebellion. Lanham: Barnes & Noble, 1980.