Castlefield, July 5. 1685
During the afternoon some local agents report that the enemy is encamping at Weston on this side of the moor. To understand their dispositions his Majesty and a number officers, including myself, spy on their dispositions from the tower of St Mary’s Church. On our return to the nave, his Majesty calls a Council and asks that I send out scouts to see how well they camp and if they fortify their positions. Before the Council starts, a local man by the name of Mr Godfrey is brought to me as he has information on the enemy. As I question him it becomes clear that the enemy has made no ditches or other defences, but rely the great Rhine before them but have place out-guards covering the road from Bridgwater. In the Council and as I have little other news, I relayed to his Majesty, that the enemy does not fortify their camp, nor do they blocked the plungeons across the numerous ditches or Rhines leading into Weston but they have put a force in the Pitzoy enclosure and place patrols onto the Weston and Wells Roads. Whilst, some Militia now garrison in Middlezoy. It is plain that the enemy is looking to block our path to London and had deployed in such a manner as to stop any advance in this direction via the Bridgewater to Weston Road. We know that the Devon Militia stay in Exeter, and that our last report from London is that the Scotch have not yet left.
His Majesty, therefore perceived that ‘we have but two paths; the first is to withdraw towards Minehead but there is no strong place in that direction to secure. Whilst, the second is to complete our plan to breakout towards Bristol this very evening through Axbridge, where we shall provision tomorrow before moving fast for Bristol, either via Keynsham or the South Gate. However, to do this we must move the baggage and Army overnight. Therefore, with the enemy disposition being so exposed, it is adventitious that we sortie into their encampment this night and do much damage before following our Baggage. For the enemy shows so little interest in engaging with us even through they have the opportunity since Philips Norton, we should press home this night. With this endeavour we shall damage the enemy in such a way to stop them following us up to closely, giving us Bristol.’ So my Council, are you with me?’
With this the Council cheers, as one in strong agreement.
His Majesty, laying out the rough map I had drawn up, now proposes the plan of attack we had agreed. ‘Firstly, a strong party of Horse, under Lord Grey, shall go into their camp from the Chedzoy side, as this flank is exposed and we have men that can take us unseen through the Sedgemoor. Now to support my Lord Grey, a vanguard, under Col. Matthews, made from the Foot Guards and Matthew’s own Yellow Regiment shall advance with three of our Cannon to cover the centre of the enemy camp, this will draw out the enemy exposing their flank to further danger. However, Col. Matthews, and Mr Wade, you vanguard must not advance beyond the flooded Rhine that covers the enemy camp. For you must withdraw once Lord Grey has done his damage. I will command the main body of our Foot and Horse to act as a reserve. If the encounter does turn into a general fight, I will bring up the reserve to support the Vanguards as you withdraw. Once the enemy had been bloodied, the Army shall follow-on the Baggage to Axbridge, with you Col. Wade and your Foot Guards covering our rear.’
With this the Council is dismissed and orders send to the Regiments, who now cross the Bridge, and form into the agree line of march. So, by late evening the baggage is across the ford, and we are now ready to move towards Bristol, but an enemy patrol has been seen on the Hills near Brawdrip, which delays our movement until sunset. Therefore, with the long days, it is agreed that the Army will march at dusk towards Brawdrip before dropping into the moor to attack the enemies exposed right flank.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Monmouth and his Army reach Taunton this evening.
Monmouth and his Army reach Taunton this evening.
Monmouth and his Army reach Taunton this evening.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
We advance with haste to the Ditch guided by the match of our enemy
We advance with haste to the Ditch guided by the match of our enemy
We advance with haste to the Ditch guided by the match of our enemy
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.
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.
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
