Longmoor, July 6. 1685
It is now close to 11 of the clock and I find myself in Van riding with Mr Godfrey, Capt. Kidd and a couple of out-guards. We started on the Bristol Road, but after a mile or so, we left that and start down a lane towards Peasy Farm toward Brawdrip. Now as we pass through Bradney, up ahead we hear an enemy patrol on the Wells High Road, but for our good luck, they ride past towards Sutton without noticing our progress. Once we reach the farm yard, we elect to dismount and lead our horses, for the lane is now a track. It is here that I send Capt. Kidd with Mr Godfrey towards Chedzoy to scout the way ahead, whilst I wait for Lord Grey to come up with the van. Likewise, Lord Grey agrees to dismount all the horse as ensure we do not alert the enemy out-guards that we can see on the high road.
Now as I advance down the lane from Peasy with the Army close behind I think of the plan and the fight before us. So, on reaching the Black-ditch and finding it very full, I’m pleased to see Capt. Kidd come from out of the darkness to my left. He directs me down stream to a second crossing point that is further from Chedzoy, for a supporter from that place has told him that enemy are in the place. Moving slowly forward alone the track, we come up to the Langmoor Rhine and here we rest at the stone marking the Plungeon.
Once Lord Grey’s and his first Squadron is across, they remounted and ready their arms, but now God turns against us, for one of his troopers, drops his pistol which dully goes off at half-cock. This makes a great noise, which echo’s off the nearby hill, and must surely wake the enemy from there slumber. On this and not wishing to delay his attack, for now the enemy must be alerted, Lord Grey advances his squadrons not allowing them the form or deploy. Yet in his haste he does not take a guide forward with him. So as the last Horsemen gallops off into the dark, I’m pleased to see Col. Wade and his Foot Guard come up and starts to cross the Langmoor Rhine with the Vanguard.
The Battle of Sedgemoor Timeline:
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
As we advance our own horse cause disruption as they flee through our ranks
As we advance our own horse cause disruption as they flee through our ranks
As we advance our own horse cause disruption as they flee through our ranks
Now we must deploy into Line and engage the enemy, for we are now committed to this fight.
Now we must deploy into Line and engage the enemy, for we are now committed to this fight.
Now we must deploy into Line and engage the enemy, for we are now committed to this fight.
The firefight has started and neither side wishes to give ground but the weight of the enemy shot is increasing.
The firefight has started and neither side wishes to give ground but the weight of the enemy shot is increasing.
The firefight has started and neither side wishes to give ground but the weight of the enemy shot is increasing.
The enemy is becoming bolder and press our flanks with horse, yet our Scythemen put fear into them.
The enemy is becoming bolder and press our flanks with horse, yet our Scythemen put fear into them.
The enemy is becoming bolder and press our flanks with horse, yet our Scythemen put fear into them.
Monmouth has left the field and the enemy is pressing us from both flanks but we pull back in good order.
Monmouth has left the field and the enemy is pressing us from both flanks but we pull back in good order.
Monmouth has left the field and the enemy is pressing us from both flanks but we pull back in good order.
The day is lost but our Foot Guards make a last stand before the Grenadiers finally break the us. God save the King.
The day is lost but our Foot Guards make a last stand before the Grenadiers finally break the us. God save the King.
The day is lost but our Foot Guards make a last stand before the Grenadiers finally break the us. God save the King.
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.
The News is that there has been a mighty Battle in a place called Sedgemoor and his Majesties forces are victorious.
The News is that there has been a mighty Battle in a place called Sedgemoor and his Majesties forces are victorious.
The News is that there has been a mighty Battle in a place called Sedgemoor and his Majesties forces are victorious.
