James Scott Biography

Born in Rotterdam, eldest illegitimate son of Charles II and Lucy Walter during the royal exile after the execution of Charles I

Appointed to a captaincy in the King's Guard during his early advancement at court.

Created Duke of Monmouth, Earl of Doncaster and Baron Scott of Tynedale.

Appointed a Knight of the Garter during Charles II's favour to his illegitimate son.

Marries Anne Scott, wealthy heiress and Countess of Buccleuch.

Introduced to the Royal Court as a favorite of Charles

Appointed Master of the Horse

Commander of Anglo-Dutch brigade, now fighting for the United Provinces against the French, he distinguishes himself at the Battle of St Denis

Commander of Anglo-Dutch brigade, now fighting for the United Provinces against the French, he distinguishes himself at the Battle of St Denis

Returns to England against Charles IIs orders while the Duke of York is in Scotland

Crushes the Covenanters rebellion, "the Protestant Dukes" finest hour

Crushes the Covenanters rebellion, "the Protestant Dukes" finest hour

Crushes the Covenanters rebellion, "the Protestant Dukes" finest hour

Following the discovery of the so-called Rye House Plot in 1683, Monmouth is obliged to go into exile in the Dutch United Provinces

Following the discovery of the so-called Rye House Plot in 1683, Monmouth is obliged to go into exile in the Dutch United Provinces

Following the discovery of the so-called Rye House Plot in 1683, Monmouth is obliged to go into exile in the Dutch United Provinces

Forced into exile in Holland

Monmouth is defeated in battle & his claims to the throne come to an end

On his fathers death in 1685 Monmouth led the "Monmouth Rebellion", landing with three ships at Lyme Regis in Dorset in an attempt to take the throne from his uncle

On his fathers death in 1685 Monmouth led the "Monmouth Rebellion", landing with three ships at Lyme Regis in Dorset in an attempt to take the throne from his uncle

Present at the death of Charles II

Sets sail on the Helderenburgh & 2 ships from Texel for the south coast of England

The King sends Lord Churchill to control the rebels

Monmouths forces capture Axminster

Monmouth reaches Taunton to an enthusiastic welcome

Declares himself King and is crowned in Chard and is the subject of more coronations in Taunton 20 June 1685 and Bridgewater

Declares himself King and is crowned in Chard and is the subject of more coronations in Taunton 20 June 1685 and Bridgewater

Monmouth threatens Bristol while advancing through the west.

Leaves Taunton & begins the march on Bridgewater at the head of 8,000 men

Monmouth is proclaimed King in Taunton

Monmouths advance on Bristol by way of Bridgewater & Keynsham is resumed

After Keynsham & false news that the entire Royal Army is at hand Monmouth retreats

Monmouths forces reach Bridgewater. Learns that the Royalists under the Earl of Faversham are only 3 miles away

The second to last Battle fought on English soil, Monmouths makeshift force could not compete with the regular army, and was soundly defeated. Monmouth himself was captured and arrested in Dorset, Parliament later passes the Act of Attainder. Monmouth is defeated & later beheaded. Attacks a Royal army under the Earl of Faversham

Executed on Tower Hill

Despite begging for mercy, Monmouth is executed by Jack Ketch on Tower Hill. It is said that it took multiple blows of the axe to sever his head