AU631 – Frome and the Monmouth Rebellion

In 1685, James Scott, Duke of Monmouth and illegitimate son of the late Charles II, attempted to take the throne from his recently crowned uncle, James II. The unsuccessful rebellion was short-lived, lasting just 21 days from landing at Lyme Regis on 11 June to the defeat of his makeshift army on 6 July.

Three of these days, however, were spent in Frome and proved to be one of the most significant periods of the entire campaign. This one-off session will tell the story of Monmouth’s stay in the town and those from the local population who joined him.