1-157-937 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage Images

Capture of James, James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth after the Battle of Sedgemoor, July 1685. James Scott, James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth (1649-1684) was the illegitimate son of Charles II. When James II ascended the throne in February 1685, Monmouth launched a rebellion in an attempt to seize the throne. His largely untrained peasant army was easily defeated at Sedgemoor, Somerset, on 6 July 1685, by the regular army of the king, commanded by the Earl of Feversham and John Churchill, the future Duke of Marlborough. Monmouth escaped, but was captured near Ringwood in Hampshire. Despite begging for mercy, he was beheaded on 15 July 1685.