Monmouth Rebellion

The Monmouth Rebellion of 1685 was an unsuccessful attempt by tensioned supporters of the ousted King James II, led by James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, to overthrow King James II himself. It stemmed from opposition to James’s Catholic faith and policies. The rebels gathered in southwest England but faced a well-prepared royal army. The rebellion was quickly defeated at the Battle of Sedgemoor, resulting in mass executions and harsh punishments. It ultimately reinforced James II’s rule, leading to increased repression of dissent and contributing to the wider conflict over religious and political authority in England.