Sedgemoor Battlefield

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The Battle of Sedgemoor was the culmination of the short-lived rebellion by the Duke of Monmouth against James II in 1685. It was the last pitched battle on English soil. The Duke of Monmouth was an illegitimate son of Charles II and his rebellion had the support of many protestants who were afraid that James would try and impose Catholicism on the country. After he landed at Lyme Regis Monmouth gathered thousands of supporters from Dorset, Devon and Somerset but when the Royal army closed in he attempted a night march to surprise them in their camp at Westonzoyland on Sedgemoor. The attack failed and after the battle 1500 prisoners were tired in the ‘Bloody Assizes’ with 250 being hung, drawn and quartered and 750 transported to the West Indes as slave labour. Many other s died of fever in prison. There is a new interpretation trail around the battlefield that begins opposite the church in Westonzoyland. A lot of information is available on the battle and its aftermath is display in the church and a booklet can be purchased there.

www.battlefields.com has information on Sedgemoor and other battlefields in the UK

www.somerset.gov.uk/heritage contains the Historic Environment Record that holds information on archaeological discoveries and historic buildings including recent discoveries on the battlefield.