Taunton Museum: After Sedgemoor
The Museum of Somerset in Taunton is a brilliant place to visit. Free and welcoming to all, it is not only full of fascinating, well presented exhibits celebrating Somerset’s history, it also hosts regular exhibitions. The current one, ‘After Sedgemoor’, highlights the consequences of the Monmouth Rebellion, a key event in local history.
In June 1685, there was an attempt to depose James II and replace him with his illegitimate nephew, James, Duke of Monmouth. A permanent exhibition called ‘Rebellion!’ is devoted to this event, including details of the lives of some who found themselves caught up- willingly or otherwise- in this rebellion, a fitting location as Taunton Castle (home to the Museum) was where Judge Jeffrey held his Bloody Assizes.
‘After Sedgemoor’ is an exhibition marking the 340th anniversary of this event. Thousands of West Country people rallied to Monmouth’s cause and, at first, it seemed that the rebellion would succeed with Monmouth being proclaimed king at Taunton. However, the rebel army suffered a crushing defeat at the Battle of Sedgemoor on the 6th July 1685.
There are many items on display, including a buckle and ostrich plume (pictured above) reputedly worn by Monmouth as he fled the battlefield. Documents, including letters, burial registers and information given against people, give incredible details about the events surrounding the battle and the tragic consequences for those involved.
The exhibition room is well laid out, offering plenty of room to leisurely enjoy all the exhibits. Painted in about 1882, the picture below shows an artist’s imagining of the interview between the Duke of Monmouth and his uncle, James II, with Monmouth grovelling at the king’s feet.
