Today marks the anniversary ( old style 26th of July) of the execution of James Scott
Today marks the anniversary ( old style 26th of July) of the execution of James Scott, Duke of Monmouth just nine days after he and his rebel army were defeated at the Battle of Sedgemoor. When the Duke had rode off from the scene of the battle early morning on the 6th of July 1685 a price had already been placed on his head of £5000 pounds. After reaching the relative safety of Downside, a few hours rest was achieved at the ‘safe’ house of Edward Strode. In the darkness, his small party hurried down through Somerset, passing selwood forest entering north east Dorset around Gillingham, and then further through the Cranbourne chase. The objective, to reach Poole and seize a ship and sail to the continent. At the Woodgate inn, the Duke, exchanged clothes with a bemused shepherd to give him a more country look! Near Wimborne St Giles the beleaguered horses were set free and the rest of the journey covered on foot. After splitting in to pairs, two being caught within 6 miles of Poole, th