The Battle of Sedgemoor: Ghosts of Monmouth’s Last Stand

In the early hours of 6 July 1685, the quiet fields near Westonzoyland, Somerset became the scene of the bloody final battle of the Monmouth Rebellion.James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, had challenged his uncle King James II for the English throne. His rebel army marched silently across Sedgemoor under cover of darkness, hoping to surprise the Royal forces. Instead, drainage ditches, confusion and a single alarm helped turn the attack into disaster.Hundreds were killed. Survivors faced imprisonment, execution, transportation and the notorious Bloody Assizes under Judge Jeffreys.But Sedgemoor has another history.Phantom horsemen are said to cross the fields. Ghostly soldiers have been reported around King’s Sedgemoor Drain. Voices call through the darkness, while an old Somerset legend tells of a murdered runner and the White Lady who still follows the route of his final race.In this episode of Ghost Tales by the Fireside, we explore the history, archaeology, ghost stories and folklore surrounding the Battle of Sedgemoor — and ask what might still linger on the Somerset Levels.Music featured in this episodeAmong The Graves — Clem DallawayISRC: QZNWR2463170The Dark One — Clem DallawayISRC: QZWFS2504572More Ghost Tales by the Fireside:ghosttales.co.ukSupport Ghost Tales by the Fireside on Buy Me a Coffee:buymeacoffee.com/ghosttales