1-629-362 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth pleads for his life, 1685, (c1920). James Crofts, later Scott, 1st James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth, 1st Duke of Buccleuch (1649-1685), Pretender to throne of Scotland and England. Monmouth, the illegitimate son of Charles II and Lucy Walter launched a rebellion in 1685. Claiming to be Charles' rightful heir, he attempted to overthrow the Roman Catholic King James II. His revolt ended in defeat at the Battle of Sedgemoor, Somerset, on 6 July 1685 and Monmouth was subsequently beheaded on Tower Hill. Illustration from "Story of the British Nation", Volume I, by Walter Hutchinson, (London, c1920s).