Duke of Monmouth: Difference between revisions
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Since Charles and his wife Catherine had no children of their own, Charles's brother [[James II|James, Duke of York]], was the heir presumptive to the throne. But James was [[Catholicism|Catholic]]. James Scott, on the other hand, was raised as an [[Church of England|Anglican Protestant]] and he had the ability to fascinate people. During the Exclusion Crisis, he cooperated with the [[Whigs]] and Monmouth thought that he was indeed - or at least that he by rights should be - the legitimate son and heir of Charles II. The Whigs' support and influence turned James into a staunch megalomaniac. Between 1682 and 1683, James became part of the [[Rye House Plot]] and his father forced him to leave England in 1684. | Since Charles and his wife Catherine had no children of their own, Charles's brother [[James II|James, Duke of York]], was the heir presumptive to the throne. But James was [[Catholicism|Catholic]]. James Scott, on the other hand, was raised as an [[Church of England|Anglican Protestant]] and he had the ability to fascinate people. During the Exclusion Crisis, he cooperated with the [[Whigs]] and Monmouth thought that he was indeed - or at least that he by rights should be - the legitimate son and heir of Charles II. The Whigs' support and influence turned James into a staunch megalomaniac. Between 1682 and 1683, James became part of the [[Rye House Plot]] and his father forced him to leave England in 1684. | ||
When his father died and his uncle became James II in 1685, Monmouth started an insurrection, still thinking himself the only legitimate king. He arrived at Dorset where he and his 4,000 followers were defeated in the Battle of Sedgemoor. Monmouth was arrested and beheaded soon afterwards. | When his father died and his uncle became James II in 1685, Monmouth started an insurrection, still thinking himself the only legitimate king. He arrived at Dorset where he and his 4,000 followers were defeated in the Battle of Sedgemoor. Monmouth was arrested and beheaded soon afterwards. | ||
Latest revision as of 22:08, 27 October 2022
1649-1685. Also known as James Scott. Illegitimate son of King Charles II and his mistress Lucy Walter.
Charles and Lucy met in the Netherlands during Charles's exile during the English Civil War. Although the two had no contact whatsoever after James's birth, Lucy wanted to prove that she was indeed Charles's wife. Rumours about a 'Black Box', in which government officials could find the lost marriage certificates, circulated. However, after Charles married Catherine of Braganza in 1662, he declared that such a marriage contract never existed.
Despite the issues he had with his mistress, Charles stood behind his illegitimate child. In 1658, James was removed from his mother's care and brought up by William Crofts. In 1662, James moved to Charles II's court and was made Duke of Monmouth on Feburary 14 1663. Charles wanted his son to be accepted at court and arranged a marriage between James and the twelve-year old Scottish Anne Scott, Countess of Buccleuch.
Since Charles and his wife Catherine had no children of their own, Charles's brother James, Duke of York, was the heir presumptive to the throne. But James was Catholic. James Scott, on the other hand, was raised as an Anglican Protestant and he had the ability to fascinate people. During the Exclusion Crisis, he cooperated with the Whigs and Monmouth thought that he was indeed - or at least that he by rights should be - the legitimate son and heir of Charles II. The Whigs' support and influence turned James into a staunch megalomaniac. Between 1682 and 1683, James became part of the Rye House Plot and his father forced him to leave England in 1684.
When his father died and his uncle became James II in 1685, Monmouth started an insurrection, still thinking himself the only legitimate king. He arrived at Dorset where he and his 4,000 followers were defeated in the Battle of Sedgemoor. Monmouth was arrested and beheaded soon afterwards.
Sources
Davison, Anita. "Executed: James Scott Duke of Monmouth 1685." Unusual Historicals, Oct 01 2012, http://unusualhistoricals.blogspot.de/2012/10/executed-james-scott-duke-of-monmouth.html. Accessed June 12 2013.
Simkin, John. "Duke of Monmouth." Spartacus Educational, first published online September 1997, http://spartacus-educational.com/STUmonmouthD.htm. Accessed June 12 2013.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. "James Scott, duke of Monmouth." Encyclopædia Britannica, first published online Jul 20, 1998, https://www.britannica.com/biography/James-Scott-duke-of-Monmouth. Accessed June 13 2013.
Vicary, Tim. "The Protestant Prince - James Scott, Duke of Monmouth." English Historical Fiction Authors, January 26 2013, http://englishhistoryauthors.blogspot.de/2013/01/the-protestant-prince-james-scott-duke.html. Accessed June 13 2013.