b'ENLIGHTENMENTTHE MONMOUTH Scan here REBELLION for the full itinerary1114 July 2026 Historical Background4 days In July 1685, near Bridgwater in Somerset, the Duke of Monmouths rebels Expert Historian: were defeated by the Royal army under Lord Feversham at the Battle of Dr John Sadler Sedgemoor. It was the last pitched battle to be fought in England. Almost 1000 rebel soldiers were killed and many survivors, including the wounded, Activity Level: 2 were imprisoned in nearby Westonzoyland church before being tried for their treason. Although Monmouth narrowly escaped the battlefield, three days later he too was captured after having been found cowering in a ditch This four-day tour amongst the gentlyduring his abortive attempt to flee to the Dorset coast.Pleas for his life to undulating landscapes of southwesthis uncle, James II, and promises to betray his supporters fell on deaf ears England follows the would-be usurper theand ten-days after his defeat he was beheaded at the Tower of London. He 1st Duke of Monmouth, from his landingwould not be alone: three hundred of his supporters would be executed at the picturesque harbour of Lyme Regis,following the Bloody Assizes of Judge Jeffries and many more would die of through the golden walled Dorset villagesdisease after transportation to the West Indies.from where unfortunate peasantry rallied to his standard to fight skirmishes at Bridport, Axminster and Ashill and through Somerset as they marched on Bridgwater and Taunton. Following a seemingly aimless figure of eight route to the outskirts of Bristol and Bath in search of further support the tour culminates amidst the confusing dykes of the Somerset Levels at the decisive battlefield of Sedgemoor. Simon BurchellDay 1Raising the standard: Midday arrival Taunton hotel; sandwich lunchand briefing; Lyme Regis, Bridport, Axminster, Ashill Hotel Taunton 3 nights (L, D)Day 1Cat and Mouse: Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Frome, Wells, Keynsham, Philips Norton (B, D)Day 1Battle: Bridgewater and Blake Museum, Sedgemoor battlefield tour, ESSENTIALS Chedzoy, Middlezoy, Othery, Westonzoyland (B, D)3-4-star hotel, meals as indicated,Day 1Taunton Market Cross, Taunton castle, Somerset Military Historydrinks with dinner, all entrance fees,Museum Return to hotel - disperse (B)tour manager and expert historian throughout, all internal travel.30 www.theculturalexperience.com I info@theculturalexperience.com I UK0345 475 1815 I USA(toll-free) 877 209 56205926 TCE BROCHURE 2025-26_Aug25.indd 30 22/08/2025 13:35'