James Scott, Duke of Monmouth

(1649 - 1685)

The illegitimate son of King Charles II, James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, a Protestant, was regarded by some politicians and noblemen as a possible successor to the throne over the acknowledged heir, the duke of York, a Catholic. After the duke of York became King James II in February 1685, Monmouth raised a rebel army, but the expected uprisings of support in London and Cheshire did not occur. He was captured in a ditch outside Ringwood and beheaded soon after.