An insurrection in south-west England against James II, led by the Duke of Monmouth, illegitimate son of Charles II. The Duke of Argyll led a revolt in Scotland against James and persuaded Monmouth to launch a rebellion in the south-west. He landed at Lyme Regis in Dorset, and was proclaimed king at Taunton, but could muster only limited support. He failed to take Bristol and, with forces inferior in training, experience, and equipment to the king’s army, was routed at Sedgemoor. Monmouth was captured a few days later and executed; his followers were harshly punished by the Bloody Assizes.