1685 Monmouth Rebellion

                     An Infamous Mistress or Forsaken Queen? New Book by Stephen M Carter                  Mr Carter has studied and researched the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685 for years. This is his fifth book relating to the subject.  Charles II's Secret Queen: Lucy Walter  draws on source material from Britain, France, the Netherlands, from the 17th century onwards. He references his argument with endnotes, and tries hard to make his case readable, not just academic.  There is a foreward written by Andrea Zuvich,  a prominent 17th history historian and hosts the popular '17th Century lady' website who recognises how important the book is in examining the life of Lucy Walter, though does not get drawn into deciding whether or not Lucy married Charles. (pages viii-ix) But could Lucy Walter and (the uncrowned*) Charles II have married in exile, making James Scott, also k...

                 Argyll & Monmouth's Military Campaigns Against The Government of King James   Have to state straight away that I am not a Monmouth supporter, but think that this book is magnificent. Even a 'York toady' like myself has to be impressed. The sheer weight of information is incredible. Mr Carter has researched the subject for many years and we can all reap the benefit. He presents many contemporary illustrations, maps, colour plates showing banners, diagrams displaying battle positions which he has created himself. Charts showing the losses on both armies, the number of defeated rebels executed, transported, and pardoned during the Bloody Assizes, town by town.  There  is a most welcome chart commuting 17th century dating to modern dating. So the book will be used for as a crucial source of reference  for a long time to come. 'Fighting for Liberty' is  also a most readable but demanding text. Perhaps ...