Monmouth's rebles - Part 1

James Scott, Duke of Monmouth and Buccleuch, By Jan van Wyck

 "After passing the Doone Valley the scenery softens and becomes more and more lovely, but it wants the wild grandeur of the moors, till passing Brendon village we come to Watersmeet, a most picturesque spot - the scene, in Whyte Melville's "Katerfelto," of the fierce struggle between Parson Gale and John Garnet. About this place there is also an historical story. When the unhappy Monmouth had been defeated at Sedgemoor, many of his followers sought refuge in the hills and wild wastes north of Devon. Amongst these fugitives was a Major Wade, who hid himself in a rocky cave close to Illford Bridge, in the valley of the East Lynn. Here a compassionate peasant woman brought him food. She lived at Bridge Hill. Had her charity been discovered by the remorseless Colonel Kirke or his agents, she would undoubtedly have been hanged for it..." [cont.]

Valentine (undated)