It’s always a good day when there is a Rebel adventure to be had, it’s an even better day when said Rebel adventure is to an even advertised as Rebellion!
Somerset was a major part of the failed Monmouth Rebellion back in the 1600s. With the decisive battle being fought at Sedgemoor. The Duke of Monmouth marched his so-called peasant army across the kingdom to face his Uncle, James II, troops. A fight he ultimately lost.
We agreed to meet at around 12, to give time to look around the museum before a talk at the gallery at 2. This went out the window when, as soon as I got in my ca,r I had four fault alarms go off. Thankfully, they all turned out to be because of low tire pressure, but it was one way to start the day.
Instead, when I arrived it was high time for some lunch, and I was quite glad to enjoy a carrot and coriander soup before we got to watch a demonstration from the Taunton Garrison reenactment group.
The leader talked the crowd through what the different clothing meant, and what each member’s role was. Telling us about the Drum major, and some of the weapons that Monmouth’s army would have had.
Then it was time to see some muskets fire, or more accurately, hear them.
The process of loading the musket to fire was long, and before they fired, the reenactors explained to cup your ears and open your mouth if you don’t like loud noises.
Every time they fired, no matter how hard I tried, I jumped as I tried to take a photo. Thankfully, I put the camera on a stand to mitigate the movement, but it was certainly an ego blow.
After the demonstration, the Garrison were happy to have a group photo with us, one Rebellion with another. And even let some of our friends ride on the drum.
We stuck around for a little while, and I enjoyed a ridiculous sword fight with one of our mini rebels in the museum courtyard, before we went to see the barber surgeon.
With three of four rebels being in the medical field, it was quite a long conversation, which included a revelation about maggots in modern medicine. But soon enough, it was time for the talk with the curator.
The gallery’s co-currator, Tom Mayberry, gave a short tour of the “After Sedgemoor” Exibit. He was incredibly knowledgeable and added extra character to each of the items and images on show, including a story about a visit from Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in the early 2000s.
The weather managed to hold out all day, and we got to spend lots of time jus chatting and enjoying the sun, as well as recruiting what felt like half the museum staff to join Rebels.
To see the rest of my photos, check out the album on Flickr: Rebellion!!
Daffodils Photography 
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