James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth

James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth, 1st Duke of Buccleuch, KG, PC (9 April 1649 – 15 July 1685) was an English Army officer and courtier. Originally called James Crofts or James Fitzroy, he was the eldest illegitimate son of Charles II of England with his mistress Lucy Walter. After his father's death, he led the unsuccessful Monmouth Rebellion in 1685, an attempt to depose his uncle King James II and VII. The rebellion failed, and Monmouth was beheaded for treason on 15 July 1685.

Quotes

• Here are six guineas for you. Do not hack me as you did my Lord Russell. I have heard that you struck him three or four times. My servant will give you some more gold if you do the work well.
  • Words addressed to John Ketch the executioner, "a wretch who had butchered many brave and noble victims, and whose name has, during a century and a half, been vulgarly given to all who have succeeded him in his odious office."—T. B. Macaulay, The History of England, vol. 1 (1849) ch. 5