West Country Tragedy

Size : 48” X 34”

Medium : Oil on Canvas

The painting 'West Country Tragedy' depicts the final phase of the Battle of Sedgemoor, fought just to the north of Westonzoyland on the Somerset levels early on the morning of Sunday 6th July 1685.

To the right are the “Rebel” Regiments of James, Duke of Monmouth; the Green Regiment in the centre foreground and the White, Yellow and Blue Regiments beyond. The Red Regiment (not shown) would have been at the rear of Monmouth’s army.

Across the Bussex Rhine, standing in line from the left, the Queen Consort’s Foot (Trelawney’s) Regiment, the Queen Dowager’s Foot (Kirke’s) Regiment, the Second (Coldstream) Guards, the First Foot Guards and, away in the distance, Dumbarton’s Regiment, can be seen.

Crossing the Upper Plungeon the advanced troop of the Horse Grenadiers is forming up to threaten the rebel left flank. In the distance, behind the trees and hedge line is the army’s tented camp and wagon train. Beyond that, the tower of St Mary’s Church, Westonzoyland, can be seen.

The time is approximately 04:30 hrs; the sun is up and the rebels, running low on ammunition, are sustaining high casualties from close range canister shot and volley fire. Soon the infantry regiments of the Royal Army will cross the Bussex Rhine and the battle will be over.

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