July 2025 Community Events

Two days of rebellious discovery to mark the 340th anniversary of the Battle of Sedgemoor.

The year 1685 is infamous in Somerset history. James, Duke of Monmouth attempted to take the throne of England and thousands of Somerset people choose to support him. At first it seemed the rebellion would succeed, and at Taunton Monmouth was proclaimed king. But the rebel army was crushingly defeated at the Battle of Sedgemoor on 6 July 1685.

On Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July visitors can find out more about the county’s rebellious history as we mark the 340th anniversary of the Battle of Sedgemoor. 


Visit the Exhibition
Open all day, drop in 
Discover paintings, artefacts and documents that tell the story of what happened after the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685. See paintings on loan from the Tate and Manchester Art Gallery

Taunton Garrison
10.00 am – 3.00 pm (exact times tbc), drop in
See a musket and weapon demonstration with the reenactors from the Taunton Garrison. Meet a barber surgeon and see them demonstrate 1680s battlefield medicine

Exhibition Tours 
11.30 am and 2.00 pm, drop in 
Join historian and co-curator Tom Mayberry for a short gallery tour and hear more about what happened ‘After Sedgemoor’ 

Eye-Spy Trail 
All day, drop in (£1)
Follow the trail and discover Museum artefacts close-up

Visit the Rebellion Gallery 
Open all day, drop in 
Find out how Somerset gained a reputation as a rebellious county during the 17th century