EDWARD CHEDZOY

EDWARD CHEDZOY and the battle of Sedgemoor.

Edward Chedzoy 3rd child of Robert and Elizabeth Chedzoy was baptized 11th June 1663. King Charles II was on the throne at the time. King Charles II had an illegitimate son James Scott, who was given the title of Duke of Monmouth, he was a Protestant. King Charles II had a brother James Duke of York who was Catholic, who took the throne when Charles II died in February 1685. At this time Edward Chedzoy and his brother Robert were in their 20's. When James Duke of Monmouth, who was in Holland at the time heard the news, his advisors, notably the Earl of Argyll encouraged him to challenge the throne, knowing that there would be a lot of support for him being a Protestant. James Duke of Monmouth landed at Lime Regis and began his invasion. He was doing well, his army was made up of peasants and poor Farmers. By the time Monmouth reached Taunton he was declared King, he decided not to take Bristol and instead took his supporters to Bridgewater pursued by Lord Feversham. Many of his supporters deserted at this time as news came that the Earl of Argyll had been captured. Edward and Robert Chedzoy must have joined up at this point to make a surprise attack on the Royal camp. The rebel forces moved out of Bridgewater at 11pm July 6th 1685 and made a silent advance on the enemy camp, but some one fired a shot which warned the enemy of their advance. The battle took place at Westonzoyland, and began between one and two o'clock in the morning lasting for about an hour and a half. About 1300 rebels were killed, 500 were captured and herded into the church, 80 were wounded and five died during the night. The conditions were so bad that the church had to be fumigated after they left. Edward Chedzoy must have been among these prisoners.

On the 8th July 1685 at Wells, Edward Chedzoy was convicted before Chief Justice Jefferies at the Court of Oyer and Terminer for Dorset, Somerset and Devon for waging war against the King and sentenced to be transported to the Americas. Edwards Name is one of the last for that day. (sentence enrolled on 4th February 1691). Edward sailed on the Constant Richard to Jamaica. Robert Chedzoy was not tried, so it was assumed he died in prison.

To see a list of Rebels who were executed see Bernard D Welchmans web site. There is a copy of the list on the wall in Weston Zoyland Church.

Inscription on the Battle of Sedgemoor Monument at Bussex

                  To the Glory of God                                       

and in Memory of all those who

doing the right as they gave it

fell in the Battle of Sedgemoor

6th July 1685

and lie buried in this field

or who for their share in the fight

suffered death

Punishment or transportation 

                            pro patria

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