Bussex Rhine facts for kids
The Bussex Rhine was a large ditch or drain located near the village of Westonzoyland in Somerset, England. In this part of England, a "rhine" (pronounced like "seen") is a special word for a big ditch used to drain water from marshy, wet land. In the 1600s, many rhines like the Bussex Rhine helped make the land in Somerset useful for farming.
The Bussex Rhine and the Monmouth Rebellion
The Bussex Rhine played a very important role in a historical event called the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685. This rebellion was a fight for the throne of England.
What was the Monmouth Rebellion?
The Monmouth Rebellion was an attempt by James Scott, the Duke of Monmouth, to become king of England. He was the son of the previous king, Charles II. However, after Charles II died, his brother, James II, became king. The Duke of Monmouth believed he should be king instead, and he gathered an army of supporters to challenge King James II.
The Battle of Sedgemoor
The king's army, led by skilled commanders like John Churchill, set up camp near the Bussex Rhine. The Duke of Monmouth and his rebel army planned a surprise night attack on the king's forces. They hoped to cross the Bussex Rhine quietly and catch the king's soldiers off guard.
However, crossing the Bussex Rhine in the dark was much harder than the rebels expected. The ditch was wide and muddy, and it took them a long time to get across. This delay meant they lost the element of surprise. The king's well-trained army, which also had powerful cannons, was ready for them.
The battle that followed is known as the Battle of Sedgemoor. Because the rebels were delayed by the Bussex Rhine and lost their surprise advantage, the king's forces were able to defeat them. This battle was the final major fight of the Monmouth Rebellion, and it ended with a clear victory for King James II. The Bussex Rhine, though just a ditch, became a crucial part of this important moment in English history.
