James Scott

Profession: Duke of Monmouth

Biography: James Scott, the first Duke of Monmouth, was a Dutch-born English nobleman and military officer. He is best known for leading the failed Monmouth Rebellion of 1685, in which he sought to depose his uncle, King James II and VII.

Monmouth, the son of King Charles II, was a commander in several major military conflicts: the Second Anglo-Dutch War, the Third Anglo-Dutch War, and the Franco-Dutch War. This earned him some measure of respect, as well as the trust of his men.

It was when one of his men declared him the legitimate King that Monmouth initiated his rebellion in earnest, with the hope being that—as a Protestant himself, as against the Catholic James—he would be able to draw on his lineage to usurp the throne. This proved not to be the case, and he was executed for treason.

Born: April 9, 1649
Birthplace: Rotterdam, Dutch Republic
Star Sign: Aries

Died: July 15, 1685 (aged 36)
Cause of Death: Executed by beheading for treason