Tony Robinson with Billy Bragg enjoying a break outside the Olde Corner Shoppe, Colyton

Tony Robinson with Billy Bragg enjoying a break outside the Olde Corner Shoppe, Colyton

TV historian Tony Robinson visited Colyton on Monday, 1 September 2014 to film an episode of his history documentary series “Walking Through History”.

The programme, to be screened in the New Year on Channel 4, features the West Country rebels who supported the Monmouth Rebellion and Colyton’s role as the most rebellious town in Devon. 105 Colytonian men joined the Protestant Duke of Monmouth (more than from any other town) while troops loyal to the King were also active and present in the valley trying to prevent others from joining the rebellion.

Scenes were filmed around Colyton’s historic streets and bridges. The episode will follow the story of the rebels on their journey from Lyme Regis, where the exiled Duke of Monmouth landed in June 1685 – hoping to raise an army to overthrow his uncle, the Catholic King James II – through the West Country to their defeat at the Battle of Sedgemoor. Many rebels were subsequently hanged or sent into slavery.

Next year, on Saturday, 13 June 2015, Colyton will mark the 330th anniversary of the Monmouth Rebellion with an historic re-enactment of the life and times, led by the Taunton Garrison in full costume. A street market, living history camp, pike and musket drill and Drum Head Service will be among the attractions to be enjoyed. Further details of the day’s events will be published on www.colytonheritagecentre.org over the coming months.

Anyone who would like to get involved in organising next year’s event should contact Jacquie McCullogh on 01297 552626 or Jacqueline.mccullogh@btinternet.com