The Frome Society is due to launch a new season of lectures this month, starting with a talk on Frome and the Monmouth Rebellion.
The society has a long-running and successful programme of talks on Saturday afternoons through the autumn and winter, and will be adding a new series of talks through the summer.
Vice chair Jayne Sadgrove said, “Now we’re adding a new series of Summer Extra talks. Come along to Frome Cricket Club on the last Wednesday of the month from 7pm (when the bar opens), with the talk starting at 7.30pm. All are welcome and entry is free. A collection will be made for a local Frome charity at each event.
“Our season kicks off on Wednesday 28th May, with a timely talk on Frome and the Monmouth Rebellion by Gary Kearley. Both the subject and the speaker are very relevant to Frome. 340 years ago, on 2nd July 1685, Frome found itself at the centre of the Monmouth Rebellion and had to decide which side to back.
“Following the Civil War and the Interregnum, Charles II had been restored to the throne and ruled as an outwardly Protestant king. On his death, his brother James II, a staunch and public Catholic, succeeded to the throne, which many at the time found unacceptable.
“So, the Duke of Monmouth, Charles II’s eldest but illegitimate son, attempted to wrest the crown from his uncle James II. Gary’s illustrated talk will cover the cause, conduct and consequences of the rebellion with particular emphasis on the dramatic and influential events that happened in Frome and the surrounding area.
“Gary Kearley is a Frome-based author and historian. He is co-author of ‘Secret Frome’ and has had his first novel, set in the Monmouth Rebellion published. He has a first-class honours degree in history, heritage and archaeology and is well known on the local speaking circuit and for tunnels tours.”
Donations given at this event will go to the Dissenters Cemetery, a site which marks Frome’s long-term commitment to independence and nonconformity.
“So come along and hear how Frome was caught up in the bloody history of Monmouth’s rebellion 340 years ago,” said Jayne.
Pictured: Gary Kearley
