Page "Monmouth Rebellion" Paragraph 13

Instead of marching on London, Monmouth marched north towards Somerset, and on 14 June clashed with the Dorset Militia at Bridport.

Many of the militiamen deserted and joined Monmouth's army, before he fought another skirmish on the 15th at Axminster.

The recruits joined his disorganised force, which was now around 6, 000, mostly nonconformist, artisans and farmer workers armed with farm tools ( such as pitchforks ): one famous supporter was the young Daniel Defoe.