7. James II saw off a challenge to his crown in 1685 from his nephew and responded by refusing to show his relative any mercy at trial
James II of England and Ireland, also reigning as James VII of Scotland, ruled these respective territories between 1685 and his removal during the Glorious Revolution of 1688. The last Roman Catholic monarch of Great Britain, James inherited the thrones upon the death of his brother, Charles II, and was initially popular among his subjects. However, driven by an archaic belief in the divine right of kings and political absolutism, James quickly fell out of favor with Parliament. In attempting to govern by royal decree, James set into motion his demise and solidified the supremacy of Parliament in British politics.
However, despite being the heir apparent, James’ ascension was not assured. Instead, in 1685 his claim to the throne was challenged by his nephew, James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, who was the illegitimate son of Charles II. Returning to England from exile in June 1685, a few months after James’ coronation, Monmouth rallied supporters and proclaimed himself the true monarch. Defeating his nephew at the Battle of Sedgemoor, Monmouth was captured by James. Despite petitions to the contrary, James demanded his nephew be condemned to death. In a last act of cruelty towards Monmouth, the executioner ensured it took several painful blows of the ax.