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Royal Intrigue
The West Country seemed to continue attracting Royal intrigue, and William of Orange, son-in-law to James II, landed at Brixham on 5th November 1688 at the behest of supporters who rejected the Catholic James II. William (who became Wm. III) struck out for London, via Axminster, where he stayed for several days meeting his field commanders, including John Churchill, (later Duke of Marlborough) who was born just south of Axminster. All was then quiet for a while .... Until Napoleon, when concern was so great in 1803 that, ‘Proposals for ....People instrumental for the General Defence in case of Invasion' were issued. All those not assigned to do battle were to meet at Heath Common, east of the main street, with livestock and goods useful to the enemy. Web site address: www.thelocalchannel.co.uk/memburylocalhistorysociety
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