about midnight
The Duke now resolved to march to Taunton , that celebrated and beautiful little town which had endured so heroic a siege under Blake . It was here that during his progress he had been received with such remarkable honours , and he fully expected now to receive a similar treatment . Taunton was densely populated , and was the seat of the trade in serges , and as most of the manufacturers were Dissenters , they were universally in favour of the Duke of Monmouth . As Monmouth approached Taunton several persons came out from the town , who informed him that it had been occupied till the day before by Royal troops , but they , hearing of the disorder into which the militia had been thrown between Axminster and Chard , about midnight , a drum sounding both officers and men , had marched out , having received orders to appear at Bridgewater . Messengers also promised a cordial reception to the Duke should he come . The Duke , having encamped his forces outside the town , prepared to enter it . He was met by a large body of men on horseback , every person who possessed a steed going out to meet him , while the rest of the inhabitants on foot rent the air with applause and acclamations .