James Scott, Duke of Monmouth and Buccleugh (1649-1685), was the natural son of Charles II of England. He was an important political pawn in the reigns of Charles II and James II.

Born to Lucy Walters at The Hague, the result of a liaison between her and Prince Charles (later Charles II), James Scott was not officially recognized until 1663, when he was patented to his dukedom. However, for the first 14 years of his life and through the remainder of Charles's life, he was treated with considerable indulgence by his father. He was constantly forgiven by Charles for a variety of peccadilloes, which in his maturity included treason and at least loose commitment to an attempt on the King's life. Further, he was the center of nearly every conspiracy, from 1670 onward, to supplant his uncle, James, Duke of York, as the heir to the throne.

As a general, Monmouth...