CHAPEL END, RIVER LEA 



CHAPTER VI 



Kex in possession of bishopric — Duke of Monmouth's 

 rebellion — Ken appointed to attend the Duke's execu- 

 tion — Terrible scene — Seven bishops sent to the Tower 

 — Their release — Abdication of James II. — Proclamation 

 of William and Mary — Ken refuses to take the Oath 

 of Allegiance — Burnet's letter to him — His reply— His 

 resignation — Retirement to Longleat — Letter to Mrs. 

 Gregge — James died 1791. 



Ken Bishop of Bath and Wells 



"DEFORE continuing the story of Ken as Bishop 

 of Bath and Wells, " we must," says Mr. 

 Bowles, " turn our eyes on an awful and unexpected 

 scene, the chamber of death in a voluptuous palace ; 

 for even before Ken took possession of his tem- 

 poralities — in the midst of his careless and libertine 

 career, his imperial patron King Charles II. leaving 

 his Castle of Indolence at Winchester unfinished, 

 was summoned to the judgment seat of the King 

 of Kings." Thus before Ken came into possession 

 James the Second had become king. 



