AMSTERDAM, Feb 28 (Reuters) - Charles Taylor's war crimes trial was adjourned on Thursday until Monday so the former Liberian President can rest on doctor's advice, a spokesman for the U.N.-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone said. "He wasn't feeling well a few days back," the spokesman said on Thursday.

"The doctor said it wasn't serious but he needed some rest. He came to court yesterday and today but the defence counsel asked for an adjournment so he could rest on doctor's advice."

Taylor, once one of Africa's most feared warlords, faces charges of rape, murder, mutilation and recruitment of child soldiers at the court, set up to try those most responsible for the 1991-2002 conflict.

The trial is being held in The Hague because of fears it could spur instability if held in Sierra Leone.

The 60-year-old has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His trial was delayed for six months after opening in June 2007 after he appealed for more resources to fund his defence.

The court had hoped for a rapid trial, after seeing previous international war crimes trials dogged by lengthy legal arguments or posturing by the accused, notably the trial of former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic.

Milosevic died in jail before a verdict was reached in his marathon trial, prompting a storm of criticism about the fact his case was allowed to drag on for more than four years. (Reporting by Catherine Hornby; editing by Philippa Fletcher)