Jacobite Rising

Each Jacobite Rising formed part of a series of military campaigns by Jacobites attempting to restore the Stuart kings to the thrones of England and Scotland (and after 1707, Great Britain) after James VII of Scotland and II of England was deposed in 1688 and the thrones "usurped" by his daughter Mary II jointly with her husband William of Orange.

Common Misconceptions about the Jacobites and the '45:

It was just a Scottish civil war between Highlanders and Lowlanders.

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The campaign was of international significance; it was a bid to reclaim not just the Scottish throne - but ultimately the English throne as well - with support from Europe. Though donning Highland garb for psychological effect, the Jacobite army was made up of both Highland and (about one-third) Lowland troops, not to mention French and Irish troops.

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Lowlanders were forced to join the Jacobite army.

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Recruiting records show the Lowlands provided many volunteers, including some gentry. Jacobite support was strong in most areas north of the River Tay. England also supplied some volunteers, including a small regiment.

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Indeed, Highlanders were probably more often pressed into service than Lowlanders. The act of pressing was not exclusive to the Jacobites; it was also used by most other contemporary armies, including the British Army.

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More Scots fought against the Jacobites than for them.

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Contemporary records clearly show otherwise: Cumberland?s army contained no more than 2500 Scots. By contrast, Prince Charles? army included well over 10,000 Scots ? possibly closer to 15,000.

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The Jacobite army's organisation was a backward clan-based relic, with inexperienced commanders and untrained troops.

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The Jacobite army?s organisation was similar to that of most other contemporary armies. Many Jacobite commanders had seen service in the in various armies, and field commander George Murray was easily one of the best of the time.

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It is interesting to note that while Culloden was Prince Charles? only defeat (caused by the decision to entrench and defend Inverness as Jacobite funds were very low), it was Cumberland?s only ever victory.

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While many Jacobite soldiers were of poor appearance, some without even shoes, they were among the most feared troops the English faced. The hardiness, individuality, and resourcefulness of Highlanders made them known as some of the best troops in the British Army.

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London was never threatened by the Jacobites.

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London had no significant defending forces and the Jacobite army was only two to three days march away. London officials had made evacuation plans for themselves.

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Jacobite soldiers were ordered to ?give no quarter? at Culloden.

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This ?order? was apparently a forgery, used by English commanders to dehumanise the Scots and perpetuate their image as non-Protestant savages. It was later used by the English to justify their own refusal of quarter when they butchered prisoners, wounded, and even innocent onlookers (including children).

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Recommended reading The Myth of the Jacobite Clans, Murray G. H. Pittock, Edinburgh University Press, 1995.

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