Events on January 8 in history

Second Jacobite rising: Bonnie Prince Charlie occupies Stirling.

The Jacobite Rising of 1745: A Definitive Bid for the British Throne

The Jacobite rising of 1745, famously known as the Forty-five Rebellion or simply the '45, represented the final and most determined attempt by the Stuart dynasty to reclaim the British throne. In Scottish Gaelic, this pivotal period is referred to as Bliadhna Theàrlaich, literally meaning 'The Year of Charles', a testament to the central role played by Charles Edward Stuart, often romanticized as "Bonnie Prince Charlie". This audacious rebellion aimed to restore the crown to his father, James Francis Edward Stuart, known to history as "The Old Pretender," who was the son of the deposed King James VII of Scotland and II of England.

The Stakes: A Bid for the British Throne

At its core, Jacobitism was a political movement advocating for the restoration of the House of Stuart to the British throne. Following the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which saw James VII and II overthrown in favour of William of Orange and Mary II, the Act of Settlement 1701 formally excluded Catholics from the succession, cementing the Hanoverian line. The 1745 Rising was strategically timed to coincide with the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–1748), a major European conflict that saw the bulk of the British Army, including many experienced regiments, deployed to mainland Europe. This left Britain's home defence considerably weakened, presenting a unique window of opportunity for the Jacobites. The '45 was not an isolated event but the culmination of a series of earlier revolts that had commenced with the initial deposition in 1689, featuring significant outbreaks in 1708, 1715 (known as "the Fifteen"), and 1719 ("the Nineteen"), each aiming to undo the Hanoverian succession.

Launching the Rebellion: From Glenfinnan to Prestonpans

The rebellion was dramatically ignited on 19 August 1745 when Charles Edward Stuart formally raised his standard at Glenfinnan, a remote and historically significant glen in the Scottish Highlands. This symbolic act rallied hundreds of Highland clansmen to his cause, marking the official start of the campaign. The initial momentum was swift and impressive; the Jacobite army, fueled by a mixture of dynastic loyalty, economic grievances, and a desire to preserve traditional Highland ways, swept through Scotland. They successfully captured Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, without significant resistance. A crucial early victory came in September at the Battle of Prestonpans, where the Jacobite forces, despite being outnumbered and less formally equipped, decisively defeated a government army led by Sir John Cope. This stunning triumph significantly boosted Jacobite morale, secured control over much of Scotland, and provided them with much-needed arms and supplies, solidifying Charles's leadership and the immediate viability of the uprising.

The Perilous Advance: Invasion of England and Retreat

Following their successes in Scotland, a crucial council was held in October to determine the next strategic move. Charles Edward Stuart, confident and ambitious, strongly advocated for an invasion of England. He assured his Scottish commanders of substantial, widespread support from English Jacobites, particularly in the historically Catholic and Tory-leaning North-West. Crucially, he also promised a simultaneous landing of a large French force in Southern England, which would further divert British attention and aid the Jacobite cause. Based on these assurances, albeit with significant internal debate among his pragmatic Scottish generals who harboured deep reservations, the Jacobite army crossed the border into England in early November.

The Jacobite march into England was remarkably deep, reaching Derby on 4 December 1745, a mere 125 miles from London. This rapid advance caused considerable panic in the British capital. However, the anticipated English support failed to materialise. While their invasion route was meticulously chosen to pass through areas perceived as strongholds of Jacobite sentiment—such as Carlisle, Preston, and Manchester, where discussions on continuing the advance were held—the hoped-for recruits and financial backing were conspicuously absent. Many of the Scottish commanders, including Lord George Murray, expressed increasing unease, feeling they had already overextended themselves. They recognised the stark reality: their army, already relatively small, was now significantly outnumbered by converging government forces, and there was a very real danger of their lines of retreat being cut off, trapping them deep within hostile territory.

The decision to turn back at Derby, though deeply unpopular with Charles, was supported by the overwhelming majority of his senior Scottish officers. This pragmatic choice, driven by a clear assessment of military realities and the devastating absence of the promised English and French support, caused an irretrievable and bitter split between Charles and his key Scottish supporters. This division undermined the cohesion and morale of the Jacobite command, proving to be a critical turning point that effectively sealed the rebellion's fate, despite later successes.

The Final Stand: Culloden and Its Aftermath

Despite the strategic retreat from Derby, the Jacobites achieved one more significant victory at the Battle of Falkirk Muir in January 1746, repelling a government force and offering a fleeting resurgence of hope. However, this temporary triumph could not alter the fundamental strategic disadvantage. The definitive end of the '45 Rebellion, and with it, the significant backing for the Stuart cause, came on 16 April 1746 at the devastating Battle of Culloden. Fought near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, Culloden was the last pitched battle fought on British soil and proved to be a catastrophic defeat for the Jacobite army.

The Duke of Cumberland, son of King George II and commander of the Hanoverian government forces, led a well-disciplined, well-equipped army that ruthlessly crushed the exhausted and poorly supplied Jacobite forces. The aftermath of Culloden was brutal; Cumberland earned the moniker "The Butcher" for the harsh suppression that followed, aimed at eradicating Jacobitism and dismantling the traditional Highland way of life. This included the Disarming Act, which outlawed the carrying of weapons; the Dress Act of 1746, which prohibited the wearing of tartan and Highland dress; and the abolition of hereditary jurisdictions, effectively breaking the clan system and eroding the power of clan chiefs. These punitive measures systematically destroyed the social and cultural structures that had historically sustained Highland resistance and Jacobite support, leading to widespread displacement and contributing to the later Highland Clearances.

Following the defeat, Charles Edward Stuart became a fugitive, embarking on a perilous five-month escape across the Highlands and Islands, famously aided by figures like Flora MacDonald, before eventually fleeing to France. Despite fleeting hopes of renewed French support, he was ultimately unable to galvanize significant backing for another attempt to regain the throne. Charles's later life was marked by disillusionment and declining health, and he died in Rome in 1788. His death, without legitimate issue, effectively marked the definitive end of the direct Stuart dynastic claim to the British throne and the Jacobite movement as a viable political force.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 1745 Jacobite Rising

What was the Jacobite Rising of 1745?

The Jacobite Rising of 1745, also known as the Forty-five Rebellion or 'The Year of Charles' (Bliadhna Theàrlaich), was the final major attempt by Charles Edward Stuart ("Bonnie Prince Charlie") to regain the British throne for the exiled House of Stuart. It aimed to overthrow the reigning Hanoverian monarch, King George II, and restore the Stuart dynasty.

Who was Charles Edward Stuart, also known as Bonnie Prince Charlie?

Charles Edward Stuart (1720–1788) was the grandson of the deposed King James VII of Scotland and II of England, and son of James Francis Edward Stuart ("The Old Pretender"). He was the charismatic figurehead of the 1745 Jacobite Rising, leading the rebellion in person. His popular nickname, "Bonnie Prince Charlie," reflects the romanticized image often associated with him and the Jacobite cause.

Why did the Jacobites invade England during the 1745 Rebellion?

The Jacobites invaded England primarily because Charles Edward Stuart believed they would receive substantial support from English Jacobites and anticipated a simultaneous French military landing in Southern England. This strategy aimed to overwhelm the Hanoverian government and secure the throne. However, neither the promised English support nor the French landing fully materialised, contributing to their decision to retreat.

What was the significance of the Battle of Culloden?

The Battle of Culloden, fought on 16 April 1746 near Inverness, was the decisive and final battle of the 1745 Jacobite Rising. It resulted in a crushing defeat for the Jacobite army at the hands of government forces led by the Duke of Cumberland. Culloden marked the definitive end of the Jacobite military threat and led to brutal government suppression of Highland culture and society, effectively dismantling the clan system.

What were the lasting impacts of the Forty-five Rebellion?

The lasting impacts of the Forty-five Rebellion were profound. It led to severe government reprisals, including the Disarming Act and the Dress Act, which suppressed Highland culture, language, and social structures. The defeat also contributed to the later Highland Clearances and fundamentally altered the social and political landscape of Scotland. It conclusively ended the Stuart claim to the British throne and cemented the Hanoverian dynasty's rule.