| |
More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
|
'45 Rebellion
|
|
|
(also known simply as the Forty-Five)
The second and last of the military attempts, launched with French encouragement, to recover the throne for the Stuart dynasty. Launched with French encouragement during the War of the *Austrian Succession, it came much nearer to success than the *'15 Rebellion. Bonnie Prince Charlie (Charles Edward *Stuart) landed in Inverness-shire in August 1745 and the Highland clans were called out in his support. They marched south through Perth and entered Edinburgh, where on September 17 he proclaimed his father king, as James VIII of Scotland (he was in Rome – see James *Stuart).
|
|
|
|
|
The prince installed himself in Holyroodhouse, and on September 21 won a decisive victory over a royal army at Prestonpans, a few miles east of Edinburgh. He then headed south. The city of Carlisle was captured in November and by December 4 the army had reached Derby. Here, with increasing defections and difficulties of supply, the prince was persuaded by his officers to turn north again.
|
|
|
|
|
A long retreat back to Inverness culminated in the disaster of *Culloden on 16 April 1746. The Stuart claimant had received little support in the Lowlands or in England, and the English now set about reducing any spirit of resistance in the Highlands. Military roads and forts were established and attempts were made to break the clan system, reducing the power of the chiefs and even banning the wearing of *tartan.
|
|
|
|