The attempt by Charles Edward Stuart and his Jacobite supporters to claim the British throne has consistently captivated public interest. In July 1745, he arrived in Scotland with a small group of followers, without prior notice or external support. Remarkably, within just five months, Charles managed to lead an army close enough to London to instill fear in King George II regarding his reign.
The Jacobite army continued to outperform the redcoats in every battle, with the exception of their final confrontation. These accomplishments were not indicative of a regressive cause, and this pioneering study is the first to elucidate the reasons behind this. Until nearly the end, the Jacobites maintained both a literal and metaphorical advantage over their adversaries, attributed to the fearsome Highland charge and, as this book reveals for the first time, the sophisticated organization of their forces into ‘divisions’ – smaller armies that enabled them to outmanoeuvre their opponents strategically.
Concurrently, Prince Charles made a compelling case for political and ideological superiority, advocating for religious tolerance and a monarchy that collaborated with a strengthened and accountable Parliament. Thus, the Prince not only relied on traditional allegiances but also garnered support from prominent figures of the emerging Enlightenment. This stood in stark contrast to the corrupt Hanoverian government in Britain. The Hanoverian politicians in London and Scotland, who had previously excelled in petty gains, were suddenly required to act as strategists and utterly failed.
Due recognition is accorded to the Duke of Cumberland, who emerged as an inspiring leader. He possessed a keen understanding of both the strengths and weaknesses of the British Army, which enabled him to develop a cautious and methodical approach to warfare that ultimately secured his victory at Culloden on 16 April 1746. In contrast, the Jacobites faced persistent challenges from the outset of the Rising due to their inability to reconcile two differing viewpoints: that of Prince Charles, who aimed to restore the Stuart crown in London, and the more limited perspectives of the predominantly Scottish faction.
This discord contributed to the controversial retreat of the Jacobites at Derby and ultimately led to the disbandment and fatigue of the Highland Army prior to Culloden. These observations are supported by recent advancements in Jacobite studies by historians and the author’s ongoing investigations into underutilized primary sources. His documentary discoveries include the autobiography of Lieutenant-General Hawley, Lord George Murray’s insights into significant events of the Rising (along with his detailed map of Culloden), materials gathered by the restored Whig administration in Edinburgh for an ‘official’ history of the Rising, Reverend John Home’s thorough inquiries with survivors, and additional resources.
Finally, Duffy revisits his initial premise regarding the lasting allure of the ’45, concluding that it stems from the enigmatic nature of the event, which was perceived by pragmatic contemporaries as something ‘epic’ and ‘miraculous’—beyond rational explanation and continually subject to reinterpretation based on our imaginations.
