The Jacobite Rebellion

Highly romanticised in stories and songs, the Jacobite Risings, in reality, were a much bleaker affair, marked by bloody and divisive uprisings, rebellions and fighting. There were many battles during the Jacobite rebellions, at sites from Killiecrankie to Culloden. The Jacobites failed to restore the Stuarts to the throne, ultimately leading to the tragic Battle of Culloden that changed communities and the infrastructure of the Highlands forever.

In 1745, Prince Charles Edward Stuart (better known as Bonnie Prince Charlie) launched an attempt to reclaim the throne his grandfather, King James VII of Scotland and II of England, lost in 1688. Those who continued to support the exiled James II, Jacobus being the name in Latin, became known as "Jacobites".

Learn more about Bonnie Prince Charlie and his fascinating journey

The Jacobite rebellion timeline is quite complex. It all started with James VII, as we called him in Scotland or James II as he was known in England, the last Roman Catholic monarch to reign over the kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland. Invaded by his Protestant son-in-law and subsequently overthrown, James was forced into exile in France. The Jacobites (which means supporter of James) were around from his time until well into the next century.

The Jacobite Risings of 1708, 1715 and 1719

In 1707, the two kingdoms of Scotland and England were united much to the dismay of those who supported the Jacobite cause. James VIII/III attempted to claim the throne twice, in 1708 and in 1715, which resulted in the Jacobite rising of 1715 led by the Earl of Mar. In 1719, the Jacobites found an ally in Spain and this rebellion was led by Lord Tullibardine and Earl Marischal. 

• Led by:  James VIII/III - James Francis Edward Stuart - also known as the "Old Pretender"
• Main battles: Battle of Sherrifmuir (1715), Battle of Glenshiel (1719)

The Jacobite Rebellion of 1745

After failing to persuade the French government to commit to another invasion, Prince Charles, the "Young Pretender", decided to fund his own Jacobite rebellion in 1745. He sailed from France to Scotland, arriving on Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides in July 1745 and then travelled across the Highlands, to assemble a Jacobite army.

• Led by: Prince Charles Edward Stuart - Charles III - known as 'Bonnie Prince Charlie' or the "Young Pretender"
• Main battles: Battle of Prestonpans (1745), Battle of Falkirk (1745), Battle of Culloden (1746)