Jacobite Rising of 1745: Raising of the Standard at Glenfinnan

On August 19, 1745, Prince Charles Edward Stuart, commonly known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, raised the Jacobite standard at Glenfinnan in Scotland, marking the commencement of the Jacobite Rising of 1745. This act was a significant milestone in the Stuart efforts to reclaim the British throne.

Background

The Jacobite movement sought to restore the House of Stuart to the British throne after it was deposed during the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Prince Charles Edward was the grandson of James II of England and VII of Scotland, the last Stuart monarch who was overthrown by William of Orange. The Jacobite cause had been diminished after the failed uprising in 1715, but Charles believed the time was right for another attempt.

The Gathering at Glenfinnan

Charles arrived secretly in Scotland in July 1745, determined to rally support among the Highland clans. By August, rumors of his presence began to mobilize support. On August 19, Charles chose Glenfinnan as the site to unfurl his father’s standard, symbolizing the call to arms for Jacobite supporters. The location was strategically selected due to its remoteness, which offered a safe starting point and helped shield initial movements from government forces.

At Glenfinnan, Charles was initially greeted by a smaller number of supporters than expected. However, the arrival of Clan MacDonald and other Highland clans fortified his numbers, greatly boosting morale. The raising of the Jacobite standard was accompanied by speeches and solemn oaths of allegiance, solidifying the commitment of the assembled forces to the Stuart cause.

Significance and Aftermath

The raising of the standard at Glenfinnan marked the formal beginning of the Jacobite Rising. Over the following months, Jacobite forces, under the leadership of Prince Charles, successfully captured Edinburgh and won a significant victory at the Battle of Prestonpans. The campaign reached as far south as Derby in England, which was a geographic high point of the uprising.

Despite initial successes, the Jacobite forces eventually faced logistical difficulties and waning support. The rising culminated in the decisive Battle of Culloden on April 16, 1746, where Jacobite forces were thoroughly defeated. This loss effectively ended the Stuart claim to the throne.

Charles Edward Stuart evaded capture and spent months on the run before escaping to France. The aftermath of the rising saw severe reprisals against Jacobite supporters and the implementation of harsh measures to dismantle the clan system in Scotland, indelibly altering the region’s cultural landscape.

Broader Historical Impact

The Jacobite Rising of 1745 demonstrated the persistent dynastic and sectarian tensions in 18th-century Britain, highlighting the fragile nature of succession disputes and regional allegiances. The failure of the uprising facilitated the strengthening of centralized British power over the Highlands, hastened cultural assimilation, and led to significant military reforms within the British army. The event remains a poignant chapter in Scottish history and continues to be a symbol of romantic nationalism.