The Battle of Prestonpans: September 21, 1745

The Battle of Prestonpans was a significant engagement during the Jacobite Rising of 1745, marking a decisive victory for the Jacobite forces led by Charles Edward Stuart, commonly known as “Bonnie Prince Charlie.” This battle took place on September 21, 1745, near the town of Prestonpans, east of Edinburgh, Scotland.

Context and Prelude

The Jacobite Rising of 1745 was an attempt by Charles Edward Stuart to reclaim the British throne for his father, James Francis Edward Stuart, the exiled Catholic claimant. The rising was part of a series of Jacobite attempts to restore the Stuart monarchy, which had been deposed in favor of the Protestant Hanoverians.

In July 1745, Charles landed in Scotland with a small group of supporters and quickly gathered a significant force of Highland clansmen. By September, the Jacobites had captured Edinburgh, and their morale was high.

The Battle

Forces Involved

• Jacobites: Commanded by Charles Edward Stuart and his lieutenant, Lord George Murray, the Jacobite army consisted of approximately 2,500 men, primarily Highland clansmen.
• Government Troops: Led by Sir John Cope, the government forces numbered around 2,300, including infantry, cavalry, and artillery.

Key Events

1. Initial Movements: On the night of September 20, the Jacobites moved to confront Cope’s forces, who had taken a defensive position near Prestonpans.

2. Surprise Attack: In the early hours of September 21, the Jacobites launched a surprise attack. Utilizing the cover of darkness and the element of surprise, they advanced through marshy terrain that Cope had deemed impassable.

3. Engagement: The Jacobites charged with ferocity, overwhelming the government troops. The Highland charge, a traditional tactic involving a rapid advance followed by close-quarters combat, proved devastatingly effective.

4. Outcome: The battle was brief, lasting less than 30 minutes. The government forces were quickly routed, suffering significant casualties and losing their artillery. Many soldiers fled, and Cope himself narrowly escaped capture.

Aftermath and Significance

• Jacobite Morale: The victory at Prestonpans significantly boosted Jacobite morale and legitimacy, demonstrating their capability to defeat government forces.
• Impact on the Rising: The success at Prestonpans allowed the Jacobites to consolidate their control over Scotland and encouraged further recruitment.
• Government Response: The defeat prompted the British government to take the Jacobite threat more seriously, leading to increased military efforts to suppress the rising.

The Battle of Prestonpans remains a notable example of the effectiveness of Highland warfare tactics and is remembered as a key moment in the Jacobite Rising of 1745. Despite this victory, the Jacobite campaign ultimately failed, culminating in their defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.