The Battle of Culloden: The History and Legacy of the Jacobite Revolts’ Most Famous Battle

By: Charles River Editors

Narrated by: KC Wayman

The striking saga of the Glorious Revolution is one that continues to fascinate historians around the world today. Some chroniclers have referred to these events as the “Bloodless Revolution,” but other historians say otherwise. The ruthless game of politics that William and James played may have been somewhat bloodless in comparison to history's greatest rebellions, but the rebels, soldiers, and other pawns who lost their lives along the way must not be forgotten. The revolution would also pave the path for a series of bloody wars between England and Scotland, the results of which have left quite a legacy of their own.

The Jacobites conjure up many images to 21st century Britons, including romantic heroism, the Outlander series, and Bonnie Prince Charlie as the doomed hero of the cause, but Jacobitism was a cause that had far reaching consequences across 18th century Europe. The Jacobites were not only supporters of the exiled Stuart monarchy, but also against the political and religious settlements agreed to across the British Isles. As Jacobite historians such as Daniel Szechi and Frank McLynn have noted, the specter of the Jacobite threat was present for the British government and monarchy in their dealings with European powers throughout the 18th century. This was especially true in France, the country that supported the exiled Stuarts and gave them a home until 1714. This soured the French monarchy’s relationship with Britain, and the Hanoverian kings who replaced the Stuarts were always aware of French and Spanish attempts to return the British throne to the Catholic Stuarts.

Of all the fighting conducted by the Jacobites, the Battle of Culloden, fought on April 16, 1746, was probably the most famous battle of them all, and it was a complete disaster for the Jacobite army.

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