Exploring Culloden Battlefield: The Last Stand of the Jacobite Uprising
The rolling moors of Culloden, near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, stand as a poignant reminder of a pivotal moment in British history. It was here, on April 16, 1746, that the Battle of Culloden took place—a decisive and brutal confrontation that marked the end of the Jacobite rising of 1745 and forever altered the political landscape of Britain.
The Prelude to Culloden
The Jacobite rising of 1745 began with Charles Edward Stuart, known as "Bonnie Prince Charlie," (pictured) landing in the Western Isles on July 23. His goal was ambitious: to reclaim the British throne for his father, James Francis Edward Stuart, and restore the exiled House of Stuart.
Initially, the campaign showed promise. After a significant victory at Prestonpans in September, the Jacobite forces controlled much of Scotland. Buoyed by their success, Charles persuaded his supporters to invade England, reaching as far south as Derby before being forced to retreat.
Despite the invasion's eventual failure, it boosted Jacobite recruitment, swelling their ranks to over 8,000 men. These troops, along with artillery supplied by the French, laid siege to Stirling Castle—a strategic key to the Scottish Highlands. However, progress was slow, and the siege ultimately failed.
The March to Battle
By February 1746, government forces under the command of the Duke of Cumberland had entered Edinburgh, taking over from General Henry Hawley. The Jacobites, now retreating to Inverness, were running low on supplies and morale. On April 8, Cumberland left Aberdeen to resume his campaign against the Jacobites. Faced with a superior and better-equipped opponent, Charles and his officers saw no other option but to make a stand at Culloden.
On the night of April 15, the Jacobite leaders planned a night attack on Cumberland's camp at Nairn, hoping to catch the government forces off guard.
However, the march was fraught with difficulties and delays, leading to confusion and disorder. By the time they reached their intended position, it was too late. Exhausted and demoralised, the Jacobites returned to Culloden.
The Battle Unfolds
The morning of April 16 saw the Jacobites assembling on Drummossie Moor, a stretch of open land chosen for its defensibility. The government army, well-rested and better supplied, advanced towards them in full battle order. As they approached, the Jacobite forces, already weary and disorganized from the previous night's failed attack, faced an uphill battle.
The battle itself was brief, lasting less than an hour. The Jacobites, outgunned and outnumbered, were decimated. Estimates of their casualties range from 1,500 to 2,000 killed or wounded, with many more perishing in the brutal aftermath as government troops pursued the fleeing Jacobites. In stark contrast, government forces suffered minimal losses: about 50 dead and 259 wounded.
The Aftermath and Legacy
The defeat at Culloden had far-reaching consequences. It not only ended the 1745 rising but also marked the decline of Jacobitism as a significant force in British politics. In the brutal crackdown that followed, many Jacobite supporters were executed or imprisoned, and harsh measures were implemented to dismantle the clan system that had supported the uprising.
Several senior Jacobite leaders were either killed or captured during the battle. Notable casualties included Keppoch, Viscount Strathallan, and Commissary-General Lachlan Maclachlan. Among the captured was the Earl of Kilmarnock. The only high-ranking government casualty was Lord Robert Kerr, highlighting the stark disparity in losses between the two sides.
Visiting Culloden Today
Today, Culloden Battlefield is a site of historical significance and reflection. Visitors can walk the moor, exploring the preserved landscape where the Jacobite dreams were shattered. The Culloden Visitor Centre offers an immersive experience, with exhibitions detailing the events leading up to the battle, the clash itself, and its grim aftermath. Artifacts, interactive displays, and a poignant memorial cairn provide a deep connection to the past, ensuring that the sacrifices and stories of those who fought on that fateful day are not forgotten.
Culloden stands as a somber testament to a pivotal moment in history—a place where the hopes of the House of Stuart were extinguished, and the future of Britain was irrevocably changed.
