1745 witnessed another Jacobite uprising aimed at restoring James Stuart to the throne. This was led by James\'s son, Charles Edward Stuart (the \'Young Pretender\' or \'Bonnie Prince Charlie\'). After several failed attempts to cross from France, Charles finally landed in Scotland - albeit without the French support that he had hoped for - on 23 July 1745. Charles raised Stuart supporting clans - with the cry of \'For King James and No Union\' - and marched to Edinburgh to proclaim his father as King. After a victory over the British General Sir John Cope at Prestonpans, he penetrated England as far as Derby. However, support in Northern England was smaller than was hoped for, and Charles decided to retreat to avoid being caught in a pincer movement as he attempted to take London(where George II was rumoured to be packing his bags).
Meanwhile, the government had called back troops from the continent and attempted to follow the Stuart supporters back into Scotland. Charles\' army stood and fought government forces for a second time at Falkirk - and was again victorious.
|