The Jacobite period refers to the time between 1688 and 1746, during which supporters of the exiled Stuart monarchy (known as Jacobites) attempted to restore the Stuarts to the British throne. The period saw multiple Jacobite risings, mainly in Scotland, but also involving Ireland and England.
The Jacobites were named after King James II of England and VII of Scotland, whose Latin name was Jacobus. He was deposed in 1688 during the Glorious Revolution, and his supporters (Jacobites) sought to restore him and his descendants to the throne. The ruling British government, under the House of Hanover, opposed these efforts.
Key Events of the Jacobite Period
1. The Glorious Revolution (1688-1689)
- King James II & VII (a Catholic) was overthrown by his Protestant daughter Mary II and her husband William of Orange.
- This led to Jacobite uprisings in Scotland and Ireland, as many Highland clans and Irish Catholics remained loyal to James.
2. The First Jacobite Rising (1689-1690)
- Led by Viscount Dundee (John Graham of Claverhouse) in Scotland.
- Key battle: Battle of Killiecrankie (1689) – A Jacobite victory but Viscount Dundee was killed, leading to the collapse of the uprising.
- The rising ended in defeat at the Battle of Dunkeld (1689).
3. The Rising of 1715 (“The Fifteen”)
- Led by John Erskine, Earl of Mar, in support of James Francis Edward Stuart (“The Old Pretender”), son of James II.
- Key battle: Battle of Sheriffmuir (1715) – Inconclusive, but the rebellion lost momentum.
- The uprising ultimately failed due to poor leadership and lack of English support.
4. The Rising of 1719 (“The Nineteen”)
- A smaller uprising backed by Spain.
- Key battle: Battle of Glen Shiel (1719) – Government forces defeated the Jacobites and their Spanish allies.
5. The Final Jacobite Rising (1745-1746) – “The Forty-Five”
- Led by Charles Edward Stuart (“Bonnie Prince Charlie”), son of the Old Pretender.
- He landed in Scotland in 1745 and gathered Highland clans to his cause.
- Key battles:
- Battle of Prestonpans (1745) – Stunning Jacobite victory.
- Battle of Falkirk (1746) – Another Jacobite victory but indecisive.
- Battle of Culloden (1746) – Crushing defeat for the Jacobites.
- The rebellion ended with the Battle of Culloden (16 April 1746), where government forces led by the Duke of Cumberland decisively defeated the Jacobites.
Aftermath of the Jacobite Period
- Harsh punishments followed Culloden, including executions, imprisonments, and forced exile.
- The Highland Clearances began, dismantling clan structures.
- The Wearing of Highland dress (kilts, tartans) was banned under the Dress Act of 1746 (later repealed).
- The Jacobite cause gradually faded, and the House of Hanover remained in power.