Blood of the Clans episode 3 – The Last Rebels: Neil Oliver presents a drama-documentary revealing the divided loyalties of the clans during the 1745 rebellion. When Bonnie Prince Charlie arrives in Scotland to regain the crown of his ancestors the clans are called upon to rise in armed revolt for him. Many do, and they invade England. But others oppose him and join the British side to fight against the rebels. Some though play a cunning double game, pretending to be loyal to the British whilst secretly raising clansmen for the prince.
Neil Oliver presents a drama-documentary series telling the tales of Scotland’s most epic and bloody conflicts and the characters who made their mark in this memorable era of the country’s history.
Blood of the Clans episode 3 – The Last Rebels
Jacobite rising of 1745
The Jacobite rising of 1745, also known as the Forty-five Rebellion or simply the ’45, was an attempt by Charles Edward Stuart to regain the British throne for his father, James Francis Edward Stuart. It took place during the War of the Austrian Succession, when the bulk of the British Army was fighting in mainland Europe, and proved to be the last in a series of revolts that began in 1689, with major outbreaks in 1708, 1715 and 1719.
Charles launched the rebellion on 19 August 1745 at Glenfinnan in the Scottish Highlands, capturing Edinburgh and winning the Battle of Prestonpans in September. At a council in October, the Scots agreed to invade England after Charles assured them of substantial support from English Jacobites and a simultaneous French landing in Southern England. On that basis, the Jacobite army entered England in early November, reaching Derby on 4 December, where they decided to turn back.
Similar discussions had taken place at Carlisle, Preston and Manchester and many felt they had gone too far already. The invasion route had been selected to cross areas considered strongly Jacobite but the promised English support failed to materialise; they were now outnumbered and in danger of having their retreat cut off. The decision was supported by the vast majority but caused an irretrievable split between Charles and his Scots supporters. Despite victory at Falkirk Muir in January 1746, the Battle of Culloden in April ended the Rebellion and significant backing for the Stuart cause. Charles escaped to France, but was unable to win support for another attempt, and died in Rome in 1788.
