Charlie

On this day 275 years ago, 19th August 1745, Charles Edward Stuart, the Young Pretender, Bonnie Prince Charlie, raised his standard at Glenfinnan and so began what has become known as the 1745 Rebellion. It would end in his, and the Jacobite cause's, final defeat in April 1746 at Culloden.

One of his few victories following his retreat from Derby in the winter of 1745 came at Falkirk Muir on 17th January 1746. It was one of the largest battles in the campaign with an estimated 8000 soldiers from each side involved, but it was also one of the quickest with the whole skirmish being over in about 30 minutes. It would almost be a last hurrah for Charlie as the defeated Hanoverians regrouped in Edinburgh and would pursue the Jacobites north until their final defeat.

There is a Battle of Falkirk Muir Trail near the site of the main action and that was my walk for today. The 5km walk has interpretation boards along the way (you don't think I remembered all this from my 'O' Grade History did you?) and following that trail seemed as good a way as any to combine the anniversary of the raising of the standard at Glenfinnan with World Photography Day. My extra photo is of the monument to the battle that is situated along the route.