The Jacobite Uprising of 1715

Name: The Jacobite Uprising of 1715
Start: 1675-08-27
Location: Unspecified

The Rise of the Jacobite Standard

On this momentous day in 1715, the Earl of Mar raised the Jacobite standard at Braemar, Aberdeenshire, marking the beginning of a turbulent chapter in Scottish history known as the Jacobite uprising. This event was a direct challenge to the ruling house of Hanover and was fueled by a desire to restore the Stuart dynasty to the British throne. The uprising brought together supporters of the Jacobite cause, encompassing clans from across the Highlands who rallied under the banner of independence.

The backdrop of this uprising lies in the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution of 1688 when the Catholic King James II was deposed in favor of the Protestant William of Orange. For many Scottish Catholics and supporters of the royal line, this was an unpalatable loss, igniting a spirit of rebellion that simmered for decades.

Earl of Mar and the Jacobite Cause

Under the leadership of the Earl of Mar, who had previously been a supporter of the Jacobite cause, the initial plans for the uprising began to take shape. Mar, seeing an opportunity following the death of Queen Anne in 1714, believed that the time was right to act and to galvanize support for the Jacobites in their quest for power.

The Raising of the Standard

When the Earl raised the Jacobite standard at Braemar, it was not just a symbolic act; it was a rallying point that encouraged supporters from various clans to join the uprising. This act of defiance resonated deeply with many Scots who yearned for the restoration of their rightful king, James Francis Edward Stuart, also known as the 'Old Pretender.'

The Jacobite Uprising's Path to War

The Jacobite uprising quickly escalated as forces rallied to Mar’s appeal. Over the following months, the rebellion gained momentum, with marshalling of troops and skirmishes erupting across the Highlands. Mar issued calls to arms, invoking a sense of loyalty and national pride among his followers, leading them to believe that they were fighting for their heritage.

The Jacobite Army Formation

The formation of the Jacobite army was a crucial step in the uprising. Composed mostly of Highland clansmen, their numbers swelled as news of the standard's raising spread. These men, proud of their lineage, were motivated not only by the promise of restoring the Stuart dynasty but also by traditional values that bound their communities.

The Initial Engagements

As the uprising unfolded, initial engagements like the victorious battle of Sheriffmuir showcased the valor of the Highlanders. However, the forces quickly faced challenges as they contended with better-equipped Hanoverian troops, leading to a series of hard-fought battles. Despite some early victories, the tides would soon turn against the Jacobites.

Fun Fact

The Trip to Braemar's Standard

Interestingly, the initial deployment of the standard at Braemar became a legendary tale. Many believe that the moment marked not only the start of a rebellion but also a cultural renaissance that celebrated Scottish identity during and after the Jacobite rising.