On 21 September 1745 the Jacobite army of Charles Edward Stuart destroyed Sir John Cope's government force at Prestonpans, east of Edinburgh, in a quarter of an hour at most. Guided across a marsh at dawn, the Highlanders fell on the government line out of the morning mist. The date is in the Julian calendar, which Britain still used; in today's calendar it was 2 October.
Out of the mist
The government troops were raw and could not respond in time. The Highland charge shattered their line, and Cope escaped with a body of cavalry.1
Our article on the Battle of Prestonpans covers the approach across the marsh and the battle itself. › Battle of Prestonpans, 1745
Frequently asked questions
When and where was the Battle of Prestonpans?
It was fought on 21 September 1745 at Prestonpans in East Lothian, east of Edinburgh, during the Jacobite rising of 1745.
Who fought at Prestonpans?
The Jacobite army of Charles Edward Stuart, Bonnie Prince Charlie, with Lord George Murray commanding in the field, against a government army under Sir John Cope.
Who won the Battle of Prestonpans?
The Jacobites, decisively. Their Highland charge shattered the government army, and Sir John Cope escaped with a body of cavalry.
Notes
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