Battlefield Walks and Talks - Scottish Battles of the Jacobite Risings.
The years of the Jacobite Risings, the armed attempts made by the House of Stuart to regain the Scottish, English and Irish thrones between 1689 and 1746, are among the most evocative in British history. A time of extraordinary characters, spectacular feats and blunders, mixtures of ancient and modern weapons and singular personal experiences. A visit to one or more of the main Scottish Jacobite Battlefield sites with Broadsword and Musket will enable you to feel something of the spirit of these passionate and dangerous times. We use eye witness testimony, documentary sources and maps, the latest archaeological research and drone technology to bring these historic events back to life.
Each of our Jacobite Battlefield walks and talks has been carefully crafted to offer our guests a fascinating insight into particular Scottish battles of the Jacobite Rebellions. Our events initially look at the historic context and then examine the role that the ground, the characters, the weapons and tactics and decision making played in the outcome of the battle.
All of our battlefield walks are guided by our experts. We focus on small groups seeking a private tour. We use hand held, multi media platforms to bring these battles back to life and turn our passion and knowledge into both a memorable and enjoyable experience for all. We can moderate the amount of walking, to enable everyone to enjoy a great day out with Broadsword and Musket.
Scottish Jacobite Battlefield Walks and Tours
Battle of Killiecrankie 27 July 1689: While other Jacobite battles may be better known, than this, the earliest major Jacobite battlefield, its story is one of the most dramatic. It has it all: stunning scenery, remarkable characters, ferocious soldiers and tragic and comic moments. A heavily out numbered Highland Army led by a Lowlander charged down a steep hillside and swept away the Government Army led by a Highlander that had been sent to defeat them. In victory lay the seeds of future Jacobite defeat by the loss of their leader, John Claverhouse, Viscount Dundee and nearly a third of their best men. Today it is still possible to trace in detail on the ground the course of events on the 27 July 1689. A fascinating half day walk in stunning scenery.
Battle of Dunkeld 21 August 1689. Three weeks after Killiecrankie a unique Government Regiment inflicted a decisive defeat on the previously victorious Jacobite Army. The government forces fighting behind barriers that nullified the effect of the Highland charge fought off a force superior in numbers. It is also represents a rare case of fighting inside a town. The outcome changes the course of the rebellion. This battle involves remarkable characters, moments of high drama and a stunning location. Today it is still possible to walk through the beautiful, historic town of Dunkeld and re-live the key actions of the 21 August 1689. A lovely half day walk in a beautiful historic town.
Battle of Sheriffmuir 13 November 1715: The Battle of Sheriffmuir, or of Dunblane, as it was said to be called at the time, was fought on 13 November 1715 between the Jacobites who were in rebellion and a Scottish Government Army. Like so much undertaken in the name of the House of Stuart, the rising against King George I, the first monarch of the Great Britain's Hanoverian dynasty ended in disarray. The Jacobites had a well conceived plan, their cause was more popular than at any time before or later, their soldiers caused fear among the opponents and they initially held the initiative. So what went wrong? The answers lie in the conduct of the Battle of Sheriffmuir. Join us and step back through time to revisit the actions of the 13 November 1715. Learn about the commanders, the soldiers, the weapons and tactics and consider the decision making. Would you have done things differently? A fun half day walk.
Battle of Falkirk 17 January 1745: Following the failed invasion of England the Jacobite Army withdrew to Scotland pursued by the British Government forces. At Falkirk Muir on the 17 January 1746 the Jacobite Army turned on their pursuers and delivered another unexpected victory. It was to be biggest battle of Prince Charlie's rising with around 18,000 combatants fighting it out in the middle of a winter storm and failing light. It was a battle involving equal measures of heroism, stupidity and tragedy. Above all, as with so many Jacobite battles, it was to prove another tale of missed opportunities. Close to Edinburgh. A fun half-day walk.
Additional tailor made tours.
Battle of Glenshiel 10 June 1719: Little known and out of the way, this Jacobite battlefield is small and remarkably well preserved. An international engagement between the Jacobites and their Spanish Allies and the Government Army and their Dutch Allies. A battle that underlined the importance of seapower and land-based firepower. A truly stunning location that makes the journey to reach it more than worthwhile. A tremendous day out.
We offer our guests a tailor-made day-long tour that can also include local museums, historic sites and some of Scotland's finest scenery.
Battle of Culloden 16 April 1746: The tragic culmination of the Jacobite 1745 rising. An overwhelming defeat for the Jacobites at the hand of the Duke of Cumberland's forces. A battle that led to the brutal pacification of the Scottish North and the eventual fading of the Jacobite cause. A story much mythologised in writing, poetry, song and film. A well-preserved battlefield that is easily accessible.
We offer our guests a tailor made day-long tour that can also include local museums and other historic sites and views of some of Scotland's finer scenery.