The last Jacobite battlefield victory of the 1745 rising, though it failed to alter the campaign's outcome before the final defeat at Culloden.
Key Facts
- Date
- 17 January 1746
- Location
- Near Falkirk, Scotland
- Result
- Narrow Jacobite victory
- Government commander
- Henry Hawley
- Government relief destination
- Stirling Castle
- Campaign ended at
- Battle of Culloden, April 1746
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
After withdrawing from England in December 1745, the Jacobite army besieged Stirling Castle in early January 1746. Government forces under General Henry Hawley marched north from Edinburgh to relieve the castle, reaching Falkirk on 15 January. The Jacobites seized the initiative and launched a surprise attack on 17 January.
The Battle of Falkirk Muir was fought on 17 January 1746 in failing light and heavy snow. Hawley's left wing was routed by the Jacobite charge, but his right flank held firm. Both sides initially believed they had lost the engagement, resulting in a confused and inconclusive close to the fighting.
The Jacobites failed to exploit their victory, allowing Hawley's forces to regroup in Edinburgh. Hawley was replaced by the Duke of Cumberland, who resumed the government advance on 30 January, forcing the Jacobites to retreat to Inverness. The rebellion ended shortly afterward at the Battle of Culloden in April 1746.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Henry Hawley.