Key Facts
- Duration of siege
- 9 days (21–30 December 1745)
- Jacobite garrison size
- 400 men
- Prisoners taken
- 384
- Bombardment commenced
- 28 December 1745
- Fate of prisoners
- Some executed; others transported to West Indies
Strategic Narrative Overview
Government forces under the Duke of Cumberland pursued the retreating Jacobites and reached Carlisle on 21 December 1745. Formal siege operations could not begin until heavy artillery arrived six days later. Once the guns were in place, bombardment opened on 28 December, subjecting the small Jacobite garrison to overwhelming firepower. Unable to resist effectively with their limited numbers and resources, the defenders had no prospect of relief from the main Jacobite army.
01 / The Origins
During the Jacobite rising of 1745, a Scottish Highland army supporting the Stuart claim to the British throne invaded England in November. After capturing Carlisle in a first siege, the Jacobites advanced as far south as Derby before retreating northward on 6 December. Returning through Carlisle on 19 December, the Jacobite commanders left a rearguard garrison of 400 men to hold the city while the main army withdrew into Scotland.
03 / The Outcome
The Jacobite garrison surrendered on 30 December 1745, with 384 prisoners taken by government forces. The fall of Carlisle removed the last Jacobite foothold in England. Many prisoners faced severe punishment: some were later executed for treason, while others were transported to the West Indies. The episode underscored the collapse of the Jacobite campaign in England and confined the rising's remaining activity to Scotland.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Duke of Cumberland.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.