The beginning and the Glorious Revolution
It all started with James VII, as we called him in Scotland or James II as he was known in England, the last Roman Catholic monarch to reign over the kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland. Invaded by his Protestant son-in-law and subsequently overthrown, James was forced into exile in France.
The Risings of 1689 - 1690
Viscount Dundee, James' most zealous Scottish supporter, rallied troops and turned to military action against William and Mary's government forces. The first Jacobite rising broke out, but didn't prove popular at all.
- Led by: John Graham of Claverhouse - Viscount Dundee - also known as 'Bonnie Dundee'
- Main battles: Battle of Killiecrankie (1689), Dunkeld Siege (1689), Massacre of Glencoe (1692)
The Risings of 1708, 1715 and 1719
In 1707, the two kingdoms of Scotland and England were united much to the dismay of those who supported the Jacobite cause. James VIII/III attempted to claim the throne twice, in 1708 and in 1715, which resulted in a rising led by the Earl of Mar. In 1719, the Jacobites found an ally in Spain and this rebellion was led by Lord Tullibardine and Earl Marischal.
- Led by: James VIII/III - James Francis Edward Stuart - also known as the 'Old Pretender'
- Main battles: Battle of Sherrifmuir (1715), Battle of Glenshiel (1719)
The Rising of 1745
After failing to persuade the French government to commit to another invasion, Prince Charles, the 'Young Pretender', decided to fund his own rising. He sailed from France to Scotland, arriving on Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides in July 1745 and then travelled across the Highlands, to assemble a Jacobite army.
- Led by: Prince Charles Edward Stuart - Charles III - known as 'Bonnie Prince Charlie' or the 'Young Pretender'
- Main battles: Battle of Prestonpans (1745), Battle of Falkirk (1745), Battle of Culloden (1746)