Exploring the historic grounds of Culloden Battlefield amidst the rugged terrain of Drumossie Moor near Inverness is an experience steeped in the poignant tales of valour and sacrifice. For many travellers, particularly those with ancestral ties to Scotland, visiting this site marks a profound journey into the heart of Scottish history.
The Battle of Culloden is a pivotal event in Scottish history, marking the end of the Jacobite Rising of 1745. This battle, fought on April 16, 1746, has been shrouded in myths and legends over the centuries. Today, we delve into the heart of these stories to distinguish fact from fiction and shed light on what happened at Culloden.
Myth - this was a battle between England and Scotland
On the surface, Culloden is often portrayed as a clash between England and Scotland, a narrative perpetuated by a stone marker bearing the inscription "Field of the English." Also, the central monumental cairn, which draws you across the battlefield, talks about brave and gallant Highlanders fighting for Scotland.
Yet, the reality is far more nuanced. While the Act of Union in 1707 fueled Scottish discontent, the conflict transcended national borders, drawing support across the British Isles. Motivated to restore the Stuart monarchy, Jacobite sympathisers hailed from diverse backgrounds and united in their quest to reclaim the thrones of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
This simplification overlooks the complex political and social dynamics of 18th-century Scotland. In reality, the conflict was not primarily about regional divisions but rather about support for the House of Stuart versus the Hanoverian government in London. Likewise, you will hear the claim that it was a battle between the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands. Highland and Lowland Scots fought on both sides; loyalty to clan and political beliefs often outweighed regional affiliations.
Myth - this was a religious conflict between Catholics and Protestants
Similarly, the notion of a religious crusade between Catholics and Protestants oversimplifies the complexities of the conflict. While the Stuarts' Catholic allegiance played a role in their downfall, the Jacobite army included a mix of Protestant factions. Episcopalians and dissenters rallied behind the cause, envisioning a Stuart restoration as a catalyst for religious tolerance and liberation from Presbyterian dominance. Many leading Catholics, such as the Duke of Norfolk, never supported George II in 1745 as the Jacobites advanced towards London.
Myth - Bonnie Prince Charlie chose the wrong place for the battle
Another prevalent myth surrounding Culloden is the belief that Bonnie Prince Charlie's tactical blunders sealed the Jacobites' fate. Critics often point to Lord George Murray's reservations about the battlefield's suitability as evidence of strategic incompetence. Murray appealed to the Prince - “Not here, not today, sir!”
However, again, the reality is more nuanced. The Jacobites' options were constrained by logistical constraints and the imperative to defend the road to Inverness. Despite alternative suggestions, the moorland near Culloden House emerged as the most viable defensive position, albeit fraught with peril.
Myth - this was a battle between a ragbag of Highlanders and a disciplined modern army
Contrary to popular perception, Culloden was not a clash between antiquated Highlanders and a modern, disciplined army. Recent scholarship has debunked the notion of Jacobite inferiority, revealing a well-equipped force supplemented by captured artillery. The reliance on the Highland Charge, often portrayed as a doomed tactic, belies the sophistication of Jacobite military strategy. In truth, it was the ferocity of British cavalry assaults, rather than musket volleys, that turned the tide of battle.
Historical accounts suggest that both Jacobite and government forces employed a range of tactics, including artillery, cavalry charges, and infantry formations. The Jacobites also had access to modern weapons; their defeat was not due to primitive warfare techniques but strategic factors such as leadership decisions, troop morale, and battlefield conditions.
Myth - Prince Charles Edward Stewart was a coward and beat a hasty retreat
Dispelling the myth of Prince Charles Edward Stewart's cowardice is equally imperative. The victorious government's propaganda efforts sought to vilify the Jacobites, portraying them as barbaric insurgents led by a feckless pretender. Accounts attest to the prince's courage and determination, even in defeat. His advisors, recognising the futility of continued resistance, urged his retreat to evade capture and preserve the Jacobite cause.
Myth - the Clan Graves mark the exact spot where the different clans are buried
Amidst the somber landscape of Culloden, the clan graves serve as poignant reminders of the human cost of conflict. While these markers evoke a sense of ancestral connection for many visitors, their origins remain mysterious. Erected alongside the memorial cairn in 1881, these stones symbolise the collective sacrifice of those who fought for the Jacobite cause rather than individual clan affiliations.
With the battle’s chaotic aftermath, the notion of segregating fallen soldiers into individual clan graves seems improbable. Identification amid the grim aftermath would have posed significant challenges, with distinguishing features obscured by the chaos of combat. Soldiers lacked such distinctive attire, unlike the vibrant tartans synonymous with clans today. Instead, their allegiance was subtly signified by badges or clan emblems adorning their caps.
The Overlooked Aftermath
The aftermath of Culloden is frequently reduced to tales of brutal reprisals against Highland culture. While it's true that the British government enacted punitive measures designed to dismantle the clan system and suppress Gaelic culture (including proscriptions on tartan and bagpipes), these policies were part of longer-term efforts to integrate Scotland into a unified British state. The impact on Scottish identity was profound but more nuanced than often portrayed; resistance, adaptation, and transformation characterised Highland society in the years following Culloden.
Conclusion
As Professor Murray Pittock aptly observes, the true story of Culloden is far more captivating than its mythologised counterpart. You can tour this historic site by booking one of my popular “Bloody Culloden” Private Tours. Or you can “pop me in your pocket” and download my GPS-triggered audio tour of the battlefield. Armchair travellers can also enjoy the audio tour from the comfort of their own homes. Together, we uncover the facts and challenge entrenched perceptions, illuminating the multifaceted truth behind one of Scotland's most pivotal historical moments.