Watercolour plan of the Battle of Culloden, 1746

Prince Charles Edward, grandson of the deposed Stuart king, James II, raised the standard of rebellion in 1745. Chiefly supported by Scottish highlanders, he marched south to regain the throne. At Derby Charles was forced to retreat to avoid being caught between two government armies.

In April 1746, overtaken by a British army twice their strength, the Jacobites gave battle on Culloden Moor near Inverness. Mercilessly cannonaded, they charged headlong, but met resolute government infantry and were then routed by cavalry. They lost 1,000 men killed, the government 50. The brutality of Cumberland's reprisals afterwards earned him the nickname of 'The Butcher', whilst 'Bonnie Prince Charlie' was exiled. Culloden was the last major battle fought on British soil. Lasting only an hour, it brought long-lasting stability to British politics.