Culloden Battlefield

The Battle of Culloden - April 16th 1746 - marked the fall of the Jacobite rebellion of 1745, which sought to restore the Stuart monarchy to the throne. In barely 40 minutes of fighting, the massed army of Bonnie Prince Charlie had been slaughtered by government troops (which also contained Scottish clans) led by the Duke of Cumberland. There was no mercy for the wounded soldiers, many were slaughtered where they had fallen, and those who had managed to flee were hunted down and executed. Bonnie Prince Charlie managed to evade the Government forces, and after five months on the run throughout the Highlands, escaped to Italy via the Isle of Skye, never to return. Between 1,500 and 2,000 Jacobites were killed or wounded in the battle, while Government losses were lighter with 50 dead and 259 wounded. The aftermath of the battle and subsequent crackdown on Jacobitism was brutal, earning Cumberland the sobriquet "Butcher". The conflict was the last battle fought on British soil. Culloden is near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. Music: Capercaillie (Karen Matheson) - Cumha Do Dh`uilleam Siosal, (see translation of lyrics below) The Lone Piper (David Methven) - Glengarry`s Lament "Cumha Do Dh`uilleam Siosal" lyrics translated to English: "Lament for William Chisholm" Oh young Charles Stewart Your cause is the reason of my sorrow You took from me everything I had In the war on your behalf I am not mourning cattle and sheep But my partner Since I am left alone With nothing but my shroud My bright young love I am torn apart And although I say it, it is no lie My joy turned to sorrow Since you will not return from death One of your wisdom and understanding Was not easy to find And not one stood at Culloden Of your appearance and bravery My bright young love