On this day Charles Edward Stuart, in his attempt to reclaim the English throne for his father James and the Stuart dynasty, won an early victory against the English government forces at the Battle of Falkirk Muir in Scotland. Known in popular memory as ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’, Charles Stuart was born in Palazzo Muti in Rome on 31st December 1720 and spent much of his early life in Italy before leaving on his mission to reclaim the English crown in 1744. His victory at Falkirk Muir was short-lived, however, as the Stuart cause was effectively brought to an end at the Battle of Culloden three months later. Charles went into hiding and on 28th June, with the help of Flora MacDonald, he escaped to the Isle of Skye. He eventually left Scotland in September, headed for France and later Italy where he died in Rome on 30th January 1788.
Scottish Victory at the Battle of Falkirk Muir
17th January 1746