The book delves into the military challenges faced by the Hanoverian dynasty during the Jacobite uprisings of 1715 and 1745, highlighting the loyalty and strategies of those who supported George I and George II. It offers an in-depth analysis of the political and social dynamics of the time, exploring how the Hanoverians navigated these critical threats to their reign. Through this examination, the author sheds light on the broader implications of loyalty and resistance in early 18th-century Britain.
The book delves into Agatha Christie's formative connections to Ealing, a place that significantly influenced her life and writing. Highlighting her frequent visits to her Auntie-Grannie's home and the family's ties to the area, it reveals how Ealing inspired several of her stories and characters. Additionally, it marks the location of her first publication in 1901. The narrative paints a vivid picture of Ealing during the Edwardian era, when it was celebrated as the Queen of the Suburbs.
Focusing on the 1715 Jacobite Rebellion, this book shifts attention from the more commonly studied 1745 uprising to explore the earlier efforts to restore the Stuart dynasty. It utilizes a range of under-explored sources to highlight both the military aspects and the personal and communal experiences of those involved. By emphasizing the social dynamics and individual stories during this critical period, it offers a fresh perspective on the Jacobite movement and its implications for British history.
There were more sieges than there were battles during the Jacobite campaign in Scotland and England in 1745-1746, yet no one work has concentrated on these episodes. Siege warfare was more common than set piece battles in Europe at this time and the ‘45 was no exception. There were two sieges of both Ruthven Barracks and of Carlisle, whilst the castles at Edinburgh, Blair Atholl, and Stirling were also besieged, as were the more recently-built Forts Augustus, George, and William.The government, noting the threat passed by some of the Highland clans and their allies, built a number of new forts in the Highlands from 1690 and especially after 1716 in order to contain this danger. In theory the Jacobites, with their lack of heavy artillery (save at Stirling) should have been unable to take any of these old or new garrisoned fortresses. Yet in several cases they were able to do so and the results of these sieges was never guaranteed. Conversely the British Army was forced to undertake its last siege against a fortress on British soil.This book examines the eight places which were under siege in 1745-1746, examining the history and strength of the fortress or walled town, its garrison and the strength of the attackers, along with the artillery employed by both sides. It narrates each siege, using manuscript and published contemporary sources in order to do so.
