1746 was the last of four
Jacobite rebellions the chronology of these were as follows
1689
James II (James VI of
Scotland) was usurped from the British throne. He was a Catholic and had
endeavoured to incorporate Catholics back into main stream English affairs
after their persecution by Elizabeth I. He also wished to return to the more
traditional absolute monarch which does not appeal to the English.
His replacement William III
(a.k.a William of Orange and 'King Billy') is Dutch and a protestant. There
then follows the first rebellion, his supporters are named Jacobites after the
Latin for James.
William defeats James at
the battle of the Boyne in Ireland, a battle that has significance felt to this
day.
1715
After James death his son
also called James a.k.a. The Old Pretender raises rebellions in 1715 and 1719.
On both occasions battles are fought over the UK with English and Scots on both
sides divided mainly by religion. The ruling Hannover dynasty wins both
contests.
1745
James son Charles Edward
Stuart raises rebellion again. After early success on the battlefield at
Falkirk and Prestonpans he invades England hoping for popular support but only
manages to raise 300 English volunteers (known as the Manchester Regiment). He
retreats to Scotland where in 1746 he is defeated at Culloden. This was the
last battle fought on British soil.