BattlefieldsBattle of Prestonpans 1745
Jacobite Risings

Battle of Prestonpans 1745

1745
East Lothian, Scotland
Also known as: Prestonpans 1745 · Battle of Gladsmuir
Era
Jacobite Risings
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
East Lothian, Scotland
Status
Registered · BTL39
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Government (Sir John Cope)
Forces
c.2,100 government (Cope); government routed in minutes
VS
Victor
Jacobites (Prince Charles Edward Stuart)
Forces
c.2,500 Jacobites (Charles Edward Stuart)
Outcome
Government army destroyed in under ten minutes
The Battle

History & Significance

The Highland charge at Prestonpans annihilated Cope army in minutes and gave the Jacobites control of Scotland, demonstrating the devastating effectiveness of the Highland charge when used against unprepared regular troops.

Casualties & Losses

c.300 government killed; c.1,500 captured

Registered Historic Battlefield

This battlefield is listed on the Register of Historic Battlefields — a national designation identifying Britain's most significant battle sites for protection and further research. Reference: BTL39.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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