BattlefieldsJacobite defensive operations at the Spey crossings 1746
Jacobite Risings

Jacobite defensive operations at the Spey crossings 1746

1746
Moray, Scotland
Also known as: Spey crossing 1746 · Jacobites hold the Spey against Cumberland
Era
Jacobite Risings
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Moray, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Jacobites
Forces
Jacobite rearguard c.500
VS
Victor
Government (crosses without significant fighting)
Forces
Government army c.8,000 (Cumberland)
Outcome
Government army crosses Spey without major opposition; missed Jacobite opportunity to delay Cumberland
The Battle

History & Significance

In April 1746, as Cumberland advanced northward from Aberdeen toward Inverness and the Jacobite army, the River Spey offered a potential defensive line. The Jacobite leadership considered making a stand there. A force was positioned at the Spey crossing but when Cumberland's army — some 8,000 men — arrived and crossed, the Jacobite detachment retired without seriously contesting the passage. The failure to hold the Spey line — which might have delayed Cumberland and given the starving Jacobite army time to recover — was a significant missed opportunity in the final days before Culloden.

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