BattlefieldsJacobite siege of Edinburgh Castle 1745
Jacobite Risings

Jacobite siege of Edinburgh Castle 1745

1745
Midlothian, Scotland
Also known as: Blockade of Edinburgh Castle 1745
Era
Jacobite Risings
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Midlothian, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Jacobites
Forces
Government garrison: c.100–150
VS
Victor
Government (General Guest)
Forces
Jacobites: c.1,000–2,000
Outcome
Castle never taken; blockade abandoned when army moves south
The Battle

History & Significance

Edinburgh Castle remained stubbornly in government hands throughout the Jacobite occupation of the city. General Guest, the elderly castle governor, refused all demands to surrender. The Jacobites attempted a blockade to starve it out, but Guest threatened to bombard the city if the blockade continued and it was partially lifted. The castle's guns dominated the city. The failure to take the castle was a significant Jacobite failure — it remained a government base and symbol throughout the occupation.

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