BattlefieldsJacobite outpost skirmish at Nairn bridge 1746
Jacobite Risings

Jacobite outpost skirmish at Nairn bridge 1746

1746
Highland, Scotland
Era
Jacobite Risings
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Highland, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
government dragoon patrols
VS
Victor
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Jacobite cavalry outposts
Outcome
Jacobite outposts hold Nairn bridge approaches; government patrols turned back; intelligence gathered for night attack
The Battle

History & Significance

In the days before Culloden, Jacobite outposts held the bridge at Nairn against government patrols from Cumberland's camp. Government dragoons and Jacobite cavalry clashed repeatedly on the road between Nairn and Culloden as both sides probed the other's dispositions. Cumberland's army celebrated his birthday at Nairn on 15 April 1746 with extra rum rations — the night the Jacobites chose for their famous failed night attack. Jacobite scouts watching Nairn bridge reported the celebrations. The army of starving, exhausted Highlanders then attempted their doomed night march, reaching within a mile of the government camp before turning back.

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