BattlefieldsJacobite outpost skirmish at Ecclefechan 1745
Jacobite Risings

Jacobite outpost skirmish at Ecclefechan 1745

1745
Scotland
Era
Jacobite Risings
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Government pursuit cavalry
VS
Victor
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Jacobite advance cavalry
Outcome
Jacobite army re-enters Scotland; advance cavalry keeps government pursuers at distance
The Battle

History & Significance

Ecclefechan in Dumfriesshire was the first Scottish town the retreating Jacobite army reached after crossing the River Esk in December 1745. As the army re-entered Scotland, Jacobite advance cavalry pressed north to screen the main body. Government cavalry attempting to maintain close contact were engaged near Ecclefechan and driven back. The townspeople received the Highland army with a mixture of relief and alarm — the army needed billeting and supplies after the exhausting retreat from Derby. Ecclefechan lies in Annandale and sits on the main road north from Carlisle into Scotland.

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