BattlefieldsSkirmish at Prestonpans — Colt Bridge
Jacobite Risings

Skirmish at Prestonpans — Colt Bridge

1745
East Lothian, Scotland
Also known as: Colt Bridge skirmish 1745 · Canter of Coltbrig
Era
Jacobite Risings
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
East Lothian, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Government cavalry (Gardiner)
Forces
c.2,100 government (Cope); government routed in minutes
VS
Victor
Jacobites (MacDonald cavalry)
Forces
c.2,500 Jacobites (Charles Edward Stuart)
Outcome
Government cavalry fled at sight of Highlanders; Edinburgh undefended
The Battle

History & Significance

Known mockingly as the "Canter of Coltbrig" — government cavalry sent to defend Edinburgh galloped away at the first sight of Jacobite forces without firing a shot. The abandonment of Edinburgh without a fight outraged government supporters. The city surrendered and Prince Charles entered Holyrood Palace, beginning his brief reign as de facto King of Scotland.

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