BattlefieldsBattle of Prestonpans
Jacobite Risings

Battle of Prestonpans

1745
East Lothian, Scotland
Also known as: Battle of Gladsmuir · Battle of Preston 1745
Era
Jacobite Risings
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
East Lothian, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Government (Cope)
Forces
c.2,100 government (Cope); government routed in minutes
VS
Victor
Jacobites (Lord George Murray)
Forces
c.2,500 Jacobites (Charles Edward Stuart)
Outcome
Decisive Jacobite victory; government army destroyed in minutes
The Battle

History & Significance

Sir John Cope's army was destroyed in approximately ten minutes by a Highland charge at dawn. The government soldiers ran so fast that Cope himself arrived in Berwick before the news — earning the distinction of being the first general to bring news of his own defeat. Scotland was briefly in Jacobite hands. The victory inspired the song "Hey Johnnie Cope".

Casualties & Losses

c.500 government killed; c.1,400 captured; Jacobite losses minimal

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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