BattlefieldsJacobite crossing at Fords of Frew 1745
Jacobite Risings

Jacobite crossing at Fords of Frew 1745

1745
Stirlingshire, Scotland
Also known as: Jacobite Forth crossing Fords of Frew · Charles crosses the Forth 1745
Era
Jacobite Risings
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Stirlingshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Government (outmanoeuvred)
VS
Victor
Jacobites
Outcome
Jacobite army crosses the Forth at the Fords of Frew, bypassing Stirling; march to Edinburgh opened
The Battle

History & Significance

In September 1745, the Jacobite army crossed the River Forth at the ancient Fords of Frew — shallow crossing points above the Stirling bridge that bypassed the main government defensive position. The crossing was completed with minimal resistance. This bold manoeuvre outflanked the Stirling position and opened the road to Edinburgh. It demonstrated the Jacobites' ability to use Highland intelligence about the terrain and to move faster than the government could react. Wade's army was far to the north and could not intercept. The march to Edinburgh followed immediately.

Forces Involved

Jacobite army c.2,500; government forces at Stirling unable to intervene

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Aubrey Research

Explore the landscape around Stirlingshire

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any location in Britain — drawing on Domesday records, scheduled monuments, Victorian OS maps, geological data and archaeological archives to tell the full story of a place.

Research a location near Stirlingshire