BattlefieldsJacobite occupation of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh administration 1745
Jacobite Risings

Jacobite occupation of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh administration 1745

1745
Midlothian, Scotland
Also known as: Charles Edward at Holyroodhouse September-October 1745 · Jacobite court at Edinburgh 1745
Era
Jacobite Risings
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Midlothian, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Government administration
Forces
Edinburgh Castle government garrison under General Guest
VS
Victor
Jacobites
Forces
Jacobite garrison controlling Edinburgh
Outcome
Prince Charles holds court at Holyroodhouse; Edinburgh under Jacobite control for six weeks
The Battle

History & Significance

Prince Charles occupied Holyroodhouse — the ancient palace of the Scottish kings — from 17 September to late October 1745. He held daily levees attracting much of Edinburgh society, charmed opponents and waverers, and managed the administration of Scotland from the palace his great-great-grandmother Mary Queen of Scots had inhabited. Edinburgh Castle remained in government hands throughout, its guns occasionally firing on the city. The occupation demonstrated the Jacobites could govern, not merely fight. Charles himself radiated charm and energy during this period — the high point of his campaign.

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