BattlefieldsThe Derby Council and Retreat 1745
Jacobite Risings

The Derby Council and Retreat 1745

1745
Derbyshire, England
Also known as: Jacobite retreat from Derby 1745 · Council of War at Derby
Era
Jacobite Risings
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Derbyshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Jacobites (Prince Charles)
Forces
Government forces nearby: c.10,000+
VS
Victor
Government (strategically)
Forces
Jacobite army: c.5,000–6,000
Outcome
Jacobite army turns back from Derby; the '45 effectively decided
The Battle

History & Significance

On 5–6 December 1745, the Jacobite army reached Derby — the furthest south any Jacobite force penetrated in Britain. London was in panic: the Bank of England paid out in sixpences to slow withdrawals. But at a council of war, Lord George Murray and the Jacobite chiefs voted to retreat — the promised English support had not materialised, and Cumberland's army blocked the south while Wade's blocked the north. Charles was furious but overruled. He never recovered his spirits. The retreat from Derby is the turning point of the '45.

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