This is an archive of the NMS website
The Jacobite Challenge
Follow the story of the Jacobites in their battle to
reclaim the throne for the Stewarts.
In 1689, James VII of Scotland and II of England, the last
Stewart king, was deposed. His supporters, who took their name
from Jacobus, the Latin for James, fought fiercely to win back the
crown from William and Mary and their successors, the Hanovers.
This gallery tells the story of the Jacobite cause, and ilustrates
its enduring impact on the popular imagination of Scotland.
The first uprising
The first attempt to reclaim the throne came in 1689, when
Viscount Dundee's Jacobite army fought government troops at
Killiecrankie (Case 1). Although they won the battle, Dundee was
killed and the rising collapsed.
For more than half a century the Jacobites continued their
struggle to win back the throne.
Bonnie Prince Charlie
The final chapter came with the landing of Prince Charles
Edward, James VII's grandson, on the west coast of Scotland in the
summer of 1745. You can follow the successes and failures of Bonnie
Prince Charlie and his army, through to their final defeat at
Culloden on 16 April 1746.
One of the most important objects associated with the
Prince is the silver travelling canteen recovered after his
final defeat. This elaborate picnic set of cutlery and two wine
beakers was made by the Edinburgh goldsmith Ebenezer Oliphant in
1740-41, and may have been a 21st birthday gift
for the Prince.
Weapons of war
Also on display is a fine selection of weapons from the period,
including a dress targe, or shield, which was part of the
accoutrements presented to Prince Charles Edward Stuart by James,
3rd Duke of Perth.
Tartan pride
Tartan was fashionable at the time as an expression of
anti-Union and pro-Jacobite sentiment.
When the Royal Company of Archers was re-established in
1713, a new tartan uniform was created. Many of the Company
were known Jacobites.
The tartan suit probably worn by Sir John Hynde Cotton,
a prominent English Jacobite, is another important
exhibit. It is the only one of its kind to survive.