The Daring Escape of Richard Morrison from Culloden

A Remarkable Feat of Survival

The Battle of Culloden in 1746 is a watershed moment in Scottish history, often remembered for its brutal conclusion of the Jacobite uprising. Amidst the tragic aftermath, a lesser-known but equally captivating story emerges – the daring escape of Richard Morrison, the valet and wigmaker to Bonnie Prince Charlie. His tale is not just one of survival, but a testimony to loyalty, bravery, and the indomitable human spirit.

Richard Morrison: A Figure of Loyalty in Chaotic Times

Richard Morrison, a man deeply entrenched in the Jacobite cause, served not only as a personal attendant to the Prince but also a trusted confidant in a time of upheaval. His role as the Prince’s valet and wigmaker placed him in an intimate proximity to the inner workings of the Jacobite leadership. This position, while prestigious, also brought with it a great risk, especially as the tides of war turned against the Jacobites at Culloden.

The Fateful Day at Culloden

The defeat of the Jacobite forces at Culloden was not just a military loss but also marked the beginning of severe reprisals by the Duke of Cumberland’s forces. The battlefield soon turned into a ground of persecution for the captured Jacobite supporters. Richard Morrison, due to his close association with Bonnie Prince Charlie, found himself among those captured and condemned to death. His fate, it seemed, was sealed.

The Escape Plan

Condemned to hang for his loyalty to the Jacobite cause, Richard Morrison faced a dire situation. In the shadow of imminent death, he knew he had to act. The specifics of his escape plan are a blend of historical facts and folklore, painting a picture of a man ready to risk everything for his freedom.

The Day of Execution

As the execution day dawned, Richard was among those who were to face the gallows. The atmosphere was laden with despair, a grim reminder of the consequences of the failed uprising. Yet, in these desperate moments, Richard's resolve did not waver. He was ready to make a daring bid for life.

The Moment of Escape

In a turn of events that speaks to Richard Morrison's cunning and courage, he managed to evade his captors. The details of how he slipped through the fingers of death remain obscure – some say it was through a clever disguise, others speak of a distraction created by sympathizers, or perhaps a combination of both. Whatever the method, Richard’s escape was a remarkable act of defiance against the seemingly inevitable.

The Perilous Journey to Safety

Richard's escape from the executioner’s noose was just the beginning of a perilous journey. He now had to navigate through a landscape filled with government troops, actively hunting down Jacobite fugitives. His journey to safety was treacherous and fraught with danger at every turn.

His eventual destination was France, a common refuge for those who had fought for the Jacobite cause. The journey was arduous and required a level of endurance and stealth that few could muster.

Richard Morrison's Legacy

The story of Richard Morrison's escape from Culloden is more than just a thrilling escape narrative; it is a window into the lives of those who were caught up in the tumult of the Jacobite uprisings. Richard’s story is a vivid illustration of the chaos and peril of the times, and his successful escape to France stands as a testament to his resourcefulness and bravery.

His tale, though a small part of the larger historical tapestry, provides a unique perspective on the human experience during one of Scotland’s most turbulent periods. Richard Morrison's escape remains not just a story of survival, but a narrative that celebrates the resilience and tenacity of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Adapted From: Morrison, A. W. (2017). The genealogy of the Morrison origins in Scotland: A critical evaluation of the historical evidence for the origins of the Morrisons in Scotland (Updated version).