What Was "The Fifteen"?

Aug 27, 2024

For almost a century following the Glorious Revolution of 1688, the supporters of the House of Stuart, known as Jacobites, hoped, plotted, and fought for the restoration of their fallen dynasty to the thrones of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Among the most significant of these efforts was the 1715 Jacobite Rising, often simply referred to as "The Fifteen." This rebellion is a fascinating episode in British history, marked by intrigue, bravery, and political miscalculation.

The Origins and Foundations of Jacobitism

Jacobitism, named after the Latin form of James—Jacobus—emerged as a potent political movement after James II of England (and VII of Scotland) was overthrown in the Glorious Revolution. His supporters, who remained loyal to his claim and those of his descendants, continued to advocate for the Stuarts as the legitimate rulers of Britain. After James II's death in exile in 1701, his son, James Francis Edward Stuart, became the focal point of their loyalty. Known to his supporters as James III of England and VIII of Scotland, and derisively referred to by his enemies as "The Pretender," James represented the hope of restoring the Stuarts to their rightful place on the throne.

The Jacobite cause found its strongest support in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands. This was due in part to the dissatisfaction many Scots felt with the political changes following the Revolution of 1688 and the subsequent 1707 Act of Union, which joined Scotland and England into a single United Kingdom. Many Scots viewed this union as a betrayal of their sovereignty and resented the loss of their parliament and independent national identity. The Jacobite agents capitalized on this discontent, linking the cause of James Stuart with the defense of Scottish independence and liberties, portraying him as a champion of the ancient Scottish rights against English domination.

The Lead-Up to "The Fifteen"

The death of Queen Anne in 1714 set the stage for the 1715 Rising. As Anne left no direct heirs, the throne passed to George I of the House of Hanover, a distant cousin with a weak hereditary claim but one who was Protestant, as required by the Act of Settlement 1701. This bypassed the Catholic James Stuart, despite his closer bloodline, enraging Jacobite supporters and many others who were dissatisfied with the new German-speaking king and his ministers.

Sensing an opportunity, the Earl of Mar, a Scottish nobleman who had initially pledged loyalty to the new Hanoverian king, shifted allegiances after being dismissed from his governmental position. Mar, known for his political opportunism, quickly began gathering support in the Scottish Highlands. Under the pretense of a large hunting party—a "tinchel"—Mar called the Jacobite leaders together at Braemar in August 1715. On September 6, he dramatically raised the standard of King James VIII and proclaimed the start of the uprising, an act that resonated throughout the Highlands and beyond.

Key Events and Major Battles of the Rising

Despite the initial enthusiasm and rapid mobilization of forces, the Jacobite campaign faced significant challenges from the outset. Mar, who commanded the Jacobite army, struggled with indecision and a lack of clear strategic objectives. His forces, although eventually numbering around 12,000 men, were poorly equipped, largely inexperienced, and suffering from inadequate supplies. After seizing Perth, a strategic point in central Scotland, Mar hesitated to advance further, missing several opportunities to confront government forces decisively.

Meanwhile, in northern England, a smaller Jacobite force led by Lord Derwentwater and Mr. Forster made an attempt to stir support among English Jacobites. However, they faced similar difficulties in rallying significant numbers and gaining momentum. The Scottish and English Jacobite forces joined together at Kelso, but internal divisions and lack of a coherent strategy hampered their efforts. The combined force was decisively defeated at the Battle of Preston in November 1715, a significant blow to the Jacobite cause.

The most crucial battle of the 1715 Rising was the Battle of Sheriffmuir, fought on November 13, 1715. It was a confusing encounter, with both sides claiming victory: Mar’s Jacobite forces won the right flank, while the government forces under the command of the Duke of Argyll successfully repelled the left flank. The result was a stalemate, but strategically it marked a failure for the Jacobites. Mar's inability to capitalize on his superior numbers and his failure to make bold decisions left his army in disarray. The stalemate effectively halted any further Jacobite advance southward and marked the beginning of the end for the uprising.

The Arrival of James Stuart and the Collapse of the Rebellion

In a dramatic but ultimately futile gesture, James Stuart finally arrived in Scotland on December 22, 1715, to personally lead the insurrection. His arrival was meant to galvanize the Jacobite forces, but it had little effect. James, though legitimate by birthright, lacked the charisma, decisiveness, and leadership qualities needed to inspire his troops. Contemporary accounts describe him as lethargic and indecisive, with none of the qualities of a military leader. His presence did little to boost morale; if anything, it underscored the disarray and lack of direction within the Jacobite ranks.

The situation deteriorated rapidly for the Jacobites. By the end of January 1716, with government forces under Argyll advancing steadily and supplies dwindling, Mar ordered a retreat from Perth. In a bitterly cold Scottish winter, the Jacobite army crossed the frozen River Tay and made a hasty withdrawal toward Montrose. On February 4, 1716, realizing the futility of their position, James Stuart and Mar escaped to France, abandoning their followers and effectively ending the rebellion. The Jacobite forces quickly disbanded, with many returning to their homes or seeking refuge abroad.

Aftermath and Historical Significance

The failure of "The Fifteen" had profound implications for the Jacobite movement and for Britain as a whole. While it initially posed a serious threat to the newly established Hanoverian government, the rising ultimately failed due to poor planning, lack of strong leadership, and internal divisions among the Jacobites themselves. It also revealed the limited appeal of the Jacobite cause beyond Scotland. Although there was some sympathy for James Stuart in parts of England, the majority of the English population, satisfied with the Protestant succession and wary of the consequences of another civil war, chose not to support the Jacobites.

Despite the defeat, the Jacobite cause did not disappear. It remained a significant undercurrent in British political life, fueled by ongoing dissatisfaction with the Hanoverian rule and a romantic attachment to the Stuart dynasty. This sentiment would lead to another, more famous rising in 1745, led by James Stuart's son, Charles Edward Stuart, better known as "Bonnie Prince Charlie."

The Legacy of "The Fifteen"

Today, the story of "The Fifteen" remains a compelling chapter in the history of Britain and Scotland. It highlights the complex interplay of political, religious, and national identities in the early 18th century. The 1715 Jacobite Rising illustrates the deep divisions that existed within Britain at the time, between supporters of the old Catholic monarchy and the new Protestant establishment, between Scottish nationalists and English unionists, and between those who looked to the past and those who embraced the future.

"The Fifteen" also serves as a reminder of the passionate commitment of its participants, both noble and commoner alike, who were willing to risk everything for what they believed was a just cause. While the Jacobite dream of a restored Stuart monarchy ultimately faded, its legacy endures, not only in the pages of history books but in the cultural memory of Scotland and Britain as a whole. The Jacobite risings, particularly "The Fifteen," are remembered as times of bravery, miscalculation, and the undying hope for a different kind of future.

As we reflect on this tumultuous period, we gain insight into the forces that shaped the modern British state and the enduring struggle between tradition and progress, sovereignty and union. The tale of "The Fifteen" is not just a story of rebellion but a pivotal moment in the making of a nation.