The Battle of Falkirk, 28 January 1746 (line engraving)

The Battle of Falkirk, 28 January 1746. Line engraving by T Jefferys, published 15 February 1746. Having retreated into Scotland in December 1745, Prince Charles Edward Stuart (‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’) was able to reinforce his army. On 28 January 1746 (Modern Calendar; 17 January 1746 Old Style), British forces under the command of Lieutenant-General Henry Hawley encountered the strengthened Jacobite army near Falkirk. Hawley opened the attack with his cavalry, which were driven back. The Highlanders then charged; Hawley’s infantry, hampered by heavy rain from using their muskets to full effect, broke and ran. Jacobite casualties were light, but Hawley’s forces lost over 600 men. The battle lasted little more than 20 minutes.