The Jacobites: The History and Legacy of the Movement to Restore the Stuart Dynasty to the British Throne

The Jacobites conjure up many images to 21st century Britons, including romantic heroism, the Outlander series, and Bonnie Prince Charlie as the doomed hero of the cause, but Jacobitism was a cause that had far reaching consequences across 18th century Europe. The Jacobites were not only supporters of the exiled Stuart monarchy, but also against the political and religious settlements agreed to across the British Isles. As Jacobite historians such as Daniel Szechi and Frank McLynn have noted, the specter of the Jacobite threat was present for the British government and monarchy in their dealings with European powers throughout the 18th century.[1] This was especially true in France, the country that supported the exiled Stuarts and gave them a home until 1714. This soured the French monarchy’s relationship with Britain, and the Hanoverian kings who replaced the Stuarts were always aware of French and Spanish attempts to return the British throne to the Catholic Stuarts.

The Jacobite court in exile regularly issued propaganda detailing the policies they would enact if restored, and this often reflected the agitations of anyone opposed to the political status quo in Britain at any given time. The Jacobites after 1707 in Scotland were often associated with the repeal of the Treaty of Union, mostly as that coincided with popular opinion. Szechi has noted over the years that Jacobitism was fairly politically radical in its objectives, from religious toleration to freely elected Parliaments and curbs on political corruption.[2] The restoration of the Stuarts would also have seen a return to multi-kingdom monarchy in Britain and Ireland, and it would have changed the European alliances which were forged in the many wars fought during this period.

Given all that, it’s no surprise the Jacobites continue to interest so many people, as do the plot twists, near misses, and “what-ifs” involved.