Charles Edward Stuart

Lore & Background

Charles was born in Rome to the exiled Stuart court, spending much of his early and later life in Italy. In 1744, he travelled to France to take part in a planned invasion of England to restore the Stuart monarchy under his father. When storms partly wrecked the French fleet, Charles resolved to proceed to Scotland following discussion with leading Jacobites. This resulted in Charles landing by ship on the west coast of Scotland, leading to the Jacobite rising of 1745. The Jacobite forces under Charles initially achieved several victories in the field, including the Battle of Prestonpans in September 1745 and the Battle of Falkirk Muir in January 1746. However, by April 1746, Charles was defeated at Culloden, effectively ending the Stuart cause.

Reader's Guide

Charles Edward Stuart is significant as the leader of the last major Jacobite attempt to restore the Stuart monarchy to the British thrones. His defeat at Culloden in 1746 effectively ended the Stuart cause, though subsequent attempts such as a planned French invasion in 1759 failed. With the Jacobite cause lost, Charles spent the remainder of his life on the continent, except for one secret visit to London. He lived briefly in France before being exiled in 1748 under the terms of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, eventually returning to Italy. His escapades during the 1745 and 1746 uprisings and his escape from Scotland led to his portrayal as a romantic figure of heroic failure. His life and the once possible prospects of a restored Stuart monarchy left an enduring historical legend that continued to have a legacy as of the late 20th century.

Did You Know?

• Charles was born on 31 December 1720 at the Palazzo Muti in Rome, Italy, where his father had been given a residence by Pope Clement XI.
• Historians differ as to who carried out his baptism ceremony; Kybett reports it was presided over by Pope Clement, whereas Douglas and Pininski state it was carried out by the Bishop of Montefiascone.
• He was given the names Charles for his great-grandfather, Edward after Edward the Confessor, Louis for the King of France, Casimir after the kings of Poland, and Sylvester as he was born on Saint Sylvester's Day.
• Charles was said to have suffered from weak legs at an early age, possibly as a result of rickets, but was instructed in exercise and dancing to strengthen them.