X-Nico

5 unusual facts about Battle of Prestonpans


Battle of Preston

The Battle of Prestonpans 1745, a victory for the Jacobites over the British government in 1745.

Battle of Prestonpans

Acting on this advice, Cope marched with his infantry and artillery towards Fort Augustus in the central Highlands to overawe the Highland clans and nip the rebellion "in the bud".

He mounted his cannon behind the low embankment of the Tranent colliery waggonway, which crossed the battlefield.

With 105 panels (each 1m long), it is about 100 ft (30m) longer than the Bayeux Tapestry.

The tune is still played by some Scottish regiments for Reveille and was also played as the 51st (Highland) Division disembarked on Juno Beach in Normandy on June 6th 1944.


Tranent to Cockenzie Waggonway

In 1745 the railway was disturbed by the Battle of Prestonpans, during the second Jacobite Rising between the opposing forces of Sir John Cope, lined along the waggonway, and the forces of Bonnie Prince Charlie approaching from the east.


see also