Preston was the first battle of the Jacobite rebellion of 1715 and the
last to be fought on English soil. This book provides a new account of
the events leading up to the campaign, focusing on events in England but
not neglecting those in Scotland and on the Continent. It then moves on
to explore the movements of both armies, British and Jacobite, without
neglecting civilian forces, as they marched through Northumberland, the
Scottish Lowlands and then into Cumberland, Westmorland and Lancashire.
It deals with both civilian and military actions, at the strategic and
tactical level.
Both armies (generals, officers and men) are then examined -- who they
were, their strengths and weaknesses. Their training, equipment,
origins, and experience are surveyed. The main chapter concerns the
three-day Battle of Preston. It describes how the armies prepared for
battle, how their initial deployments were made and why. There is then a
detailed narrative of the attacks on the Jacobite positions in Preston
by the British forces led by General Wills. An in-depth account of the
fighting is provided, with analysis. The events of the second and third
days of the battle are recounted, focusing on the surrender negotiations
and the dissent within the Jacobite army, prior to their total
capitulation. The importance of the battle is analyzed.
Finally, there is the need to count the cost of the battle. This had
been heavy for the attacking army and light for the defenders. However,
the true cost to the defeated army only became apparent after the
defeat. Some of the Jacobites were executed but far more were
transported to the American colonies and the West Indies, while others
died in gaol; in 1717 the remainder were released.
The appendices provide listings of some of the men who fought the
battle, with their parish of origin and former occupations.
