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Jacobite Roots

In 1689, the defeat of James II by William of Orange in Ireland forced James and his family into exile on the Continent. The threat of a successful rising in the Stuart cause continued to worry the government. In 1715 and 1745 the Jacobite danger flared into real emergencies.

The oath of allegiance required of William's army officers made explicit the justification for the 'Glorious Revolution':

"I promise to swear to be true to his Highness the Prince of Orange and to serve him with honesty & fidelity in the defences of the Protestant Religion, the Laws & liberties of England against all his enemies & opposers ..."

Copies in French, Dutch and English survive in the papers of the William Bentinck, William's Dutch friend and advisor, whose son became the 1st Duke of Portland.

Songs and ballads in the Jacobite interest were popular. In Scotland, loyalty to the Stuarts rallied support to the cause. After the battle of Culloden, with its bloody aftermath, the Jacobite threat was effectively removed.

The way was set for songs such as "Charlie is My Darling" to be heard in England as romantic ballads of "the young Cavalier".

Further sources relating to this subject area are held by Manuscripts and Special Collections at King's Meadow Campus. See our website for information about our collections and catalogues.