Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Sunday 17 January 2016

Battle of Falkirk Muir 1746


A friend recently referred to my inner Jacobite, who has with recent anniversaries been having something of an airing in recent weeks, and today is another such occasion. It is the 270th anniversary of the battle of Falkirk Muir in 1746, when the Jacobite Highland army defeated the Hanoverian forces. Although retreating northwards they could still beat a not very well organised regular army group. Whether it would have made any differeance if they had pursued them back to Edinburgh or had not spent time attempting to beseige Stirling Castle is open to speculation.


 Prince Charles at the battle of falkirk 1745

Prince Charles Edward at the Battle of Falkirk

Image:britishbattles.com

There is a detailed account of the events at the online piece Battle of Falkirk Muir. There is another useful one at Battle of Falkirk Muir 1746 - Falkirk Local History Society and there are also good articles at  On this day in Scotland: The Battle of Falkirk Muir, at The Battle of Falkirk 1746 - British Battles and at The Battle of Falkirk Muir, 1746 - Historic UK



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