Culloden: The History and Archaeology of the Last Clan Battle

by Tony Pollard

A team of historians and archaeologists re-examine what happened at the Battle of Culloden between the Scottish Jacobites and Great Britain. In battle at Culloden Moor on April 16, 1746, the Jacobite cause was dealt a mortal blow. The power of the Highland clans was broken. And the image of sword-wielding Highlanders charging into a hail of lead delivered by the red-coated battalions of the Hanoverian army has passed into legend. The battle was a turning point in British history. And yet our perception of this critical episode tends to be confused by mistaken, sometimes partisan, views of the events on the battlefield. So, what really happened at Culloden? In this fascinating and original book, a team of leading historians and archaeologists reconsiders every aspect of the battle. They examine the latest historical and archaeological evidence, question every assumption, and rewrite the story of the campaign in vivid detail. This is the first time that such a distinguished team of experts has focused on a single British battle. The result is a seminal study of the subject, and it is a landmark publication of battlefield archaeology.Praise for Culloden“Culloden is one of the best documented British battles and also one of the most mapped, yet the contributions to this fine volume have succeeded in finding new material.” —Scotts Magazine (UK)

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Archaeology, Scotland, Military History, European History

483 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Dr Tony Pollard is an internationally renowned archaeologist and Director of the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology at Glasgow University. He has carried out pioneering investigations of battlefields in South and North Africa, South America and Europe and as a Forensic Archaeologist has worked with police forces throughout Britain.

He has written numerous papers and articles on archaeology and history and is co-editor of the Journal of Conflict Archaeology. He was the co-presenter of two series of BBC2's archaeological documentary series Two Men in a Trench.

The Minutes of the Lazarus Club is his first novel.

Reviews

[Sud666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Culloden is a very good piece of historical and archaeological research. Written as individual essays by specialists covering various aspects of this battle. That being said, I must point out that this would be considered "dry" by quite a few people. Now if you are a true fan of history, then you will appreciate the thoroughness and also be familiar with very similar style of articles in Military History Journals. This isn't historical fiction, but it is fascinating.

Since this book focuses on the battle, this is a military history, of Culloden I am going to take a moment and give you a bit of background. In 1714, Queen Anne, last monarch of the House of Stuart, dies childless. Under the Act of Settlement of 1701, wherein the succession of the Irish and English crown could only be to a Protestant, the next ruler will be her second cousin George I of Hanover. However, there was a prodigal Catholic with a rather long name who would prefer to sit on the Throne (Catholic throne) instead and his ridiculously long name is Charles Edward Louis John Casimir Sylvester Severino Maria Stuart. Yep. Thankfully he is better known as the "The Young Pretender" or "The Young Chevalier", but likely the most popular was "Bonnie Prince Charlie".

Bonnie Prince Charlie then caused an uprising in 1745 and its culmination was the Battle of Culloden. This book is a detailed look at that battle. Often called the "last Clan battle" due to the number of Highlander clan participation. The book studies the battle with a series of articles from "The '45 Campaign" to "The Jacobite Army at Culloden" to "Capturing the Moment: The Archaeology of Culloden Battlefield". The articles are very well written and researched. Even to a military historian, though my specialty is modern warfare, there is a wealth of "newer" information that does away with older ideas, as well as dispelling much of the partisan myths. From showing that there were quite a few Scotts in the English army (versus the calumny of calling it a Hanoverian, hence German, Army); to the way the battle unfolded, weapons used, forces disposition and order of battle-all buttressed by a wealth of pictures, maps and archeological proof.

While this may not be for everyone, anyone wanting the full story of the Battle of Culloden will find it here. Examined from both sides, as well as a good overview of how this '45 conflict fit into the story of the greater European history going on around it during this time (The War of Austrian Succession comes to mind). Very good military history book. Taught me some very interesting things. Dry, but well researched.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are deeply interested in Scottish history and that must include Culloden than this is a book worth reading. The events, the people, the causes and the results are all discussed. There are pictures and comments included that are from the time of the battle. Well written.

[James Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an immensely valuable book which seeks to place the battle of Culloden in proper context, both in relation to the countries of England, Ireland and Scotland, and in the wider context of European power politics. Tony Pollard achieves this by marshalling a number of essays, including on the make up of the British army, strife within the Jacobite leadership, the outcome of the battle, the actions of the European powers, and his specialist subject, the archeology of the battle field. All of this helps us to see the battle in a more rounded perspective, and helps to place the battle in a wider area than had once been thought. This book is essential reading for anyone interested i. This battle, and interested in the Jacobean politics of eighteenth century Scotland. Unreservedly recommended.

[Al Lock · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is really for those interested in how historic data is collected and sorted in order to try and give an idea of what the Battle of Culloden was like. This is not the typical narrative of a typical history, but it is very worth reading IF you are one of those who appreciates the digging through archeological and historical records to try to put together an idea of what happened in 1745 as well as the impact of Culloden on Europe, England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

[Phillip Mclaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

wish I had read this series of essays before visiting

Well written set of articles which give a good understanding of causes for the Jacobite rising, its campaigns ending at Culloden, and the battle itself.
Other very important matters of preserving the site and modern investigation to plot the battle are great to guide the adventurer at the battle site.

A should read for many reasons

[Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first and last chapters were excellent. I waded through some of the others but really TMI. Unless you are into details of every group of soldiers and where every cannonball fell this is not your book. Great for historical reenactment I would think. Now I need a recommendation of a good history of the Jacobite Rebellions.

[Sean Cameron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed a fair bit if this. Very interesting to learn so much more detail about the battle and the politics surrounding it. Not sure if audio book was the best way to digest this, feel like I could have used some visual aids to compliment what was there. Was a bit dry in areas but overall I liked it.

Might revisit this with a physical copy and see if I enjoy it more.

[Sharon Torr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only given this 3* as believe with this being an audible book means that you miss a lot of the pictures/diagrams which would better explain the dialogue but still a good comprehensive telling of the story.

[Caroline Desnoyers · Rating 1 out of 5]

An interesting book, but all the weapons and regiments details were not something I was interested in. 

[Genetta Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Culloden

This was very informative. As a History lover I was glued to it. It helps to understand the Jacobite cause more also.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting factual book of the battle at Culloden Moor on 16 April 1746, the Jacobite cause ended by the Hanovarian army any highland clans broken apart and dispossessed.

I have a paperback but found it easier to pick up the audio. The audio narrated in a very easy going fashion so you don't feel like it's a hard hitting history lesson. Would recommend.

[Roger Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having just visited the battlefield in Scotland, I found this book fascinating and provided all the information I could ever want about this important battle. Highly recommended.