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The Road to Culloden Moor: Bonnie Prince Charlie and the 1745 Rebellion
Published to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Culloden, an account of the life of Bonnie Prince Charlie, of his childhood and upbringing, his claim to the throne he thought was rightfully his, of the Battle of Culloden and of his escape to the Highlands. First published in 1995 and now available in paperback.
Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 1996
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About the author
Diana Preston
42 books116 followersBorn and raised in London, Diana Preston studied Modern History at Oxford University, where she first became involved in journalism. After earning her degree, she became a freelance writer of feature and travel articles for national UK newspapers and magazines and has subsequently reviewed books for a number of publications, including The Wall Street Journal and The Los Angeles Times. She has also been a broadcaster for the BBC and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and has been featured in various television documentaries.
Eight years ago, her decision to write "popular" history led her to The Road to Culloden Moor: Bonnie Prince Charlie and the '45 Rebellion (Constable UK, 1995). It was followed by A First Rate Tragedy: Robert Falcon Scott and the Race to the South Pole (Houghton Mifflin, 1998), The Boxer Rebellion (Walker & Company, 2000), Lusitania: An Epic Tragedy (Walker & Company, 2002) and now, Before The Fallout: From Marie Curie to Hiroshima.
In choosing her topics, Preston looks for stories and events which are both compelling in their own right and also help readers gain a wider understanding of the past. She is fascinated by the human experience-what motivates people to think and act as they do‹and the individual stories that comprise the larger historical picture. Preston spent over two years researching Lusitania: An Epic Tragedy. She did a remarkable amount of original research for the book, and is the first author to make full use of the German archives and newly discovered papers that illuminate both the human tragedy and subsequent plots to cover up what really happened. Preston traveled to all the key locations of the tragedy, experiencing firsthand how cold the water off the Irish coast near Cobh would have been in early May when the Lusitania sank, and how eerie it was to stand inside what remains of the U-20 (now at the Strandingsmuseum in West Jutland, Denmark) where the U-boat captain watched the Lusitania through his periscope and gave the order to fire. Of the many artifacts she reviewed, it was her extensive reading of the diaries and memoirs of survivors that had the biggest impact on her. The experience of looking at photographs and touching the scraps of clothing of both survivors and those who died when the Lusitania sank provided her with chilling pictures: The heartbreaking image of a young girl whose sister's hand slipped away from her was one that kept Preston up at night.
When not writing, Preston is an avid traveler with her husband, Michael. Together, they have sojourned throughout India, Asia, Africa, and Antarctica, and have climbed Mount Kinabalu in Borneo, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and Mount Roraima in Venezuela. Their adventures have also included gorilla-tracking in Zaire and camping their way across the Namibian desert.
Diana and Michael Preston live in London, England.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 27, 2017
Preston’s book on the last Jacobite Rebellion is an interesting volume. It looks for balance not by stripping away all romanticism or propaganda, but by embracing them. What papers and people were saying on both sides is looked at, not necessarily to arrive at a middle ground, but to show what they were concerned about.
The 1745 rebellion was the passing of an era, and like any such, a large number of stories and legends sprung up around it. And while The Road to Culloden Moor spends a good amount of time talking about them, and how they compare to the events they’re based on, this ignorant American could have used a better grounding in just what these myths are.
As a popular history, the descriptions of the battles are somewhat cursory, but then most of them were extremely brief affairs, on the other hand, it is hard to keep a great sense of the maneuvering going on (maps, as always, would help). But beyond that, the narrative of the entire rebellion, from Charles’… ‘escape’ from Rome to France, to the aftermath, is well done, and overall the book is very informative.
The 1745 rebellion was the passing of an era, and like any such, a large number of stories and legends sprung up around it. And while The Road to Culloden Moor spends a good amount of time talking about them, and how they compare to the events they’re based on, this ignorant American could have used a better grounding in just what these myths are.
As a popular history, the descriptions of the battles are somewhat cursory, but then most of them were extremely brief affairs, on the other hand, it is hard to keep a great sense of the maneuvering going on (maps, as always, would help). But beyond that, the narrative of the entire rebellion, from Charles’… ‘escape’ from Rome to France, to the aftermath, is well done, and overall the book is very informative.
December 3, 2019
This is colourful history but not totally academic. Preston has an eye for description & quote & the book has a great “feel”.
December 20, 2022
An interesting read that is going to help me for my researches on Scottish clans and their disintegration
February 8, 2025
As I noted in my review of Flint and Mirror, a historical fantasy set in Ireland of the late 16th, early 17th century, it was a strange coincidence that I ended up reading that novel and The Road to Culloden Moor: Bonnie Prince Charlie and the ’45 Rebellion at the same time, the former in analog and this one in eBook format. It’s not strange that I was reading both books. My war game friends always joke that I pick a side based on how many English I can kill [Disclaimer: I don’t really hate the Oppressors…er…English. It’s just when when I idealize history, I want my lowland Scot/Ulster Irish ancestry to reverse history and win. Is it ironic that my U.S. ancestors, settling in Georgia, managed to lose yet again by being part of a lost cause?], so it’s no wonder I gravitate to historical novels and accounts dealing with struggles against the English.
I particularly liked the way Diana Preston described the movements and battles from the perspectives of both sides. When I read Henry Fielding’s The History of Tom Jones: A Foundling, it hadn’t registered that, in addition to being a magistrate within His Majesty’s Government, he was a propagandist against the Jacobite cause, as well. I also loved the contemporary characterizations of Charles, some enhancing the ideal and some defacing the image, including (with appropriate caveats) some of the more outrageous ones.
I was amused by the comment after the Battle of Preston Pans: “At the end of the long column stumbled the prisoners of war, still numbed by events. Chevalier Johnstone described this triumphal march through the city with cynical hindsight, especially the huzzas of the populace, ‘always equally inconstant in every country of the world’.” (p. 101). I couldn’t help but think of Jesus’ “triumphal” entry into Jerusalem for it was only a moment before sentiments were reversed.
Some of the battle accounts were quite riveting. Even though the Battle of Falkirk only lasted roughly 20 minutes, the description of maneuver augmented by both eyewitness observations and recollections proved fascinating. I had considered the battle with maps and commentary, but this account made it come to life. I particularly enjoyed some of the more ridiculous portions of this narrative. When a hare came running through the Government lines, I became aware of something I hadn’t read before: “one soldier ‘more ready-witted than the rest, exclaimed “Halloo, the Duke of Perth’s mother!” — it being a general belief that that zealous old Catholic lady was a witch and therefore able to assume the disguise of a hare ….’” (p. 168). Another anecdote was humorous for its self-righteous assumption: “Sir Robert Monro, ‘who was heard much to blaspheme during the engagement, and as a punishment for which, his tongue was miraculously cut asunder by a sword, that struck him directly across the mouth’ as one Jacobite recorded in self-righteous tones.” (p. 174).
Even in the descriptions of the lines of battle at Culloden, Preston provides intriguing anecdotes. For example, the Chisholms had an artifact, a black set of pipes called “The Maiden of the Sandal.” Of this mystic instrument: “It was believed to have strange powers and that if a member of the chief’s family was about to die not a single note could be coaxed from it.” (p. 203). I knew about Charles losing his wig and “bonnet” at Culloden, but hadn’t realized that it had been kept as a relic (p. 211).
In addition, Diana Preston draws liberally from song lyrics and poems to color the accounts with proper period flash, many sung to the tune of the English National Anthem. One of my favorites was the anecdote of the Scottish (Government or Hanoverian, if you will) piper who died at the so-called “Rout of Moy:” He “had composed a sad lament ‘Cha til me tuille’, meaning ‘I’ll return no more’: Macleod shall come back But Macrimmon shall never.” (p. 184).
After reading of the post-battle slaughter and Cumberland’s indifference to the Government troops committing clear atrocities, as well as Cumberland’s forged document which prevaricated regarding an alleged “No Quarter” command from Charles as their excuse for violent excess (p. 214), I remembered “Tarleton’s Quarter” (and Tarleton’s very real order that precipitated it) during the War for American Independence and considered it poetic justice.
I’ve walked the battlefield at Culloden Moor and examined the exhibits in the Visitor’s Center. It was like attending a funeral. Preston’s narrative is still like a funeral, but it is a “healing” sermon which better explains some of the questions still in my mind after traversing the rather indefensible venue. And, I had only heard in the most general terms about Charles’ adventures post-Culloden which Preston enumerated in a pleasing way.
My only minor disappointment in the book (and this is possibly a logistical issue more than an overt criticism) is that the bibliography cited newspapers as source material, but didn’t cite the individual articles in the publications. This seemed rather like only citing a major journal in one’s field rather than the individual articles. It was economical in terms of space, but not what I personally expect. If half-stars were allowed, I would only count this as a half-star criticism.
The Road to Culloden Moor: Bonnie Prince Charlie and the ’45 Rebellion was a welcome and insightful account of the campaign which led to such a tragic ending (and aftermath). With such a well-versed incident from history, it is no spoiler to quote the appropriate final sentence/quotation in the narrative proper: “‘Will ye no’ come back again?’ the songs would plaintively ask, but he had had his chance and lost.” (p. 249).
I particularly liked the way Diana Preston described the movements and battles from the perspectives of both sides. When I read Henry Fielding’s The History of Tom Jones: A Foundling, it hadn’t registered that, in addition to being a magistrate within His Majesty’s Government, he was a propagandist against the Jacobite cause, as well. I also loved the contemporary characterizations of Charles, some enhancing the ideal and some defacing the image, including (with appropriate caveats) some of the more outrageous ones.
I was amused by the comment after the Battle of Preston Pans: “At the end of the long column stumbled the prisoners of war, still numbed by events. Chevalier Johnstone described this triumphal march through the city with cynical hindsight, especially the huzzas of the populace, ‘always equally inconstant in every country of the world’.” (p. 101). I couldn’t help but think of Jesus’ “triumphal” entry into Jerusalem for it was only a moment before sentiments were reversed.
Some of the battle accounts were quite riveting. Even though the Battle of Falkirk only lasted roughly 20 minutes, the description of maneuver augmented by both eyewitness observations and recollections proved fascinating. I had considered the battle with maps and commentary, but this account made it come to life. I particularly enjoyed some of the more ridiculous portions of this narrative. When a hare came running through the Government lines, I became aware of something I hadn’t read before: “one soldier ‘more ready-witted than the rest, exclaimed “Halloo, the Duke of Perth’s mother!” — it being a general belief that that zealous old Catholic lady was a witch and therefore able to assume the disguise of a hare ….’” (p. 168). Another anecdote was humorous for its self-righteous assumption: “Sir Robert Monro, ‘who was heard much to blaspheme during the engagement, and as a punishment for which, his tongue was miraculously cut asunder by a sword, that struck him directly across the mouth’ as one Jacobite recorded in self-righteous tones.” (p. 174).
Even in the descriptions of the lines of battle at Culloden, Preston provides intriguing anecdotes. For example, the Chisholms had an artifact, a black set of pipes called “The Maiden of the Sandal.” Of this mystic instrument: “It was believed to have strange powers and that if a member of the chief’s family was about to die not a single note could be coaxed from it.” (p. 203). I knew about Charles losing his wig and “bonnet” at Culloden, but hadn’t realized that it had been kept as a relic (p. 211).
In addition, Diana Preston draws liberally from song lyrics and poems to color the accounts with proper period flash, many sung to the tune of the English National Anthem. One of my favorites was the anecdote of the Scottish (Government or Hanoverian, if you will) piper who died at the so-called “Rout of Moy:” He “had composed a sad lament ‘Cha til me tuille’, meaning ‘I’ll return no more’: Macleod shall come back But Macrimmon shall never.” (p. 184).
After reading of the post-battle slaughter and Cumberland’s indifference to the Government troops committing clear atrocities, as well as Cumberland’s forged document which prevaricated regarding an alleged “No Quarter” command from Charles as their excuse for violent excess (p. 214), I remembered “Tarleton’s Quarter” (and Tarleton’s very real order that precipitated it) during the War for American Independence and considered it poetic justice.
I’ve walked the battlefield at Culloden Moor and examined the exhibits in the Visitor’s Center. It was like attending a funeral. Preston’s narrative is still like a funeral, but it is a “healing” sermon which better explains some of the questions still in my mind after traversing the rather indefensible venue. And, I had only heard in the most general terms about Charles’ adventures post-Culloden which Preston enumerated in a pleasing way.
My only minor disappointment in the book (and this is possibly a logistical issue more than an overt criticism) is that the bibliography cited newspapers as source material, but didn’t cite the individual articles in the publications. This seemed rather like only citing a major journal in one’s field rather than the individual articles. It was economical in terms of space, but not what I personally expect. If half-stars were allowed, I would only count this as a half-star criticism.
The Road to Culloden Moor: Bonnie Prince Charlie and the ’45 Rebellion was a welcome and insightful account of the campaign which led to such a tragic ending (and aftermath). With such a well-versed incident from history, it is no spoiler to quote the appropriate final sentence/quotation in the narrative proper: “‘Will ye no’ come back again?’ the songs would plaintively ask, but he had had his chance and lost.” (p. 249).
July 14, 2015
A thorough, factual yet wonderfully readable account of the last Jacobite rising in 1745/6. I started reading this on the return journey from a holiday in Scotland - having just visited many of the sites connected to the events depicted here made an already fascinating subject even more interesting.
July 16, 2015
A gripping tale of a foolhardy venture, and the miscalculations, the social, economic and international dynamics, and the petty jealousies that ensured it remained a forlorn venture..
October 14, 2019
The author does a fine job of relating the emotion of the times as he raises many of the Highland clans to his cause. She also clearly details the problems Charles faces in trying to command his clan army. For example, being posted on the right flank is an honor to the clans and at Culloden, when the MacDonalds end up on the left, they stand under heavy fire sulking, and refuse to attack. Still, Charles manages to almost enter London and if his clan chiefs hadn't decided that without the French an attack on London was doomed, the Stuarts might well have been restored.
Until the battle at Culloden, the reader will feel great sympathy for the young Prince, but his actions immediately following the battle are rather shameful. Dejected, he refuses the call to rejoin the part of his army that remains and leaves the poor Highlanders to the not so tender mercies of the Butcher Cumberland. His flight from the British and their Highland allies is told in a spirited way that once again brings forth sympathy for Charles. It is during this period that Flora MacDonald rises to prominence.
Finally, Preston deals with Charles remaining years, which are not nearly so appealing as his years as the Young Pretender. She also details the remaining years of many of his closest followers, several of whom are executed. This is a well written and intriguing account of the '45 and will be enjoyed by almost anyone with Scottish roots. My only quibble is a lack of notes to back up the author's statements, but that seems to fade as a concern as one is drawn into this truly remarkable story.
Until the battle at Culloden, the reader will feel great sympathy for the young Prince, but his actions immediately following the battle are rather shameful. Dejected, he refuses the call to rejoin the part of his army that remains and leaves the poor Highlanders to the not so tender mercies of the Butcher Cumberland. His flight from the British and their Highland allies is told in a spirited way that once again brings forth sympathy for Charles. It is during this period that Flora MacDonald rises to prominence.
Finally, Preston deals with Charles remaining years, which are not nearly so appealing as his years as the Young Pretender. She also details the remaining years of many of his closest followers, several of whom are executed. This is a well written and intriguing account of the '45 and will be enjoyed by almost anyone with Scottish roots. My only quibble is a lack of notes to back up the author's statements, but that seems to fade as a concern as one is drawn into this truly remarkable story.
January 29, 2024
This was an informative read on the Jacobite Rising under Bonnie Prince Charlie. I found the early years of Charles gave some nice background on the Jacobite's cause. But what I found even more interesting was the human elements involved in the rebellion. From the clan's refusal to carry provisions, the issues caused by insults to pride, the internal division among those charged with battle strategy, it is amazing that the army had the successes that they did. I have a slight memory of hearing of the Jacobite rebellion in school and I had heard of the battle at Culloden, but I did not know that there were multiple battles and that the army had gotten so close to London in their advance. I was left with the feeling that this was one of those times in history that could have ended quite differently if not for a few chance occurrences. That magic 'what if' that authors like to use as a springboard is truly present here. The Jacobite army could have been defeated far earlier or could have succeeded entirely. Instead, we are left with a truly sad recitation of events.
March 27, 2023
Excellent, but where are the maps?
A very personalised account of the '45 and the Young Pretender. For a small nation the Scots and especially those of the Highland region fight (literally) 'above their weight'. However, this book seeks not to gloss over disertion, disagreement and a defeat that resonates with international worship of an individual let down finally by the very parochial pride and individualism that led to so very near victory. Cumberland was a butcher and in his prime Charles Stuart a better man; let that be their epitaphs.
A very personalised account of the '45 and the Young Pretender. For a small nation the Scots and especially those of the Highland region fight (literally) 'above their weight'. However, this book seeks not to gloss over disertion, disagreement and a defeat that resonates with international worship of an individual let down finally by the very parochial pride and individualism that led to so very near victory. Cumberland was a butcher and in his prime Charles Stuart a better man; let that be their epitaphs.
September 12, 2024
Well researched with eyewitness and kindled l published accounts, and largely avoids taking a stance for or against either side. But it reminds me of listening to a kid's story that doesn't go anywhere. it doesn't really build toward a climax (Culloden would be an obvious choice) it just sort of bumps along imparting information until it's done.
November 22, 2019
Brilliant
I've read extensively about the '45, so nothing in this book was new to me. However, the author had a way of writing that made this well known story excited again.
I've read extensively about the '45, so nothing in this book was new to me. However, the author had a way of writing that made this well known story excited again.
January 6, 2024
This was a good read. Makes me want to dig deeper into the Battle of Culloden.
November 6, 2025
Decent if slightly superficial account of the '45.
December 29, 2019
My wife and I went to Scotland in November, so we read as much as we could (Fraser, Stewart, Robb, Goldsworthy's novels to start with), and Diana Preston's fine book got lost in the shuffle. So I read it after our trip, since we were at Culloden on a memorable day. It is an excellent book, well sourced and written, and it enshrines (with a clear eye) a romantic period centered on a romantic figure. Charles had many faults. He believed in his destiny, in the invincibility of the highlanders he led (or presided over), and in the unwillingness of the Scots among Cumberland's men to fight against their prince. He was wrong on all counts. When his clan leaders refused to advance on London, the only question left was when Cumberland's army would catch up with Charles's. The choice to fight at Culloden could have been avoided. It was the worst place to fight a larger army, especially one that had professional artillery units and an improved bayonet drill to cope with a claymore charge.Preston captures it all well.
February 23, 2015
This book was tough going at times for me; lots of battle detail. Overall I thought it was a good biography of the man who could have changed the course of English history and was the hope of the Jacobites longing to restore the Stuarts to the English throne. Having read the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, I had to know more about Bonny Prince Charlie and the Battle of Culloden Moor. It's well worth reading and a must for students of Scottish history. It's really sad that this battle's loss marked the beginning of the end of the traditional and generational Highland way of life and that so many clans were literally wiped out in that last tragic battle and so dissolved into history.
June 8, 2014
An extremely readable history of "Charlie's Year". Preston does an excellent job of bringing out the best in the primary sources and painting a full picture of the Bonnie Prince, all the while unspooling a compelling narrative. She does not get bogged down in the romanticism of the '45 or the tragedy that came after. She doesn't flinch from Charles' lethal stupidity or Cumberland's cruelty.
Highly recommended to anyone trying to get a fuller picture of Charles Stuart, the role of the Highlanders, and the '45 in general.
Highly recommended to anyone trying to get a fuller picture of Charles Stuart, the role of the Highlanders, and the '45 in general.
January 25, 2014
Bonnie Prince Charlie was a real life Don Quixote who got people to believe in his cause. His dream was very bright but flamed out quickly. I found the epilogue to be the most interesting part of a very good book
January 29, 2015
More info of Scotland
It was interesting, especially the history. It helps put "Outlanders" in history for me. It also amazes me what these people went through, the hardships they endured is unbelievable.
It was interesting, especially the history. It helps put "Outlanders" in history for me. It also amazes me what these people went through, the hardships they endured is unbelievable.
April 8, 2017
The Story of Culloden.
One of the best accounts I have ever read of the events behind the sad story of the '45 Rising. Ms Preston's book is a must read for anyone interested in the story of Scotland. Highly recommended.
One of the best accounts I have ever read of the events behind the sad story of the '45 Rising. Ms Preston's book is a must read for anyone interested in the story of Scotland. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews