The Second Battle of Falkirk took place on 17 January 1746, around 450 years after the First Battle of Falkirk in 1298. Here, Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites faced the government forces led by General Henry Hawley.

 

Moving southwards from Plean across the rivers Carron and Bonny towards the South Muir of Falkirk, by late afternoon the high ground was held by a highland army of 12,000 men from all the major clans and cavalry of the lowland Jacobite gentry. Hawley ordered a belated response and led the government forces up the hill in horrific weather conditions. The cavalry advanced first and were attacked by the highlanders charging forward on the right. On the other side the redcoats infantrymen held their own and for a time things were very confused. The battle ended with the government army retreating back to Falkirk and then away to the east. Nearly 400 redcoats died and others were captured and imprisoned.

 

Today the site of the battle is marked by a monument on the South Muir erected in 1926. The fine stained glass windows in the Howgate centre are a further reminder of this great event, the last time the famous Highland charge carried the day.

 

With reference to: Ian Scott, The Life & Times of Falkirk, John Donald Publishers 1994.