Actual Education Interactive Guided Tours

Bonnie Prince Charlie in Edinburgh - The Interactive Guided Tour
Due Spring 2010

The late summer of 1745 was one of the most famous periods in Edinburgh's history for this was the time when the old walled town was taken over by the Jacobite forces of the Young Pretender. Prince Charles Edward Stewart succeeded in taking the city but not Edinburgh's famous and imposing Castle. This Interactive Guided Tour takes you around some of the locations which played an important part in Edinburgh's role in the '45 rebellion.

Features

• Over 40 panoramic scenes
• Each image has 'full screen' capability
• Each tour takes you around areas of Edinburgh linked to the Jacobite wars
• This tour consists of detailed, interesting text and accompanying audio
• This tour acts as the perfect accompaniment to an actual visit to Edinburgh's Old Town

Bonnie Prince Charlie in Edinburgh
Tour 1 - Hanoverian Edinburgh

Many people incorrectly see the Jacobite rebellion of 1745 as a war between Scotland and England but this is far from the truth. Our first tour helps us understand that Edinburgh had positioned itself as a city which supported the Hanoverian government. We visit the graves of George Drummond, William Carstairs and Duncan Forbes. Each of these men were firm supporters of the Union and although Carstairs died long before the '45 his actions in playing a significant role in bringing King William of Orange to the UK need to be understood. George Drummond was Lord Provost of Edinburgh numerous times and tried to rally defenders against the inevitable Jacobite attack. We also see the tombstone of Colin McLaurin, professor of mathematics at Edinburgh University and the man who was given the unenviable task of securing Edinburghs crumbling Flodden Wall against the Jacobite threat.

Bonnie Prince Charlie in Edinburgh
Tour 2 - The Jacobite Occupation

We now switch sides and begin our exploration of locations linked to those who supported Bonnie Prince Charlie's claim to the throne. We also visit the site of the Netherbow Port. This picturesque part of Edinburgh's crumbling Flodden Wall was where the Jacobite forces sprung a surprise attack which resulted in the capitulation of the city.

Bonnie Prince Charlie in Edinburgh
Tour 3 - After Prestonpans

The Battle of Prestonpans was an important victory for the Jacobites and their hold on Edinburgh became far more secure although the Castle still held out for the Hanoverians. This tour lets us understand how the Prince responded to the influx of Government prisoners following the battle. You will explore the site of the old West Bow. One of Edinburgh's most charismatic little streets this was where Lord Provost Stewart's house was. Legend has it that Hanoverian soldiers from the Castle made a quick raid on this house when Bonnie Prince Charlie was dining there. The Prince was forced to escape down a secret passage.

Bonnie Prince Charlie in Edinburgh
Tour 4 - Post Culloden

Our attention now shifts to the Edinburgh of 1746. This was the year of the Jacobite's comprehensive defeat at Culloden and we find out what things were going on in the capital following the withdrawal of Charlie's army in October 1745. We learn about the entry to the city of Prince William, Duke of Cumberland and of the burning of the Jacobite flags at the Mercat Cross. We finish our journey through Edinburgh by learning about about Flora McDonald's treatment at the hands of the victorious government.

This Interactive Guided Tour makes an excellent accompaniment to Edinburgh's historic Old Town and serves as a unique

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You may also be interested in the following Interactive Guided Tours;

The Edinburgh's History Collection - Interactive Guided Tours of Edinburgh's Old Town and other Edinburgh topics.