Battle of Falkirk Muir
The Battle of Falkirk Muir (Scottish Gaelic: Blàr na h-Eaglaise Brice), also known as the Battle of Falkirk, took place on 17 January 1746 during the Jacobite rising of 1745. Although it resulted in a Jacobite victory, their inability to take advantage meant it ultimately had little impact on the campaign. Following their withdrawal from England in December 1745, the Jacobite army besieged Stirling Castle in early January. One of the strongest positions in Scotland, they made little progress and government forces under Henry Hawley advanced north from Edinburgh to relieve it. He reached Falkirk on 15 January but was taken by surprise when the Jacobites attacked late in the afternoon of 17 January. Fought in failing light and heavy snow, Hawley's left wing was routed but his right held firm and for a while both sides believed themselves to have been defeated. As a result of this confusion, the Jacobites failed to follow up their victory, leading to bitter disputes over responsibility for failure and allowing the government troops to regroup in Edinburgh. Hawley was replaced as commander by Cumberland and when he resumed the advance on 30 January, the Jacobites abandoned Stirling and withdrew to Inverness. The rebellion