Jacobite Relics facts for kids

Jacobite Relics is a special collection of songs about a time in Scottish history called the Jacobite risings. These were a series of battles and events where people tried to bring the Stuart family back to the throne of Great Britain. The collection was put together by a Scottish poet and writer named James Hogg. He was asked to do this by the Highland Society of London in 1817.

Most of the songs in Jacobite Relics are about supporting the Stuart family, known as Jacobite songs. But a few of them are from the other side, called Whig songs. Some of the songs were written or changed by the famous poet Robert Burns. Experts also wonder how many songs James Hogg himself wrote or changed for the collection.

The first book of Jacobite Relics came out in 1819. It was called The Jacobite Relics of Scotland; Being the Songs, Airs, and Legends, of the Adherents to the House of Stuart. The second book was published two years later, in 1821. Later, in the early 2000s, new versions of the books were published by Edinburgh University Press.

Many songs from the collection became popular again in the 20th century. This happened after a musician named Ewan MacColl helped bring them back. Bands and singers like The Corries, Steeleye Span, and Eddi Reader performed them. Some of the most well-known songs include Ye Jacobites, Cam Ye O'er Frae France, and Such a Parcel of Rogues in a Nation.

What are Jacobite Relics?

Jacobite Relics is a two-volume set of old songs. These songs tell stories and share feelings about the Jacobite risings. These were attempts by supporters of the Stuart royal family to regain the British throne. The collection includes both the words and the music for many of the songs.

James Hogg, a well-known Scottish writer, was asked to gather these songs. He wanted to make sure these important historical songs were not forgotten. The books include songs that were popular during the Jacobite times. They give us a peek into the feelings and ideas of people back then.

Who was James Hogg?

James Hogg (1770–1835) was a famous Scottish poet and novelist. He was also known as the "Ettrick Shepherd" because he worked as a shepherd for many years. Hogg was very good at collecting and writing down traditional Scottish songs and stories.

He was asked by the Highland Society of London to create Jacobite Relics. This was a big project that showed his skill in finding and preserving old songs. Hogg was careful to include songs from both sides of the Jacobite conflicts. This made the collection a valuable historical record.

What are Jacobite and Whig Songs?

The songs in Jacobite Relics mainly fall into two groups: Jacobite and Whig.

Jacobite Songs

Jacobite songs were written by people who supported the Stuart family. They wanted to see the Stuarts return to the throne of Great Britain. These songs often praised the Stuart princes, like "Bonnie Prince Charlie." They also talked about the bravery of their supporters. Many Jacobite songs express sadness about losing battles or hope for a future return of the Stuarts.

Whig Songs

Whig songs were from the other side. The Whigs supported the new royal family, the House of Hanover, who came to power after the Stuarts. These songs often made fun of the Jacobites or celebrated the new kings. They showed loyalty to the government that was in charge at the time. Including both types of songs makes Jacobite Relics a balanced look at this historical period.

Popular Songs from the Collection

Many songs from Jacobite Relics are still known and sung today. Some of these songs became very popular again in the 20th century. They were performed by folk musicians and bands. Here are a few examples of well-known songs from the collection:

• Ye Jacobites by Name (Song #34): This song is a strong message from the Jacobite side. It asks if you are a Jacobite by name or by heart.
• Such a Parcel of Rogues in a Nation (Song #36): This song is a sad and angry one. It talks about the Act of Union in 1707. This act joined Scotland and England into Great Britain. The song suggests that Scottish leaders were bribed to agree to it.
• Cam Ye O'er Frae France (Song #53): This song is a humorous one. It asks if someone came over from France. It refers to the arrival of the Jacobite prince, James Francis Edward Stuart.

The collection includes many other songs, each telling a part of the Jacobite story. Some are about famous battles, others about loyalty, and some are just fun tunes.

Songs in the Collection

The Jacobite Relics collection includes a large number of songs. The first volume has 90 numbered songs with music. The second volume adds more songs in an appendix, but without their musical notes. These lists show how many different songs were popular during this time. They also show the variety of feelings and stories from both sides of the conflict.