James Bradshaw (Jacobite) facts for kids

James Bradshaw (1717–1746) was an English man who supported the Jacobite cause. The Jacobites wanted to bring the Stuart family back to the throne of Great Britain. Bradshaw joined their army during a rebellion in 1745.

Early Life and Business

James Bradshaw was born in 1717 in Manchester, England. He was the only child of a wealthy Roman Catholic merchant. James went to Manchester free school, where he studied classic subjects.

Around 1734, when he was about 17, James became an apprentice to a merchant named Charles Worral. This merchant worked in Manchester but also traded goods in London.

In 1740, Bradshaw returned to Manchester because his father was ill. After his father passed away, James took over the family business. He found himself with a successful trading company and a lot of money. Around 1741, he partnered with James Dawson, a merchant in London. James Bradshaw also married a woman named Miss Waggstaff from Manchester. Sadly, both his wife and their only child died in 1743.

Joining the Jacobite Rebellion

In 1745, James Bradshaw decided to support Charles Edward Stuart, also known as Bonnie Prince Charlie. The Prince was leading a Jacobite army to try and take back the British throne for his family.

Bradshaw joined the Jacobites at Carlisle on November 10, 1745. He returned to Manchester on November 29 to help recruit more people for the army. He was part of the Jacobite council of war, which made important decisions. He also welcomed other Jacobites into his home.

Bradshaw became a captain in the Manchester Regiment, led by Colonel Francis Towneley. He paid his soldiers himself as they marched to Derby. He led his company on horseback during a small fight at Clifton Moor. When the Jacobite army was retreating through Carlisle in December, he met with Prince Charles Edward Stuart.

Later, in early 1746, when the army was in Scotland, Bradshaw chose to join Lord Elcho's horse troop. He then fought in the Battle of Falkirk Muir.

Capture and Trial

James Bradshaw continued with the Jacobite army, traveling through places like Stirling, Perth, and Strathbogie. His journey ended at the Battle of Culloden on April 16, 1746. During the battle, the Jacobite army was defeated, and Bradshaw was taken prisoner.

After being captured, Bradshaw was taken to London by ship with 42 other prisoners. He was held at the New Gaol in Southwark. His trial took place on October 27 at St. Margaret's Hill. Bradshaw wore new green clothes and strongly defended himself. His lawyers argued that he had acted strangely in the past and had been deeply affected by the death of his wife and child.

Despite the defense, James Bradshaw was found guilty. He remained in prison for nearly another month. On November 28, 1746, at the age of 29, he was executed at Kennington Common.