Siege of Fort Augustus (December 1745) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Siege of Fort Augustus
Part of the Jacobite rising of 1745
Fort Augustus, Inverness-shire, Francis Groome
Date December 1745 Location Fort Augustus, Scotland, Great Britain Result Government victory
Belligerents
Government	Jacobites
Commanders and leaders
John Campbell	Simon Fraser
Strength
600	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

The Siege of Fort Augustus was an important event during the Jacobite rising of 1745. It happened in December 1745 at Fort Augustus in Scotland. This fort was located at the southwest end of Loch Ness. The siege was a quick victory for the British Government forces.

What Was the Jacobite Rising?

The Jacobite rising of 1745 was a major conflict in Great Britain. It was an attempt by Prince Charles Edward Stuart, also known as "Bonnie Prince Charlie," to take back the British throne for his family. His family, the Stuarts, had been removed from power earlier. People who supported the Stuarts were called Jacobites. Those who supported the current king, George II, were called Government forces.

The Siege of Fort Augustus

Another drawing of the old fort around 1788

In December 1745, a group of 600 soldiers attacked Fort Augustus. These soldiers were part of the Independent Highland Companies. These companies were formed to support the British Government. Their goal was to take the fort back from the Clan Fraser of Lovat. The Clan Fraser was a Scottish clan that had joined the Jacobite side.

The fight for the fort was very quick. It was more of a small fight than a long siege. The Government forces quickly took control of the fort. There were no injuries or deaths reported during this short battle. It was a swift victory for the Government.

After the Siege

After the fort was secured, the Government forces continued their work. They wanted to stop more Jacobite supporters from joining the rebellion. One important person they were looking for was Simon Fraser, 11th Lord Lovat. He was the chief of the Clan Fraser.

Lord Lovat's Actions

Lord Lovat's clan, the Frasers, had supported the Government in an earlier rebellion in 1715. However, in 1745, many Frasers joined the Jacobites. Lord Lovat had allowed his son to join Prince Charles with 300 Fraser men.

Lord Loudoun, a Government commander, tried to capture Lord Lovat. He hoped this would stop more Frasers from joining the Jacobites. Lord Lovat was supposed to be held at his home, Castle Downie. But Lord Lovat managed to escape before he could be captured. He later claimed he could not control his son or the young men of his clan.

This event showed how complicated loyalties were during the Jacobite Rising. Some clans were divided, with members fighting on different sides.