December 1745. The Highland Army is at Derby. They have marched over 100 miles into English territory, outmaneuvering two British field armies along the way. They are just days away from London. The Stuart cause has never been closer to victory.

But at the very moment of their greatest advantage, the army halts.

In Part III of our Jacobite Rising series, hosts Dr. Alex Burns, Dr. Andrew Bamford and Lee Gugino are joined by our returning guest Dr. Aaron Johnston to break down the "High Water Mark" of the rebellion.

We move beyond the myths of panic in the capital to analyze the cold strategic realities that faced Bonnie Prince Charlie. This is the story of a daring invasion, the complex politics of French support, and the fateful Council of War that changed the course of British history.

In this episode, we dissect:

• The Invasion Route: How the Jacobites managed to slip past superior British forces to reach the heart of the Midlands.
• The French Factor: The arrival of the Royal Écossais and the strategic hesitation across the channel.
• The Council at Derby: We take you inside the room for the heated debate between the Prince and Lord George Murray. Was the retreat a failure of nerve, or the only military option left?

🎧 Want the Full, Uncut Episode? The main episode covers strategic decision making, but we had to cut nearly 40 minutes of deep-dive analysis and alternate history. Join us as an Aide-de-Camp in the Prime & Load! War Room on Patreon to hear the Uncut Episode where we discuss:

• The "What If" Scenario: We play out the alternate history, what would have happened if they had marched on London? Would the French have landed? Would the City have fallen?
• The English Militias: Who actually mobilized to defend the Hanoverian government (and were they effective)?

The Southern Jacobites: The reality of English support for the Stuarts.

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General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

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