The Jacobites

The Jacobites and Their Influence on Heraldry

Introduction
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The Jacobite movement, which sought to restore the exiled Stuart monarchy to the thrones of England, Scotland, and Ireland, left a profound and lasting impact on the political and cultural history of the British Isles. Originating in the late 17th century after the Glorious Revolution (1688), the Jacobite cause became a symbol of Scottish resistance, loyalty to the Stuart dynasty, and the defense of the hereditary divine right of kings. One of the most enduring legacies of the Jacobite movement is its influence on heraldry.

Jacobite heraldry reflects the political and ideological struggles of the time. The coats of arms, badges, mottos, and symbols associated with the Jacobite cause convey themes of loyalty, faith, and dynastic legitimacy. The adoption of Scottish Highland clan symbols, the white rose of the Stuarts, and the St. Andrew’s Cross (Saltire) in Jacobite banners and regalia reflect the deep cultural and political roots of the movement.

This essay explores the history of the Jacobite movement, the development of Jacobite heraldic traditions, and the influence of Jacobite symbols on modern Scottish and British heraldry. It examines the coats of arms of Jacobite leaders, clans, and supporters, highlighting the political and cultural significance of Jacobite heraldry.

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## Historical Background of the Jacobite Movement
The Jacobite cause originated in the late 17th century following the Glorious Revolution.

### The Stuart Monarchy and the Glorious Revolution (1688)
The Stuart dynasty ruled England and Scotland from 1603, beginning with the accession of **James VI of Scotland** to the throne of England as **James I**. The Stuart monarchs believed in the doctrine of the **divine right of kings**, which held that the monarch's authority was granted directly by God.

Key events leading to the Glorious Revolution included:
- **The English Civil War (1642–1651)** – Resulted in the execution of **Charles I** and the establishment of the Commonwealth under **Oliver Cromwell**.  
- **The Restoration (1660)** – Charles II restored the monarchy, but tensions over religion and royal authority persisted.  
- **The Exile of James II (1688)** – James II’s Catholicism and attempts to restore absolute monarchy led to his overthrow in the Glorious Revolution.  

The Glorious Revolution resulted in the ascension of **William III** and **Mary II**, Protestants who ruled jointly under a constitutional monarchy. James II fled to France, where he established a court in exile.

### The Birth of Jacobitism
The term "Jacobite" derives from the Latin form of **James** ("Jacobus"). The Jacobite cause centered on the belief that the Stuart monarchs were the legitimate rulers of the British Isles.

Jacobite ideology emphasized:
- **Divine right of kings** – Monarchs were appointed by God and could not be deposed by Parliament.  
- **Catholic loyalty** – Jacobite support was strongest among Catholic communities in Scotland and Ireland.  
- **Scottish identity** – The Jacobite cause became linked with Highland clan culture and Scottish independence.  

Jacobite symbolism reflected these ideological pillars in its heraldic traditions.

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## Jacobite Heraldry and Symbolism
Jacobite heraldry drew on traditional Scottish clan symbols, religious imagery, and Stuart dynastic emblems.

### The White Rose of the Stuarts
The **white rose** became the most recognizable symbol of Jacobite loyalty. It represented:
- **Purity and legitimacy** – The divine right of the Stuart line.  
- **Dynastic continuity** – The unbroken line of Stuart succession.  
- **Secret support** – Jacobites often wore white roses on St. Andrew’s Day.  

The white rose appears in numerous Jacobite coats of arms and badges, symbolizing the Stuart claim to the throne.

### The St. Andrew’s Cross (Saltire)
The St. Andrew’s Cross, a white diagonal cross on a blue field, symbolized:
- **Scottish identity** – The national symbol of Scotland.  
- **Religious devotion** – St. Andrew as the patron saint of Scotland.  
- **Military strength** – The Saltire was used on Jacobite banners and battle standards.  

The Saltire became a prominent feature of Jacobite heraldry, symbolizing Scottish nationalism and support for the Stuart cause.

### The Scottish Thistle
The thistle, the national flower of Scotland, was used extensively in Jacobite symbolism. It represented:
- **Defense** – The thistle's spines symbolized the Scottish determination to resist invasion.  
- **Royal favor** – The thistle was associated with Scottish royal patronage.  
- **Loyalty** – Clan badges and coats of arms featured the thistle as a sign of Jacobite allegiance.  

### The Royal Arms of the Stuart Dynasty
The royal arms of the Stuarts combined the symbols of England, Scotland, and Ireland:
- **The red lion rampant** – Representing Scotland’s sovereignty.  
- **The harp of Ireland** – Representing Stuart claims to Ireland.  
- **The fleurs-de-lis** – Reflecting Stuart claims to the French throne.  
- **The crown** – Symbolizing the divine right of the Stuart kings.  

Jacobite coats of arms often incorporated variations of the Stuart royal arms to reflect dynastic claims.

### The White Cockade
Jacobites often wore a **white cockade** (a ribbon or rosette) as a personal symbol of allegiance. The cockade reflected:
- **Royal support** – The white cockade was reportedly given by **Bonnie Prince Charlie** (Charles Edward Stuart) to his followers.  
- **Military identification** – Jacobite soldiers wore cockades to identify themselves in battle.  
- **Symbol of resistance** – The cockade became a secret symbol of Jacobite identity during periods of repression.  

### The Oak Tree and Acorns
The oak tree represented the survival and endurance of the Stuart line:
- **The Boscobel Oak** – Charles II famously hid in an oak tree after the Battle of Worcester (1651).  
- **Acorns** – Symbolizing the promise of Stuart restoration and new beginnings.  
- **Roots and branches** – Reflecting dynastic continuity and strength.  

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## Jacobite Coats of Arms and Clan Heraldry
Jacobite heraldry is closely linked with the Scottish Highland clans that supported the Stuart cause.

### Clan Stewart of Appin
The Stewarts of Appin used a coat of arms featuring:
- **A red lion rampant** – Representing royal authority.  
- **A white Saltire on a blue field** – Reflecting Scottish identity.  
- **The white rose** – Symbolizing Jacobite loyalty.  

### Clan MacDonald
The MacDonalds of Glencoe supported the Jacobite cause and used heraldic symbols including:
- **A red eagle** – Representing martial strength.  
- **A crown** – Symbolizing royal favor.  
- **The sword and shield** – Representing military prowess.  

### Clan Cameron
The Camerons were among the most loyal Jacobite clans. Their heraldic symbols included:
- **The thistle** – Reflecting Scottish national identity.  
- **The crossed swords** – Representing Highland military tradition.  
- **The white rose** – Symbolizing dynastic loyalty.  

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## The Legacy of Jacobite Heraldry
Jacobite heraldry continues to influence modern Scottish and British symbols.

### The Royal Arms of Scotland
The red lion rampant remains the central element of the Scottish royal arms.

### Scottish Clan Heraldry
Many Highland clans retain Jacobite symbols, including:
- **White roses**  
- **Thistles**  
- **Crossed swords**  

### Military Insignias
Scottish regiments in the British Army retain Jacobite-era symbols, including:
- **The thistle**  
- **The Saltire**  
- **The lion rampant**  

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## Conclusion
Jacobite heraldry reflects the deep political and cultural roots of the Jacobite cause. The white rose, Saltire, and thistle symbolize the ideals of Stuart loyalty, Scottish independence, and dynastic legitimacy. The coats of arms and symbols associated with the Jacobite movement continue to shape Scottish national identity and heraldic tradition, preserving the legacy of one of the most significant political movements in British history.