New Finds at Culloden Battlefield shed more light on intensity of battle

Latest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.

Article Source: National Trust for Scotland
Last Updated: 12 April 2024 14:54

Latest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts, including a buckle they believe to be the shoe buckle of Donald Cameron of Lochiel, who led the 400-strong Camerons regiment into the battle.

The large number of musket balls and grapeshot unearthed by the conservation charity’s archaelogists and volunteers in a small 60 sq m area close to the Government frontline, vividly illustrate the intensity of the fighting on the Jacobite right wing. The charity has revealed the findings, made during test pit excavation and metal detecting, as it marks the 278th anniversary of the battle on 16 April 1746, which saw around 1600 men killed in less than an hour.

Of particular significance and interest to the Trust’s archaeologists were two items found in close proximity – a single piece of heavy lead grape shot and a broken copper alloy buckle.

Derek Alexander, the National Trust for Scotland’s Head of Archaeology, explained: “The grape shot has obviously hit something with great force as one side of the lead ball has been completely flattened. The ball would have been around 2-3cm in diameter and, at 102g, weighed about four times a standard musket ball. The flattened side of the impacted ball has a striped impression, with part of the surface gouged and rolled back and an angular cut on one of its edges. It looks like it hit something angular with enough force to flatten the ball but also at an angle to cause the gouge across it.“

The other item found in the same hole was a flat copper alloy object. This appears to be part of a broken rectangular framed buckle for a strap measuring 26mm wide. The buckle is decorated on the outside with cast beaded dots, plain lines and a central twisted-rope pattern, with a shape reminiscent of the flat, slightly-curved shoe buckles often shown in contemporary illustrations.

Derek Alexander continues:, “The juxtaposition of both these artefacts, recovered from the same hole and within 20-30m of the British Army front line, is intruiging and the obvious conclusion would be that the grape shot hit the shoe buckle and broke off one end. This is of particular significance as one of the most recounted stories of the Jacobite charge at Culloden is the wounding of Donald Cameron of Lochiel, known as ‘The Gentle Lochiel’. The late Christopher Duffy, a leading authority on the Battle of Culloden, tells how Lochiel ‘advancing at the head of his regiment [the Camerons], was so near Barrell’s [Government Regiment] that he fired his pistol, and was drawing his sword when he fell, wounded with grapeshot in both ankles.”

“This description shows us that Lochiel was hit in the ankles charging forward and if he had been wearing shoes with buckles, it is possible that these would have been hit and partly absorbed the impact. We can’t prove that this is what happened but both objects combine to tell the story of the terrible events that took place on that day.”

Donald Cameron of Lochiel (1695-1748) was the hereditary chief of Clan Cameron and led their 400-strong regiment at the Battle of Culloden. A staunch Jacobite, he played a key role in the 1745 Rising and marched with his clan regiment to Derby and back. Despite being wounded at Culloden, he managed to escape to France with Bonnie Prince Charlie in September 1746. He died of a stroke in northern France at the age of 53 in 1748. After the Rising, he was give the nickname ‘The Gentle Lochiel’ due to him preventing the Jacobite army from sacking the city of Glasgow in 1746.

Donald Cameron of Lochiel, the current (28th) chief, commented: "This fascinating archaeological discovery adds to the legends surrounding one of my most famous ancestors, the Gentle Lochiel, and certainly tallies with the fact that he was injured by grape shot in that particular location at Culloden. We will of course never know the full picture but it's intriguing that the battlefield is still producing such interesting artefacts even today."

Gail Cleaver, the National Trust for Scotland’s Operations Manager for Culloden, added: “Culloden Moor is a powerfully emotive place, and it’s rare for a landscape of this age to be so relatively intact. The National Trust for Scotland has been acquiring and caring for parts of the battlefield since 1937. But the field of battle and the views that surround it are increasingly under threat from development, and as well as sharing the stories of Culloden, our charity works hard to protect its sense of place. This is why we set up the Culloden Fighting Fund in 2021.

“The fund helps us care and protect the battlefield in many ways, including setting up our five-year archaeology programme which has transformed our understanding of the battle and strengthened our advocacy against improper development around the battlefield. As we mark the 278th anniversary of the Battle of Culloden, our charity is grateful to people from all over the world who generously support our work here. Their donations to the Fighting Fund, as well as the encouraging words they send to us, are greatly appreciated and remind us more than ever of how privileged we are to care for Culloden and how important is our work to protect, care for and share it.

If you’d like to support us in that, you can donate at nts.org.uk/Culloden-fighting-fund

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book

Innis & Gunn joins forces with top Scottish comedian Marc Jennings to find Scotland's funniest pub stories for 'The Book of Pub Banter & Confessions'.

University of Strathclyde retain the Glasgow Taxis Cup

University of Strathclyde were crowned winners of Scotland's largest student varsity sporting competition, the Glasgow Taxis Cup, for the third time since 2022.

Glasgow bus tour unveils hidden gems

An open-top bus company is offering a new tour of Glasgow, highlighting its hidden gems and maritime history.

Glasgow 850: Citizens Invited to Unleash Their Inner Poet and Join the Great Big Glasgow Poem!

Glasgow's 850th birthday celebrations have taken on a poetic twist with the launch of the Great Big Glasgow Poem, encouraging every Glaswegian to contribute a line to a collective masterpiece!

Sinitta and Darren Day join the cast of CHICAGO

Darren Day and Sinitta will join Strictly star Janette Manrara when CHICAGO comes to the King's Theatre Glasgow in August!

Spring into gardening: Dobbies free April workshops

Garden Centre invites gardeners to get hands-on with wildflowers and springtime celebrations.

Glasgow 850: More shows and festival showcase acts announced as part of Clyde Chorus

Clyde Chorus, part of Glasgow 850, is thrilled to unveil its festival showcase acts, featuring an eclectic mix of talent that celebrates Glasgow’s rich and diverse musical heritage.

JADE and Myles Smith join TRNSMT 2025 lineup

Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has revealed five new artists to the Glasgow Green billing, including two of the hottest UK acts right now, JADE and Myles Smith!

VR experience at Glasgow Central station aims to help combat sexual harassment on the railway

Immersive VR film at Glasgow Central station invites passengers to find out how they can help to tackle sexual harassment on the railways.

Rainbocorns letter hunt in Smyths Toys Stores this April!

Smyths Toys is hosting the official Rainbocorns Easter Letter Hunt giving kids the chance to hunt down the letters instore and unscramble the word to receive a FREE 8cm Rainbocorns Eggzania Baby Mania

Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington brings his new tour to Glasgow

Kai Widdrington, renowned professional dancer across the UK and Ireland, is set to bring his highly anticipated dance tour, Kai - Evolution to Glasgow's Pavilion Theatre!

Doors to historic sites across Scotland set to open next month

More than 30 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Tuesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland marks the start of its spring/summer season.

Global fashion retail brand Hollister confirmed for Silverburn Glasgow

Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn has announced that global fashion retailer Hollister is set to join its line-up of leading fashion brands this summer.

Hillhead Primary School in Glasgow return to defend their title in national poetry competition

Hillhead Primary School in Glasgow, crowned Slam Masters and Individual winners at the Scottish Youth Poetry Slam, will return to this year’s competition to defend their title.

Govan Music Festival opens today with song inspired by life saving Glasgow society

This year's programme showcases the diversity, talent and passion of the historic Glasgow district, with one show featuring a song inspired by local lifesaving outfit, the Glasgow Humane Society.

Scottish comedy venues offers funded fringe for new comedian

Scottish comedy venue Blackfriars of Bell Street has joined forces with Brass Tacks Comedy to offer a funded Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut for Scottish comedian Jack Traynor.

Glasgow Film Festival celebrates its 21st edition with over 33,000 attendances

Stellar lineup of Hollywood stars including Toni Collette, Jessica Lange, Ed Harris, James McAvoy and Tim Roth lit up the city alongside a programme of free films and events for the community.

Theatrical screenings take centre stage at Vue this spring

To coincide with World Theatre Day this Thursday (27 March), Vue venues in Scotland are bringing a selection of British productions to the big screen this spring.

Scottish entrepreneurs launch groundbreaking whisky brand focused on accessibility, community, and innovation

Scottish-based spirits company Necropolis Spirits has unveiled its latest product, The Merchants' Select whisky, marking a bold new chapter in the whisky industry.

Elements announces exclusive wine dinner with Grgich Hills Winery

Three AA Rosette Elements restaurant announces exclusive wine dinner with World-renowned Grgich Hills Winery.

Scottish youth hostelling charity launches initiative reviving funded breaks for disadvantaged young people and families

An organisation that runs youth hostels across Scotland is launching an initiative to provide free stays for disadvantaged young people and families.

NQ64 celebrates third birthday in Glasgow with bottomless gaming challenge and new daytime hours

Neon-lit retro arcade bar, NQ64 is celebrating its third birthday with a brand new Bottomless Gaming challenge, inventive cocktails and expanded daytime operating hours!

TRNSMT reveals 18 big dance acts for Glasgow Green

BBC Radio 1 Dance is taking over the much-loved Boogie Bar to bring some of the best dance music to Glasgow Green this summer on 11-13th July!

UB40 ft. Ali Campbell brings legendary vibes to Kelpies Live at Helix Park

UB40 ft. Ali Campbell are set to light up Falkirk as part of Kelpies Live at Helix Park, marking a triumphant return to Scotland for one of music's most iconic acts.

Scotland vs Greece: First Bus Hampden Express to run for huge second leg tie

First Bus is making it as easy as possible for Scotland fans to get to Hampden and back this Sunday thanks to its dedicated X31 express service!

Five star Crossbasket Castle unveils first look images of new hotel & restaurant

The venue has been designed to transport guests back to a magical bygone era, offering an escape from everyday life into a world of indulgence and excitement.

New fried chicken spot lands in Shawlands

The wait is over! Birds, the latest venture from the award-winning team behind El Perro Negro, is officially open and serving up some of the best fried chicken Glasgow has to offer!

Brand new Zara now open at Silverburn Glasgow

Global fashion brand Zara has officially opened at Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, with eager shoppers queuing to be the first through the doors.

Aldi calls on children to design a poster for food action week

To mark Food Waste Action Week (17th – 23rd March), Aldi is calling on children in Scotland to design a poster that encourages people to reduce food waste.