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John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun, 1705 - 1782. Soldier
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John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun, 1705 - 1782. Soldier About 1747

On Display PORTRAIT GALLERY

  • Scottish Art
John Campbell was born at Loudoun Castle, near Galston. A professional soldier, he raised a regiment of Highlanders to fight the Jacobites during the 1745 Rising. He served as adjutant-general to Sir John Cope, commander-in-chief of the government forces. At the battle of Prestonpans parts of his regiment were captured. Loudoun subsequently went north to Inverness to raise another force and took part in a number of further operations against the Jacobites. In February 1746 his attempt to capture Prince Charles at Moy Hall ended in failure. Later in his career he became commander-in-chief of the British forces in North America, serving against the French with little success. During the Seven Years' War Loudon commanded the British troops in Portugal against Spain.

Glossary Open

1745 Rising

An attempt by followers of Prince Charles Edward Stuart (or 'Bonnie Prince Charlie') to reclaim the British throne for the Stuart dynasty. The Prince landed in the Outer Hebrides from France in July 1745. With the support of many Highland chiefs he gathered an army and marched south. The rebels had significant victories against the Hanoverian troops and reached as far as Derby. There they turned back, unsure of their ability to take London, and were pursued by government forces. The final battle was held at Culloden in 1746 where Bonnie Prince Charlie was decisively beaten and hopes of a Jacobite restoration were dashed.

Jacobite

Jacobitism was a movement to restore the descendants of the Stuart King James VII and II to the British throne. The first claimant, Prince James Francis Edward (known as 'the Old Pretender') was exiled first in France, then Italy, from where he planned unsuccessful attempts to claim the throne. His son Prince Charles Edward (known as 'Bonnie Prince Charlie' or 'the Young Pretender') famously invaded Britain in 1745, but after some military successes was finally defeated at Culloden in 1746.

Seven Years War

Between 1756 and 1763, a general European war was waged primarily over the control of valuable colonies, from which Britain emerged as the dominant imperial power. Battles ranges from Europe to North America and it could be considered the first ever 'World War'.

1745 Rising, Jacobite, Seven Years War

Details

  • Acc. No. PG 2190
  • Medium Oil on canvas
  • Size 76.80 x 64.00 cm (framed: 94.00 x 81.00 x 7.00 cm)
  • Credit Purchased 1971

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Scottish Art

Located In See floorplan

Portrait Second floor
  • Scottish National Portrait Gallery / Second floor / Gallery 4