The Skye Boat Song
Charles Edward Stuart, (known as 'the Young Pretender' or 'Bonnie
Prince Charlie') (1720-88), son of James Stuart, pretender to the British
throne. He led the Jacobite uprising of 1745-6, gaining the support of
the Highlanders, with whom he invaded England and advanced as far as Derby.
However, he was driven back to Scotland by the Duke of Cumberland and defeated
at the Battle of Culloden (1746). This song tells of his escape to the
island of Skye. He later died in exile in Rome.
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