The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond” (or “Loch Lomond“) is a traditional Scottish folk song (Roud No. 9598).[1][2] Its origins are thought to date to the Jacobite rising of 1745.
Born in Rome to the exiled Stuart court, he spent much of his early and later life in Italy. In 1744, he travelled to France to take part in a planned invasion of England to restore the Stuart monarchy under his father. When storms partly wrecked the French fleet, Charles resolved to proceed to Scotland following discussion with leading Jacobites. This resulted in Charles landing by ship on the west coast of Scotland, leading to the Jacobite rising of 1745. The Jacobite forces under Charles initially achieved several victories in the field, including the Battle of Prestonpans in September 1745 and the Battle of Falkirk Muir in January 1746. However, by April 1746, Charles was defeated at Culloden, effectively ending the Stuart cause.
Although there were subsequent attempts such as a planned French invasion in 1759, Charles was unable to restore the Stuart monarchy.[3]
With the Jacobite cause lost, Charles spent the remainder of his life on the continent, except for one secret visit to London.[4] On his return, Charles lived briefly in France before he was exiled in 1748 under the terms of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. Charles eventually returned to Italy, where he spent much of his later life living in Florence and Rome.
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🎵 6 min: Who’ll be King but Charlie? 🎶
On his return, Charles lived briefly in France before he was exiled in 1748 under the terms of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. Charles eventually returned to Italy, where he spent much of his later life living in Florence and Rome, slandered by his enemies.
Lyrics: For wha’ll be King, but Charlie?
Come through the heather, around him gather
Ye’re a’ the welcomer early
Around him cling wi’ a’ your kin
For wha’ll be King but Charlie?
Come through the heather, around him gather
Come, Ronald, come Donald, come a’ the gither
And crown your rightfu’ lawfu’ King!
For wha’ll be King, but Charlie?
The news frae Moidart cam’ yestreen
Will som gar mony ferlie
For ships o’ war hae just come in
And landed Royal Charlie!
The Heathen clans, wi’ sword in hand
Frae John o’Groats to Airlie
Ha’e to a man declar’d to stand
Or fa’ wi’ Royal Charlie!
Come through the heather, around him gather
Ye’re a’ the welcomer early
Around him cling wi’ a’ your kin
For wha’ll be King but Charlie?
Come through the heather, around him gather
Ye’re a’ the welcomer early
And crown your rightfu’ lawfu’ King!
For wha’ll be King, but Charlie?
The Lowlands a’ baith great and sma’
Wi’ mony a lord and laird
Hae’ declar’d for Scotland’s king, and law
Spier ye what, but Charlie!
Come through the heather, around him gather
Ye’re a’ the welcomer early
Around him cling wi’ a’ your kin
For wha’ll be King but Charlie?
Come through the heather, around him gather
Ye’re a’ the welcomer early
And crown your rightfu’ lawfu’ King!
For wha’ll be King, but Charlie?
