Spotty Prince Charlie! Digital recreation of Bonnie Prince Charlie gives historians first glimpse of how the pimpled prince looked during 1745 Jacobite uprising
Spotted Prince Charlie! Digital recreation of Bonnie Prince Charlie gives historians first glimpse of what the pimply prince looked like during the 1745 Jacobite rising
- The young pretender’s death mask was subjected to 3D scans
An aged face of Bonnie Prince Charlie gives historians a first glimpse of what the pimply prince looked like during the failed rebellion of 1745.
The Stuart pretender’s face was created from a death mask – an impression or cast of a deceased person’s face – that was subjected to 3D scanning.
Created by a team from the University of Dundee, it is said to be the most lifelike depiction of Prince Charles Edward Stuart during the Jacobite Rising.
Barbara Vesela, a master’s student working on the project, said she found the process moving.
She added that she hoped the aged face would remind people of the prince “as a person, rather than just a legend.”
Created by a team from the University of Dundee, it is said to be the most lifelike depiction of Prince Charles Edward Stuart during the Jacobite Rising
Prince Charles Edward Stuart planned an invasion of England so that his father could dethrone George II
“There are times when you’re working with the masks when you suddenly notice that this was once a living person,” Ms. Versela said.
As tensions rose between Protestant England and Catholic and Jacobean communities in Scotland and France, the young pretender led the rebellion in 1745.
He planned an invasion of England so that his father could dethrone George II.
After failing to receive support in France, the Prince left for Scotland, where he quickly gained support and successfully fought General John Cape’s men.
After victory at the Battle of Prestonpans, Charles and his army attempted to advance to London.
But they were forced to retreat to Scotland, due to reports of overwhelming armies prepared to defend the city.
He did not give up completely and continued to lead his men into battle.
This led to a 40-minute rout at Culloden Moor on 16 April 1746 by William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland.
This defeat resulted in Charles going on the run as a wanted man for five months.
He is believed to have disguised himself as several people during these months: Mr. Sinclair, a shipwrecked merchant, and Lady Betty Burke.
Charles was rescued from Scotland by his faithful younger brother, Henry Benedict, and shipped back to France.
Despite not supporting Charles in his bid for the British throne, France agreed to protect him.
A master’s student who worked on the project said she hoped the aged face would remind people of the prince “as a person, rather than just a legend.”
But in 1748 the war between France and England ended and the French were forced to exile Charles.
He spent the rest of his life traveling around Europe.
The legend of Bonnie Prince Charlie continues to this day, despite his disastrous attempt to take the British throne.
It was believed that by the age of six, the prince could read English, French and Latin fluently.