REMAINS OF BATTLE

Archaeological excavation first began on Culloden battlefield in 2001, though many artefacts had been discovered and carried away in the centuries before that; some by locals in the days after battle; others by metal detectorists years later. Despite this, much has been recovered from the field; some of which is now on display in the Visitor Centre alongside a map of the grounds showing where it was recovered. Shields, musket balls, mortar shells and other pieces of weaponry have been found, as well as buckles, buttons, tapestries and scraps of tartan from the battle. A small pewter cross, found near Leanach Cottage, is believed to have been carried as a good luck charm. The only human remains found were one skull, with the entry and exit wounds of a musket shot. It is now in the care of Surgeons’ Hall Museums at Edinburgh. Two of the most significant items at Culloden are the Brodie Sword and Kilmarnock Bridle. The former is a basket-hilted broad sword, one of two reputedly commissioned and gifted by the Duke of Perth to Prince Charles and his brother, Henry. It is a highly decorative piece, adorned with symbols of Jacobitism, including a Medusa’s head, two serpents at the wrist guard, representing wisdom and guardianship, and a lion indicating royalty. The ornate bridle was worn by the Earl of Kilmarnock’s horse at the battle, and the team are currently working to have a replica made for display.