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Notes

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Cumberland was the third and favourite son of George II. In April 1743, during the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–1748), he saw action at the Battle of Dettingen, where he was wounded in the leg. In 1745, he commanded the Allied army against the French in the desperate Battle of Fontenoy where, ignoring advice, he attacked a strongly-defended position, losing the day with heavy casualties.

When Bonnie Prince Charlie landed in Scotland and led his supporters (Jacobites) in an invasion of England, Cumberland was recalled from the Low Countries to take command of the King's forces. On 27 April 1746 (Modern Calendar; 16 April 1746 Old Style), he crushed the Jacobites at the Battle of Culloden.

Convinced that harsh measures were required to suppress the uprising, Cumberland licensed his forces to commit atrocities against the Jacobites which earned him the nickname of ‘the Butcher’.

National Army Museum

London

Title

William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (1721–1765)

Date

c.1750

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 50.8 x W 40.7 cm

Accession number

NAM. 1978-03-40

Acquisition method

purchased at Christie’s, 1978

Work type

Painting

National Army Museum

Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London, Greater London SW3 4HT England

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.

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Artist or maker

David Morier

1705–1770

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General HRH Prince William Augustus (1721–1765), Duke of Cumberland National War Museum, Edinburgh Castle
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