In the Battle of Prestonpans Jacobite Stuarts under Bonnie Prince Charlie defeated Government forces under General Cope on September 21, 1745. It is also known as the Battle of Gladsmuir. The battle was fought at Prestonpans, Lothian, Scotland.

Sir John Cope led 2,300 Government Troops against a slightly superior force of Jacobites. Cope took up a protected position behind a large marsh. A native of the area led Jacobite forces through a path in the marsh. They then charged at the British ranks. The British dragoons rebelled and refused to charge. The brunt of the battle then fell to the footmen. Cope's infantry failed to stand up to a single charge of the Highlanders and fled in confusion, losing around a thousand men killed and wounded, and 1,600 prisoners, including 70 officers. The Highlanders lost about 140 killed and wounded. The wounded and prisoners were given the best care possible, to the Jacobites' merit.

Legend has it that the battle itself only took 10 minutes.

The battle highly boosted the morale of Stuart's supporters, and more recruits were soon gained. At this point, the war was on the Pretender's side but this would change at the Battle of Culloden, near Inverness.