HISTORIANS say they have uncovered evidence of an assassination attempt on Bonnie Prince Charlie as he slept in Bannockburn House.
Prince Charles Edward Stuart took shelter in Bannockburn House in 1746, and it has been said that a shot was fired through the window of the room where he was sleeping.
Volunteer researchers have now discovered a musket ball hole hidden amidst plaster work and wooden panelling.
The discovery has been announced to coincide with the 279th anniversary of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s arrival on Scottish soil.
Bonnie Prince Charlie fell ill in 1746 and had been taken to Bannockburn House to recuperate.
He stayed in a large bedroom on the first floor’s west wing, which features a delicate plaster frieze of mermaids as well as multiple layers of ancient wooden panelling.
The musket ball hole was found behind a secret panel by volunteer researchers from the house’s history team.
Researchers had been looking for years with nothing to go on until a visit with an 89-year-old Edinburgh resident, whose aunt was housekeeper for the last owner in residence, provided the crucial lead.
The resident told the team leader, Anne Monaghan and fellow volunteer Anna Morrison, that his aunt had taken great pride in looking for the hole.
When they arrived back in Stirling, they contacted Catherine Bradley, lead volunteer researcher for the charity, who met them the next day to investigate.
Bradley said: "Anne and I noticed what appeared to be the edge of an inset panel in the wall when cleaning out the room furniture recently for conservation. I suspected that is where it may have been.
"It is across from a window, now hidden by paneling later put in the room sometime in the 1880s. I just didn’t have the evidence to look until now. It was an exciting moment as I opened it. I carefully lifted the panel and saw the splintered wood and I knew we’d found something very special.
"Anne asked me what I saw, and I remember giggling and saying, wonderful things! I knew we needed to be very careful not to damage it, so we documented it, covered it back up, and called in the cavalry."
Leading Jacobite historian Professor Murray Pittock of the University of Glasgow, and Stirling Council Archaeologist, Dr Murray Cook, both confirmed the authenticity of the find.
Professor Pittock, author of Culloden, The Myth of the Jacobite Clans, Jacobitism and many other works, said: “I am pleased to endorse that Bannockburn House Trust has almost certainly discovered forensic evidence of an assassination attempt on Prince Charles in 1746.
"This is critically important not only for our understanding of the Rising but also for the role the attack may have played in intensifying the relationship between Charles and Clementina Walkinshaw, which led to the birth of his only child.”
Dr Cook added: "I have visited the bedroom many times over the years and always tried to imagine the Prince and the resulting confusion from the musket fire and sounds of smashing glass alerting everyone to the assassin.
"However, to see the damage and to touch the spot sent a thrill down my spine - an incredible tangible experience and worth visiting Bannockburn House for this alone.”
Chris Kane, leader of Stirling Council, commented: “In the year of Stirling’s 900th anniversary celebrations, it’s remarkable that we’re still unearthing new discoveries about the area’s rich past – but this one is particularly exciting.
"This astonishing find at Bannockburn House sheds new light on the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie and one of the most tumultuous episodes in Scottish and British history.
“We are proud that Stirling is at the heart of the nation’s history which is showcased at our wide range of world-class attractions and impressive built heritage like Bannockburn House.
"It’s why people from all across the world are drawn into the area every year and we look forward to welcoming more visitors during our 900th birthday celebrations.”
However, Bannockburn House has warned the find is under threat from severe water ingress caused by the deterioration of the building.
You can click HERE to donate to a crowdfunding campaign to support the team's work.
