Prince William Augustus (1721-1765), was a son of George II and Duke of Cumberland from 1726. This medal commemorates the Battle of Culloden in 1746, it was the most notable event in the Dukes life which led to him being a popular figure in British society, the same battle and its aftermath was also responsible for his nickname ‘Butcher Cumberland’ which was concocted by Tory party opponents.
The battle was the last attempt by Charles Edward Stuart to overthrow the House of Hanover and restore the House of Stuart to the throne, it was also the last pitched battle fought on British soil. The Jacobite forces fell within an hour of the initial charge against the British Army and suffered casualties of up to 2,000 men.