Anne Leith
Scottish woman (fl. 1740s) who helped Jacobite soldiers during the Battle of Culloden
About Anne Leith
Anne Leith (fl. 1740s) was a young widow from Aberdeenshire who helped Jacobite soldiers during the Battle of Culloden. Whilst Leith was in Inverness, she heard news of the Jacobite's defeat during the battle, bringing food and medical supplies to the soldiers that same afternoon. Although the battle was over, it was very risky entering the battlefield, but this did not stop Leith, her friend Mrs Stonor, and lady's maid Eppy from doing so. Despite the risk, Leith and her companions went to Drumossie Moor and aided the soldiers however they could, with fresh bandages and other necessities. Anne Leith's persistent efforts aiding the wounded earned her the title "the Grand Rebel". Her friends and family objected to the title she had been given, but Leith's response to their attitude was to call them "chicken-hearted".
Consequences of her rebellion Anne Leith's rebellious attitudes towards the invading force was brought to the attention of Captain Eyre, who was notorious for his cruelty towards the Jacobite prisoners of war. She was brought into custody at bayonet-point, although was released quickly after her entreaties that she was a widow who was visiting relatives who were prisoners of war.
She was subsequently arrested three further times, although was only ever detained for a few hours. Even after months of providing assistance to the soldiers, Leith continued to write to them once they had left Inverness, providing support and kindness despite the risk to herself.
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Who was Anne Leith?
Scottish woman (fl. 1740s) who helped Jacobite soldiers during the Battle of Culloden
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APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Anne Leith. https://biography.guide/anne-leith/
MLA: "Anne Leith." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/anne-leith/.
Chicago: "Anne Leith." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/anne-leith/.
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