The Jacobites and Russia, 1715-1750 - Rebecca Wills

This study explores the role played by the Jacobite diaspora in Russia in the saga of Jacobite intrigue and British foreign policy between 1715 and 1750. Drawing on both Russian and British sources, the narrative follows the changing fortunes of Jacobitism in Russia as a key influence on European diplomacy. Uncovering a tale of adventure, enterprise and espionage, it demonstrates that the threat posed by Jacobite intrigue was not confined to the possibility of military action, but was closely linked to the influence of Jacobite agents on every area of Anglo-Russian political and territorial rivalry. In doing so it relates the efforts of Jacobites in Russia to the aspirations of the Jacobite Court, to shifting diplomatic alignments within Europe and to the changing affiliations of successive Russian monarchs. Interwoved with this theme of Jacobitism's political impact is that of the outstanding military prowess of key individuals who gave their service to Russia. The study explores how the demands of Russian allegiance could result in complex conflicts of interest, inevitably raising issues of evolving identity and changing priorities.