Hear 'James VIII' describe his situation at the time of the 1715 Jacobite rising:
Transcription
I am King James VIII of Scotland and III of England, but for as long as I can remember I have lived in exile here in France. Now the time has come to reclaim my rightful throne from the Hanoverian usurper.
There have been times in the past when we hoped, with the help of the French, to return to our kingdoms. In the year seventeen hundred and eight we sailed for Scotland, but our plans were discovered and my advisers would not allow me to land in Fife, though I pleaded with them.
Sometimes too it seemed there might be a political resolution of our difficulties, rather than a military one. But always they insist I must renounce my Catholic faith to inherit the throne that is already rightfully mine. This I shall never do. I have chosen my own course, therefore it is for others to change their sentiments.
Now that my half-sister Queen Anne is dead and the Protestant Hanoverian George is on the throne, there is no alternative. Our dear supporter the Earl of Mar has raised the Jacobite standard at Braemar, and has fought a brave battle at Sheriffmuir. We sail tomorrow to join him.