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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Duke of Cumberland
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(William Augustus, 1721–65) Second surviving son of George II, active as an army commander (1742–57). In 1745 he was in command of the allied forces at *Fontenoy, a major setback in the War of *Austrian Succession. But he defeated Bonnie Prince Charlie decisively at *Culloden in 1746, acquiring his nickname, Butcher Cumberland, from the severity with which over the next three months he pursued and punished the rebels. *Handel's oratorio Judas Maccabaeus was written to greet him on his return to London; its best-known chorus, 'See, the conquering hero comes', was added when Handel later extended the work.
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