Raising a glass to Jacobite 'traitors'

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A COLLECTION of rare mid-18th-century "traitor" glasses attracting global interest is set to be sold in Beverley.

Supporters of Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the historic Jacobite glassware to toast him and show their loyalty to the idea of restoring the Stuart monarchy even though it was deemed an act of treason following the Battle of Culloden in April 1746 and punishable by death.

Backers defied suppression by using wine glasses bearing secret codes and messages of support to the Stuart cause that were only understood by those in the know.

The six "exceptional" Jacobite glasses, which are to be sold in single lots by North Cave and Beverley-based Hawleys Auctioneers, are described as a "historic reminder of a pivotal moment in Scottish history, one which would also change the course of British, European and world history".

They could fetch substantial sums at auction with estimates ranging from £2,200 to £12,500 each.