Wade, GEORGE

Wade, GEORGE, field-marshal, was born in 1668, obtained his first commission in the Engineers in 1690, and rose to be lieutenant-general of the Ordnance and a member of the Privy-council. During the critical period of the pacification of the Highlands after 1715 he commanded the royal forces in Scotland, and assisted in disarming the clans; and to him is due the execution (1720-30) of the great military roads through the Highlands, some of which have continued to be the main lines of communication. He also suppressed a riot in Glasgow, and repaired Edinburgh Castle. In 1744 he commanded in the Netherlands, and returned in 1745 to be at the head of the royal forces in Yorkshire during the Rebellion. His army was the first evaded by the Pretender on his southward march. General Wade died 14th February 1748.