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The Jacobite Outlander storyline has everything you’re looking for in a series.
Outlander sparked considerable interest in Scotland, as well as Scottish history and culture. Did you know that the story is based on historical events?
To truly appreciate the series, it is essential to understand the history that underpins the Jacobite Outlander storyline.
If you’re an Outlander enthusiast - you’ll also be pleased to know that you can visit many of the Outlander filming locations!
Jacobite Outlander: All About The Jacobites
Supporters of James VII of Scotland were referred to as the Jacobites. James VII was the last Roman Catholic monarch to reign over England, Scotland and Ireland. James was overthrown and forced into exile in 1688.
Over the next sixty years, James’ supporters, led by Bonnie Prince Charlie, rebelled. This was in an attempt to restore James and his heirs to the throne.
A Brief History Of The House Of Stuart
The Stuarts ruled Scotland, starting in 1371, for over three hundred years. In 1542, James V passed away. This was how his daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots, became queen.
Mary’s reign ended abruptly in 1586 when she was beheaded for treason. Queen Elizabeth I became ruler of the two independent countries, Scotland and England.
Our Guide To The Jacobite Outlander Storyline
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When Queen Elizabeth I of England died, she left no direct heir to the throne. In 1603, James VI of The House of Stuart became King James I of England. Events took a turn when King James VII of Scotland (also King James II of England) came into power.
Jacobite King James II was a Roman Catholic in a predominantly Protestant land. The Protestant nobles were unhappy about the potential threat of Catholicism being re-established. They encouraged William of Orange, who was married to James’ protestant daughter, to overthrow the king.
James, the last king of Scotland, was exiled to France. While the new King William was well supported, James had a following of his own.
Who Were The Jacobites?
The Jacobite movement supported restoring the House of Stuart to the throne. The name Jacobite is derived from Jacobus, the Latin version of James.
The Jacobites argued that kings could not be appointed by parliament. Instead, they believed that the monarchy was chosen by God, or divine right. In their eyes, the post-James VII regime was illegitimate.
Jacobitism was strongest in the western Scottish Highlands, Perthshire and Aberdeenshire. Sometimes the Jacobite movement is mistaken for a war between the Scottish Highlanders and Lowlanders. But many Highland Clans supported the British throne along with the Lowlands regiments.
Important Jacobite Families And Individuals
The Frasers
In the Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon, Simon Fraser, 11th Lord Lovat, Is Jamie Fraser’s grandfather. We meet Lord Lovat when Jamie and Claire go to him at Beaufort Castle to negotiate for troops on behalf of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
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In Scottish history, Simon Fraser, 11th Lord Lovat, was known as the Fox. He supported the British government during the 1715 Jacobite uprising.
In 1725, Simon Fraser was appointed as Captain of an Independent Highland Company (a militant group). The king heard that Jacobitism had infiltrated the ranks, and Lord Lovat was stripped of his company.
In revenge, Simon Fraser gave his support to the Jacobite leader Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie).
Many members of Clan Fraser fought at the front of the Jacobite army at the Battle of Culloden. After the tragic battle, the Duke of Cumberland burnt Castle Dounie, Fraser's Estate, to the ground.
Simon Fraser was captured, tried for treason, and executed in London on 9 April 1747. His estates and titles were forfeited to the Crown.
The Murrays
Clan Murray played an important role in Scottish independence. However, the Murray family portrayed in the Jacobite Outlander story does not depict the Murray family of the Jacobite rebellion.
Based in Perthshire, the Murrays were comprised of government supporters and rebels. The Duke of Atholl remained loyal to the Hanoverian government. His sons were Jacobites and significant players in the 1719 and 1745 Jacobite uprisings.
Lord George Murray was appointed Sherrif Depute to Sir John Cope, government commander in Scotland.
When the Jacobite army arrived in Perthshire, he joined their forces as a senior commander. Many military historians believe that if Lord George Murray had been given sole command of the Jacobite army, the Stuarts might have regained the throne.
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After the Battle of Culloden in April 1746, Murray went into exile in Europe.
Bonnie Prince Charlie
Prince Charles Edward Stuart was the grandson of King James VII. He was the Stuart claimant to the thrones of Great Britain and Ireland after 1766. He was also known as the Young Pretender and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Bonnie Prince Charlie’s followers believed The House of Stuart had a right to the throne and hatched a plan to invade England. In 1744 he travelled to France, where he tried to gather support for his cause.
In 1745, following discussions with leading Jacobites, he arrived in Scotland. The Prince gained a fair amount of support and even experienced some success in battle.
His defeat at the Battle of Culloden in April 1746 ended the Stuart Cause. Charles escaped to Europe with the help of Flora MacDonald, a Jacobite heroine, and spent the rest of his life in exile.
Flora MacDonald
In the Jacobite Outlander storyline, we see the return of Bonnie Prince Charlie. He was helped by Flora MacDonald. While it looks like a far-fetched tale, it’s based on actual events.
Flora MacDonald was a 24-year-old Hebridean. In 1746, she risked her life to help the Prince evade government troops.
Macdonald's step-father, Hugh MacDonald, commanded the pro-government military on the island of Benbecula. This enabled Flora to obtain the permits required for travel.
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Bonnie Prince Charlie escaped to the Isle of Skye by travelling with Flora’s party disguised as an Irish maid - Betty Burke.
The legendary tale inspired the Skye Boat Song, which was adapted as the theme song for Outlander.
If you’re interested in learning more about the key players in the Jacobite rebellion, read this article on Jacobite clans.
The Jacobite Uprising
The uprising was an attempt to overthrow the House of Hanover. It aimed to restore the House of Stuart to the British throne.
A series of revolts began in 1689 after James II was overthrown. As you will recall from above, he was replaced by his daughter Mary and her husband, William.
The Jacobite Rebellion was a turning point in British history. You’re probably wondering how many Jacobites survived the Battle of Culloden. Let’s dive into that!
The Battle of Culloden
The Battle of Culloden was fought on 16 April 1746, on Drummossie Moor. This was 6 miles east of Inverness. Culloden Battlefield was named after a house on the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie was staying.
The Jacobite army was similar to that of most other armies, and George Murray was one of the best commanders of the time. The Jacobites, known as hardy and resourceful, were among the most feared troops the British faced. However, they were vastly outnumbered by the British forces.
The army was hampered by the waterlogged Culloden Battlefield. The Jacobite regiments swerved out of line to find dry ground and avoid canister shots. The regiments became entangled and confused, and the three largest regiments lost their commanding officers.
Over 1000 Jacobites were slain in under forty minutes, and almost as many wounded. In contrast, the British reported only 50 deaths. Culloden was a devastating defeat for the Jacobites.
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In the aftermath, Cumberlands men ravaged the highlands, burning homes and driving off livestock. Cumberland earned the nickname ‘the Butcher’.
Cumberland never won another battle and resigned his command a few years later.
If you’re interested in the battle of Culloden, you might want to read up on Jacobite weapons.
The Jacobite Succession
The Jacobites believe that the crowns of England, Ireland and Scotland should have descended through lines of inheritance. It opposes the line of succession to the British throne in law.
After the defeat of the Jacobites at the Battle of Culloden, the Jacobites lost support and political importance.
Henry Benedict Stuart, the grandson of King James II, was the last of his legitimate descendants. After Henry’s death, the claim was theoretically passed to Stuart’s nearest relatives.
While the line of Jacobite succession can be traced, none of the Stuarts’ heirs claimed the crowns of England, Scotland, or Ireland. Modern supporters today still believe in honouring the Jacobite claim to the throne.
Where Was Outlander Filmed?
Although the Outlander story crosses continents, you may be surprised to learn that most of the filming happened in Scotland.
Much of the filming takes place in Wardpark Studios near Glasgow. However, you can visit Outlander filming locations all across Scotland.
The majority of the filming locations are easily accessible from Glasgow or Edinburgh. If you’re a true fan - just know that you will need more than one day to visit all of them.
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Famous Castles In Outlander
Have you seen a castle in Outlander, and wondered where it was filmed? The Jacobite Outlander series was filmed across several famous castles in Scotland - including Doune Castle and Blackness Castle.
These are great places on the Jacobite Trail to visit, and many castles are open to the public!
Doune Castle
One of the most popular Outlander filming locations to visit is Doune Castle, 8 miles Northwest of Stirling.
In Outlander, Doune Castle is featured as Castle Leoch, the seat of Colum MacKenzie and the MacKenzie clan.
Doune Castle has survived relatively unchanged since medieval times. In fact, it is one of Scotland's most complete medieval castles today.
Blackness Castle
Blackness Castle was built in the 15th century and served as a military fort and prison for centuries.
Outlander fans will recognise the castle as the imposing Fort William. Here, Jamie Fraser was flogged at the hands of Black Jack Randall.
Blackness Castle, standing by the Firth of Forth, is an easy drive from Edinburgh. It’s open to the public year-round, although it may be closed at short notice if the weather is bad.
Can I See The Outlander Filming Locations?
Yes - you can visit many of the Outlander filming locations.
However, the Outlander Standing Stones filming location might look a bit different to what you see in the series.
If you’re looking to tour some famous Outlander sites, you might be interested in reading up on the best Outlander tours of Scotland.
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Final Thoughts
The Jacobite Outlander story is one of adventure, war and romance. The best part is that it’s based on history that you can learn about, and even visit! Who wouldn’t love that?
If you’re interested in immersing yourself in Jacobite history - consider planning a trip along the Jacobite Trail.
