Is the Lost Jacobite Gold in Outlander a True Story?
by Swetha P | Updated Jun 30, 2023
Outlander Overview
Outlander is a historical drama television series that is based on the popular novel series of the same name by Diana Gabaldon. The show, developed by Ronald D. Moore, first premiered on Starz on August 9, 2014. It follows the story of Claire Randall, a former Second World War military nurse who unexpectedly travels back in time from 1945 to 1743 in Scotland. There, she becomes deeply involved in the Jacobite rising and forms a passionate relationship with Jamie Fraser, a brave Highlander warrior.
The television series has adapted each novel from the Outlander series into its respective seasons. The first season, consisting of 16 episodes, is based on the first book. Subsequent seasons follow the storyline of the corresponding novels, including Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, Drums of Autumn, The Fiery Cross, and A Breath of Snow and Ashes. The ongoing seventh season, based on An Echo in the Bone, premiered in June 2023 and comprises 16 episodes.
In addition to the main series, a prequel titled Outlander: Blood of My Blood is currently in development. This spin-off will focus on the lives of Jamie Fraser's parents, Brian and Ellen Fraser. Furthermore, Outlander has been renewed for an eighth and final season, set to consist of ten episodes. The series has captivated audiences with its captivating blend of history, romance, and time travel throughout its successful run.
Is the Lost Jacobite Gold in Outlander a True Story?
No, The tale of the lost Jacobite gold in Outlander is a work of fiction within the context of the series. While Outlander creatively weaves historical events and figures into its plot, the storyline surrounding the lost gold is not based on factual events. In reality, the French shipment of gold intended to support the Jacobite rebellion arrived after the Battle of Culloden, whereas in the show, it arrives prior to the battle.
It is important to note that the real Jacobite gold consisted of French and Spanish coins, not marked gold bars with a fleur-de-lys symbol as depicted in Outlander. The use of creative liberties in the series allows for an enhanced storytelling experience while drawing inspiration from historical events and figures. The inclusion of the fleur-de-lys symbol on gold bars is a fictional addition to the narrative, deviating from the historical reality of the Jacobite gold.
Who is Jacobite Gold in Outlander?
In the popular Starz series Outlander, the storyline involves the lost Jacobite gold, which plays a significant role in the narrative. The third episode of the seventh season delves into this plotline, drawing connections to events from the show's earlier seasons. The gold, sent by the French to support the Jacobite rebellion, resurfaces when Jamie discovers a gold bar marked with a fleur-de-lys symbol.
This symbol indicates that the gold is part of the missing French treasure sent to aid Bonnie Prince Charlie during the Scottish uprising in the 1740s. As Jamie investigates further, he learns about the division of the gold among three individuals, including Arch Bug, and the subsequent journey of the gold across the Atlantic to America. The episode reveals that the lost Jacobite gold is buried under Fraser's Ridge, leading Jamie to make important decisions about its fate.
Historical Context of Bonnie Prince Charlie and Jacobite Gold
Bonnie Prince Charlie, also known as Charles Edward Stuart, was the son of James Francis Edward Stuart and led the Jacobite rising of 1745. The aim of the rebellion was to restore the Stuart monarchy to the thrones of England, Scotland, and Ireland. During this time, the Jacobite forces, under the leadership of Bonnie Prince Charlie, achieved several victories, including the Battle of Prestonpans.
However, the rebellion required financial support, and the Stuart cause relied on assistance from France, Spain, and other Catholic states. The anticipated shipment of gold from the French, intended to finance the rebellion, arrived after the Battle of Culloden. The gold was intended to aid the remaining Jacobite clansmen and support the escape of Jacobite leaders to the continent.
The Fate of Real Jacobite Gold
When the gold shipment finally arrived in Scotland, it consisted of a combination of French and Spanish coins. Unfortunately, the rebellion had already been quelled at the Battle of Culloden, and the Jacobite cause was in decline. A small portion of the gold was stolen by McDonald of Barrisdale's men, while the remaining six caskets were hidden near Loch Arkaig. The gold was initially entrusted to Murray of Broughton, who distributed it among clan chiefs.
However, he was later arrested, and the gold was passed on to Donald Cameron of Lochiel and then to Ewen MacPherson of Cluny, who used some of it in subsequent uprising attempts. Charles Stuart, in an attempt to retrieve what was left of the gold, enlisted the help of Charles Shelby, an English Catholic sympathetic to the Jacobite cause. While a portion of the gold was shipped back to London and converted to paper money, most of it had already been spent.
Is the Lost Jacobite Gold in Outlander a True Story? - FAQs
Outlander is a historical drama television series that is based on the popular novel series of the same name by Diana Gabaldon.
No, The tale of the lost Jacobite gold in Outlander is a work of fiction within the context of the series.
In the popular Starz series Outlander, the storyline involves the lost Jacobite gold, which plays a significant role in the narrative.
No, not all of the Jacobite gold was recovered. Some of it was spent or lost during subsequent events.
The real shipment of French gold arrived after the Battle of Culloden, unlike its portrayal in Outlander.