Is the lost Jacobite gold in Outlander a true story? Discover the truth behind Outlander’s gripping tale of lost Jacobite gold and whether it’s based on a true story.
Outlander review
Outlander is a historical drama television series based on the popular novel series of the same name by Diane Gabaldon. The show, created by Ronald D. Moore, first premiered on Starz on August 9, 2014. It follows the story of Claire Randall, a former World War II army nurse who unexpectedly travels back in time from 1945 to 1743 in Scotland. There she becomes deeply involved in the Jacobite uprising and forms a passionate relationship with Jamie Fraser, a brave Highland warrior.
The television series has adapted each novel from the Outlander series into its own seasons. The first season, consisting of 16 episodes, is based on the first book. Subsequent seasons follow the plot of the respective 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 consists of 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, which will consist of ten episodes. The series captivated audiences with its captivating blend of history, romance and time travel throughout its successful run.
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Is the lost Jacobite gold in Outlander a true story?
No, the story of the lost Jacobite gold in Outlander is a work of fiction in the context of the series. While Outlander creatively weaves historical events and figures into its plot, the story surrounding the lost gold is not based on actual events. In reality, the French shipment of gold intended to support the Jacobite rebellion arrived after the Battle of Culloden, while in the play it arrives before the battle.
It is important to note that the real Jacobite gold consisted of French and Spanish coins, not gold bars marked with the fleur-de-lys symbol as depicted in Outlander. Taking 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 the gold bars is a fictional addition to the story, deviating from the historical reality of Jacobite gold.
Who is Jacobite Gold in Outlander?
In the popular Starz series Outlander, the plot involves lost Jacobite gold, which plays a significant role in the story. The third episode of the seventh season delves into this plot, connecting the events of the earlier seasons of the show. The gold, sent by the French to support the Jacobite rebellion, resurfaces when Jamie discovers a gold bullion marked with the fleur-de-lys symbol.
This symbol indicates that the gold is part of the missing French treasure that was sent to help Bonnie Prince Charlie during the Scottish Rebellion in the 1740s. As Jamie investigates further, he learns of the division of the gold between three people, 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 beneath the Fraser Reef, causing Jamie to make important decisions about its fate.
The 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 uprising 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, led by Bonnie Prince Charlie, won several victories, including the Battle of Prestonpans.
However, the rebellion required financial support, and the Stuart cause relied on aid from France, Spain and other Catholic states. The expected shipment of gold from the French, intended to finance the rebellion, arrived after the Battle of Culloden. The gold was intended to help the remaining members of the Jacobite clan and support the escape of the Jacobite leaders to the continent.
The fate of real Jacobite gold
When the shipment of gold finally arrived in Scotland, it consisted of a combination of French and Spanish coins. Unfortunately, the rebellion had already been crushed at the Battle of Culloden, and the Jacobite cause was in decline. A small portion of the gold was stolen by McDonald’s men from Barrisdale, while the remaining six coffins were hidden near Lake Arkaig. The gold was at first entrusted to Murray of Broughton, who divided it among the clan chiefs.
However, he was later arrested, and the gold was passed to Donald Cameron of Lochiel and then to Ewen MacPherson of Cluny, who used some of it in later rising attempts. Charles Stuart, in an attempt to recover what was left of the gold, enlisted the help of Charles Shelby, an English Catholic who sympathized with the Jacobite cause. Although some of the gold was shipped back to London and converted into paper money, most of it had already been spent.
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education