Outlander fans, brace yourselves for some trivia about the English castles featured in the Starz series. Despite its Scottish setting, Outlander has been filmed in various locations, including South Africa, which doubled as the West Indies in season three.
Interestingly, some English filming locations were used to represent Scottish places in the show. For instance, Wentworth Prison, where Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) rescues his wife Claire (Caitríona Balfe) from the villainous Captain ‘Black Jack’ Randall (Tobias Menzies), was filmed at different sites.
Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland served as the exterior shot for the fictional Wentworth Prison, where Jamie endured brutal torture and rape by Black Jack Randall. The castle, standing on the Northumberland coastline for over 1,400 years, is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country, according to its official website.
It began as the Royal capital of Anglo-Saxon kings in the 6th century due to its strategic location overlooking the North Sea. The Normans later seized the castle and built their own fortress on it, forming the core of the current structure.
Following a rebellion, Bamburgh Castle fell into the hands of the English monarchy, with various kings including Henry III, Edward II and Edward III paying visits. Today, visitors can explore the castle’s rich history, which includes the keep, the armoury, the state rooms and the king’s hall, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
In contrast, Carlisle Castle in Cumbria featured as Wentworth Prison’s courtyard where Taran MacQuarrie (Douglas Henshall), the leader of Jamie’s outlaw group The Watch, was hanged after being caught. Located near Hadrian’s Wall, Carlisle Castle was constructed by William the Conqueror following his invasion of England in 1066.
He ordered the castle to be built on the site of an ancient Roman fort called Luguvalium. Now owned by English Heritage, tourists can explore the medieval castle rooms and walk the walls.
The castle also houses the Museum of Military Life, where visitors can learn more about the building’s origins. Interestingly, according to the Cumbria and The Borders History Facebook page, Carlisle itself has its place in Jacobite history with 33 rebels hanged on Gallows Hill, Harraby.
Another filming location for Wentworth Prison was Linlithgow Palace in Edinburgh, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Outlander fans will also recognise Scotland as the stand-in for the New World, with sets representing America and various locations including Fraser’s Ridge.
Meanwhile, the English estate of Helwater, where Jamie served time as an indentured servant after being released from Ardsmuir Prison, was actually filmed at Gosford House in Longniddry, East Lothian, Scotland.
Outlander is streaming on MGM+ via Prime now