As the Starz series Outlander takes a hiatus, fans are left grappling with the Droughtlander, filling the gap with re-runs and trivia searches.
Here’s a fun fact: several English castles have played significant roles in the predominantly Scottish show.
Although primarily set in Scotland, Outlander has explored other filming locations. Notably, parts of season three were filmed in South Africa, which doubled as the West Indies, the Express reports.
Interestingly, various English locations have also been used to depict Scottish settings in the series. For example, Wentworth Prison, where Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) bravely tries to save his wife Claire (Caitríona Balfe) from the evil Captain ‘Black Jack’ Randall (Tobias Menzies).
The prison scenes were shot at different locations, with an exterior shot of Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland standing in for the fictional Wentworth Prison. It’s here that Jamie suffers brutal torture and rape at the hands of Black Jack Randall, according to the Scottish Daily Express.
Bamburgh Castle, a grand fixture on the Northumberland coastline for over 1,400 years, is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country, states its official website.
Initially serving as the Royal capital for Anglo-Saxon kings in the 6th century due to its strategic position overlooking the North Sea, it was later taken by the Normans who built their own fortress on it.
This structure forms the core of the present-day castle.
Bamburgh Castle, which fell under the control of the English monarchy following a rebellion, has been visited by notable kings such as Henry III, Edward II and Edward III. Today, it welcomes visitors to explore its keep, armoury, state rooms and king’s hall, offering a deep dive into its rich history.
In contrast, Carlisle Castle in Cumbria, located near Hadrian’s Wall, was used as the setting for Wentworth Prison’s courtyard in Outlander. This is where Taran MacQuarrie (Douglas Henshall), leader of Jamie’s outlaw group The Watch, met his demise.
The castle was built by William the Conqueror on the site of an ancient Roman fort known as Luguvalium after his invasion of England in 1066. Now managed by English Heritage, Carlisle Castle invites tourists to explore its medieval rooms and walk its walls.
It also houses the Museum of Military Life, providing insights into the building’s origins. Interestingly, according to the Cumbria and The Borders History Facebook page, Carlisle itself has a place in Jacobite history, with 33 rebels executed on Gallows Hill, Harraby.
Another filming location for Wentworth Prison was Linlithgow Palace in Edinburgh, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Fans of Outlander 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 as an indentured servant after his release from Ardsmuir Prison, was actually filmed at Gosford House in Longniddry, East Lothian, Scotland.