How Historically Accurate Is Outlander? 

It's extremely informational. Without this show I would have never known that George Washington met a time traveling English woman several years before the American Revolutionary War.

The serie made me extremally curious about Scotland's history

It is amazing how much history Diana Gabaldon had to research in order to write the Outlander series of books. She had to research not only Scotland and Britain's history but also Frances's history, Jamaica's history and America's history.

Mark me, Hilbert!

I would imagine that no, Bonny Prince Charles did not know that his insignia was fascist-looking, considering that fascism would not exist for another two hundred years. A lot of those symbols, which were later adopted by the fascists, were Roman in origin, including the fasces itself, the bundle of rods tied around an axe, which was a symbol of office for Roman magistrates.

After watching Outlander for the 2nd time, I looked online for information on my ancestors and the Battle of Culloden. I was able to find a picture of my family’s Clan Stone at Culloden which was placed over the area where members of the clan were buried. This was very interesting to know that my family was part of this battle and the Jacobite movement.

The book author Diana is compulsive about doing her historical research, however I'm not sure that the STARS TV show is that careful. For example in the most recent season they have the Frasers building and living (in only a year) in the remote wilderness within a modern manufactured log home with planed and polished gleaming glossy smooth logs that are only possible by modern factory machining of logs, whereas the book carefully described the sequence of gradually building ever better shelters over years, tent, lean-to, shed, one room hand-hewn log cabin, clapboard house, and even described how one walks the log hewing alongside ones feet with the ax to try to make the round log squarer so it fits together better with the others, which results in a very rough jagged hacked surface where you can see every stroke of the ax. Yes, the sci-fi/ fantasy element of time travel that allows the author to bring people of different centuries into daily contact is not "historically accurate" in the books nor can it be, but Diana even put a great deal of effort into finding out a bit about quantum mechanics and the concept of the multi-verses and time paradoxes that makes the concept seem plausible scientifically.

Are we going to consider the accuracy of time travel?

You've done videos on Ireland, Scotland and England it is now time for THE WELSH!!!!

Yassss! More Scotland and Outlander on RU-vid 😍PS. loved your video and will check out your other Scottish related stuff. I've done a whole video series on Outlander and some of its filming locations. I'm really happy with the way it's portrayed Scotland.

𝅘𝅥𝅮 Speed bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing 𝅘𝅥𝅮 𝅘𝅥𝅮 Onwards the sailors cry 𝅘𝅥𝅮 𝅘𝅥𝅮 Carry the lad that's born to be king, o'er the sea to skye𝅘𝅥𝅮

I too am very interested in this period of history. I visited The Culloden battlefield when I lived on the Isle of Skye. My late husband discovered that his ancestors were Jacobites.

I absolutely adore Outlander! I think it does represent the period quite well. My only complaint is that at times during the jacobite rebellion they portrayed the conflict as a kind of Scotland vs England. If you know about the period you probably won't see it like this, but most people who watched the show without knowing about the period got this kind of idea that it was a war of England against Scotland. Love the video and hope you make more about the show! And about Dougal not using the highland targe, they might have done this to show his extremely impulsive personality.

Thank you, well done! After reading Outlander (before the show existed), I became interested to know if Prince Charlie was really like he was portrayed. I am a history buff but had not read much on Scotland. I read Diana Preston's "The Road to Culloden Moor: Bonnie Prince Charlie and the '45 Rebellion". The answer is yes he was and Diana Gabaldon got it right! I have been immersing myself in Scottish history ever since. Some people put the books down because of the fantasy angle but they don't know the background story. Diana wanted to try and write a novel and Outlander (book 1) was a practice run. Many people in her Compuserve writers group urged her to publish. So at first she did not have a major grasp on Scottish history. Claire showed up and didn't fit her time period so in order to make it work, she introduced the time travel. So it was just a vehicle to explain a character. So from the next book and on, Diana did much more research and got a lot right. Starz is doing the show and the writers are playing with the timeline and characters. They are now departing enough from the books that I am worried for the continuity and accuracy from the writers (not for costumes, set design, etc.). So the show may not be 100% historically accurate, but it did get me to spend years now reading all I can find on Scottish history.

As a Highlander I love it when you cover anything to do with Celtic peoples and Scotland in particular, never mind the Highlands. Thanks for creating yet another really enlightening and well put-together video.

Yay, I love me some jackobite rebellions

What a great historical story. I was born in Scone, Perth, Scotland (member of the Fraser Clan) and emigrated with my family to Toronto, Ontario Canada in 1957. I have always had an interest in History of my birthplace. I have read the entire series of Outlander written by D. Gabaldone several times over in order to catch every single moment of nuance in case I missed anything. Great series of a wonderful, fabulous storyline. I had the pleasure of going home to my country in 2020 and touring all the areas of the highlands as well as my birthplace. My sister and I went to the Culloden Museum and were astonished at the recreation of the battle which was shown on screen in surround sound and sight. It was very overwhelming. It put you right into that battle. Just amazing. I have very much appreciated Diana Gabaldone for being such a stickler to truth and historical fact as these things I would never have learned from my parents as they just weren’t interested. I thank you for bringing this all to life again. Great Job, I love History of the British Isles.

I’ve always been fascinated with Irish history, but your videos on Jacobites and Robert the Bruce combined with the movie Outlaw King have actually sparked my interest in that region as well. Definitely keep up the videos on the Jacobites!

I have been very pleasantly surprised by how accurate Outlander has been... I have always been very attracted to Celtic culture, so when I heard about the Outlander show, I decided to give it a try... then my husband joined me... then we both started reading the books together side by side... around that time I also started to research my family tree because I didn't have much of any info about my family since I'm estranged from both parents and extended families... I was stunned to find over 700 years of Scottish ancestry behind me from both my paternal and maternal sides. I have several clan leaders in my tree and I go back to the Stewart kings on my paternal side. I learned all this about two years ago and I am still learning more Scottish things almost daily... two years I've been learning and I don't feel anywhere near ready to actually write a book about the culture... the amount of research that Diana must have done to write all of this with such accuracy is mind-blowing. I adore the show as for me it's like seeing a snapshot of how my ancestors might have lived. It's nice to think that maybe I was so attracted to the culture for so long because possibly somewhere, just a little, deep down, I knew my roots all along.

Really liked your explanation of the clan system and your review of Outlander!

Great information and Great Job!...Thank you for posting this content and setting the story straight!

I love history and especially British history. As a result I try to stay away from cinematographic series and movies since I know they take liberties which I greatly disapprove .. My take away from this is I will enjoy Outlander. Thank you Hilbert for you high quality content as usual!

Great video! I love Outlander! Reading the books got me interested in the Jacobite wars and Scottish history! Love your channel! Thanks for posting about my fave show and the Jacobite war of 1745!

Thank you for the analysis, I am enjoying the show and I´m glad to get your perspective.

Excellent ! Most enjoyable and informative . I`m in the middle of season 2 just now so this was a nice find !

I have traced my Grandma Gray's ancestry back to Scotland. Her ancestor who came to the US from Scotland was ( Lord William John Wardlow Gray ) from Perth. ( he was born in Scotland in 1755 ) His wife was ( Lady Eleanor Wardrobe ) So this book AKA show is interesting to me, especially the AUTHOR.

Love your channel especially because you do so much history about the British Isle and Ireland

Watched your video all the way through to the end. Great presentation on your part, Mr. Hilbert. I love history, too. Wish I could have sat there with you when you did your research. Wonderful presentation. Hats off to you for your outstanding work. Please keep putting together these types of videos. Also, very well stated was the mention of the different (idealized) goals of the various factions of the Jacobite case. Beginning at time marker: 13:37 through 15:41. This is the best distinction I've heard presented from anybody. You make it much easier to understand. On a separate note I would love to see you do an episode about what BPC's life was like after he abandoned his 'men' at Culloden. Yes, I do realize his life was less than stellar when he ran off / escaped. More to the point I would have loved to have been a fly-on-the-wall to hear the discussion between BPC and the Old Pretender when, Charlie eventually made it back home to Italy (tail-between-his-legs), of course. One could only imagine to what degree his father must have chewed him out for all his blunderous actions at Culloden. Not to mention the fact his father must have been monumentally embarrassed by his son's actions. What do you think?

Well done! I stuck with it till the end! Thanks!

Excellent video I love the outlander series, one can only imagine if the the prince was alot more prepared for the campaign who knows how things might have turned out, all these what ifs are fun to speculate. Keep up the good work.

Fantastic video with great perspective and I watched til the end

Please do the rest of these!!!

Thank god! As an American who can't get enough of this series, this was a very informative video. Have a excellent day as well. :)

This was a very informative video by someone that truly knows his stuff. Thanks for putting it up. I do enjoy the series and have wondered about the accuracy. I have noticed three *minor* technical inaccuracies. - When Claire first meets Colum, she identifies him as having Toulouse-Lautrec syndrome. Firstly, this wasn't named until 1954. Claire first went back in time in 1945. Even if it had been named by then, it is doubtful that an army nurse could have made such a sophisticated diagnosis. - Jaime is given a rosary. Presumably, he's Catholic. Yet, he hangs it around his neck. That just isn't done. - Jaime is instructing a boy on shooting a deer and he refers to the musket as a rifle, which would not come into practical use until 100 years later. That said, Claire, having had a military background, might have mentioned them.

Thank you for illuminating the motives of the various parties involved.

I'm from Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, and I was looking out for historical inaccuracies, and I must say, thankfully, Diane Gabaldon nailed it x

Please do more !!! I love seeing "history v Hollywood" like videos!

This series made me to know more about Scotland and the history behind Jacobite rise I’m an Indian 🇮🇳 living in United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 I became an addict with Jamie and Claire Love the series proud of the Scots

Great video, very informative really enjoyed it.

Great video, just wanted to raise a few points. First on the equipment of the the Jacobites during the '45, you are quite right that the majority of Jacobite Soldiers did not own swords and targes. However the majority of Jacobite troops, especially by the end of the rising and even after the capture of Edinburgh were very well equipped with French, Spanish, and British Muskets. About 2,000 Muskets were gathered from Prestonpans alone. The armoury in Edinburgh also provided a lot of firepower, as well as the aforementioned French and Spanish Muskets. The important thing to remember is the troops weren't expected to provide themselves with Firearms, these were provisioned for the troops and indeed the Jacobites had far more Muskets than men to use them. The combination of fighting styles made the Jacobite Army quite flexible and effective, as seen in Prestonpans and Falkirk. Falkirk is a good example of the Jacobites using effective fire to stop a British charge, contrary to the traditional image. Furthermore the Jacobite Army was considered to be the Scottish Army, it's regiments, and traditions were modeled entirely on the pre-1707 Scottish Army. The British Army and the Jacobites were far closer matched in equipment, discipline and experience than is portrayed in the show. Many of the Jacobite Officers had served in the French Army, as well as in other Armies on the continent, as well as even the British Army itself. Certainly the Jacobite risings were national revolts, intending to make the Kingdom independent and this was supported by James VII and the VIII. Charles was the most equivocal to the union, as you rightfully point out and that was pretty well handled. Pretty much all the Jacobites sought independence and this is reflected in all the sentiments of the Jacobites, from the high ranks to the low. Remember that before 1707 England, Scotland and Ireland were separate Kingdoms, but ruled under the Stuart dynasty. This was the desired outcome for the Scots, they would have accepted James as the King of all three Kingdoms, but the Union had to go. Charles is also far too religion because he was generally pretty ambivalent to religion. The religious divide is very complex. Very few Catholics remained in Scotland and the majority of the Jacobites were Episcopalians and even a lot of Presbyterians too. Far less total men came out in 1745, than in 1715 and in 1715 a lot of Presbyterians came out in support of the Jacobites. Presbyterians were somewhat split because the Scottish Kirk had been protected under King William, but many, especially in 1715, but less so in 1745, were fearful of the Union and the possibility that the Kirk would lose its rights to the Anglicans. The majority of Catholics in the Jacobite Army were the French, Scots in French service, as well as the Irish. Another complication on the religious matter was the fact the Hanoverians had been Lutheran, which had contributed to Anglican opposition in England in 1715. It's an amazing four way issue of religion. Patriotism was the main motivation, fueled by opposition to taxes, particularly on alcohol. which lead to the politicization of smuggling. On the point of Charles' recklessness, yes I agree he was reckless, but the success of the '45 in its initial stages was largely due to the shock of the campaign, no one expected it, Jacobite or British. Compare that with the '15 where the Earl of Mar raised 22,000 men, the majority of the fighting manpower of the entire country and yet he was able to squander every advantage due to his indecision. Either they had to secure Scotland, which likely in the long run may have required French help to hold against the British, or as he Charles did, march on London and cut off the head of the enemy. I think it was a hard choice and one many Scottish Jacobites disagreed with, but it's hard to say if he had remained in Scotland if the outcome would have been different. A few interesting quotes from Jacobites: James VII, 1692: Tis the true interest of the crown to keep that Kingdom [Scotland] separate from England James VIII, 1714 proclaimed: A free and independent Scots Parliament James VIII, 1718: 'Restore us to the throne of our ancestors, and our Kingdom of Scotland to its ANCIENT, FREE and INDEPENDENT state' 'we hereby renew our former declaration, in relation to that UNHAPPY UNION.' 'Which we thereby declare NULL and VOID from the beginning. 21 August 1715: Jacobites gather in force in Perth; their cry?; No UNION! Earl of Nithsdale 1715 describing his cause for joining the rebellion: 'To deliver my country from the oppression and misery under which it groans'. Dundee Declaration 1715: 'Dissolve and put an end to that unhappy UNION' Earl of Mar 1715, Manifesto: 'the present Quarrel turns about these Two points, the restoring of the lawful natural king, and the dissolving of the UNION. It continues; 'Whether the King lands or not our aim is to march south dissolve the UNION and redress the grievances of Scotland'. He continues stating he; 'Resolved at the hazard of his Life and Fortune to what in him lay for his country's honour and to dissolve the UNION.' He was ordered by King James as soon as possible to Emit and Publish a declaration against the UNION.'

*THANK GOD!* I love the Outlander books and the series. This was an excellent video! 👏👏👏

This vid made me want to watch Outlander. Now...... I'm addicted. Lol I cant wait til season 5

Thanks for this. Well done! Yes, please do one on Outlander's portrayal of the battle of Culloden. I'm very much an Outlander fan, partly because of the history. Also, do you know much about the Dunoon Massacre? It was 100 years before Culloden. My ancestors, Clan Lamont, got the bad end of that one. Keep up the good work!

You linked in the video to a poll? about whether or not we want to see a part two. Yes please. I moved to Niagara Falls a few years ago and, am fascinated with the period throughout the world. The moment in time where our local history takes off and, the 100 years before, is what I keep returning to. I spent a decade on the East Coast, mainly in Halifax NS as well. The push to claim the territory, first by the French and then the English. The Acadian Expulsion. There's so much to be enjoyed in these stories.

Thanks I’ve been reading about Scotland and made a trip to Scotland for exhibition at National Museum about the 1745 rising-really fascinating!

Watched it all the way through- good job!

Can’t wait for your take on the new seasons!

You can see how the targe gets in the way of the camera shot. Probably why there were fewer of them in the TV battle. A lovely"ramble." Thank you.

10:35 Gentlemen. You can't fight in here. This is the War Room!

Enjoyed your perspectives on Outlander..

Thank you for this informative video! I also wanted to comment on your attention to little details, like giving some of the images of the redcoats different hair colors. You could've just used the same one multiple times, but you chose to spice it up, and I appreciated that :)

Thanks for more history on Scotland. Well done!

Keep up the good work and thanks

Thank you for the presentation.

Thanks for your time clearing up this series and actual history of the Scott’s. Watching outlander in season two I start to question what is historical and are they changing history ?!! Thanks. Very interesting.

I only just began binge-watching the series - I am at season 1 episode 14 - so I appreciate your insights.

Loved the video. Thank you!!

Loved the program ❤️

I used to live by Culloden, I think they've got the original idea and then added story lines which we do love 🥰

Thanks so much, didn’t think it was “rambly” at all, very informative about different classes and different countries and what each one wanted,

I think you did pretty well. The piece held my interest.

I have waited for this over 2 centuries

Anything about Outlander and I’m glued to the screen!

im a couple years late on this video but as someone who just recently started watching Outlander, I found it quite educational, since I don't know much if anything at all, of Scotish history, so your video helped me better understand the Jacobite uprising & its differing elements. A great video indeed.

Found out during my binge watching of Outlander last month that we are Scottish through one of the great grandmothers. Our ancestors came into the US in the same area in the Carolinas as they show in later seasons of the show. Now starting Men in Kilts-and the first place they visit is Fife where my family originated . I’m learning so much-thank you for showing the accuracy.

I really enjoyed the information you provided...and yes, I did make it until the end 😆. It was very interesting, thank you!

This was a very solid presentation of a complex subject. I've enjoyed Outlander.

I found your channel via the Anglo Saxon content but I am a lifelong fan of outlander series and would love hear your take on the other battles depicted.

The original author of the book series, Diana Gabaldon, is a historian and incredible author!

Yes, please follow this historical road and put all the information out here for all of us displaced Highlanders whose ancestors seem to have lost their history after leaving Scotland for America on ships. This is a part of my genealogy that seems to be a book missing a few chapters. Thank you and please carry on. This is the first time I have watched your channel and all I can say to you is well done!! Looking forward to the rest of your content on this subject 🥰💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

This entire series made me very interested in learning about Scottish history and Scotland its. A place I honestly knew little about.

Great video! Thanks!!

Fascinating...visiting soon and Outlander is obviously on my mind. Excellent Piece!

Really interesting! Thank you 🙏🏼

Thank god, I appreciate your video sir. Thank you for your time.

Very well explained! Thank you! The Jacobite risings had many sides to it, many interests, some even in conflict... In history there is always a tendency to simplify and take a romantic view to things. It's nice as long as you know the facts and don't get too carried away!

Thank you for sharing this video I hope you have a nice day

Another really interesting one! Personally, I enjoy the longer videos.

Well researched and worth the time. 🤗

Great video. Thank you.

Please do some on the Irish Jacobean war. Sure, you have skirted it multiple times, but some in-depth stuff would be nice.

Great video!!!

Thank God!

So cool to see other people connecting to their history through this show as well! I’m a Forbes, not so distantly removed from the main family. So my history is pretty well documented through that line. On my other side my ancestor was a gardener for Mary Queen of Scots and somehow my family ended up with an oil portrait of hers that was cut from a frame. The portrait was cut again into a bust when my family traveled the Oregon trail and lost in a fire when my Grandma was a kid. I’m trying to learn more about my family from Alsace-Lorraine that lived through the annexations that led to the First World War. I think what everyone wishes we had more information on the Celts, Druids and ancient European civilizations before Anglo-Saxon rule.

Hilbert, you should make a video on the Norwegians in the Hebrides, Shetland, and Orkney!

I stumbled upon this wonderful show after the 4th season. I'm enjoying it and will miss it when it ends.

Thank you for giving us the historical information. I wonder if you and others realize that many Americans are very interested in the history and cultures of the countries of our ancestors. We feel strong connections and adore your accents.

My background is from the other side of the world, but I have always loved in history, particularly English, or better yet fascinated. I wish to someday visit the beautiful Scotland and Ireland. Outlander has intrigued me to learn more about this history. I also think that the series does a very good job in portraying the Jacobite plight to preserve the Highlander way of life. I will definitely have some gemstones with me when I travel. This definitely makes for great and continual conversation...

Thank god! As requested. More please. Thanks

Thank god, you shared this. Thank you

Thanks for the video

I liked this review I think I’m gonna watch the show ! Well done 👍🏾

Could you do a episode about Scottish highland clans in general? I'd love to learn more about them. Especially Clan Cameron.

The Highlander series has absolutely captured my new fascination with Scotish History. I can't wait to learn more history so when I visit Scotland next year I will be more aware and appreciate all the history. Loved the video and I did make it to the end. hahaha More, please. I eat this history up.

Other that getting JAMIE'S name wrong, however corrected, a big thumbs up. 👍

Lots of the first episode was actually filmed in Falkland, Fife due to the fact it had old buildings and a palace

I really enjoyed this. Thanks! I’d be so curious if you had a hot take on the books..

This was great I wished it was longer.

Thank you i enjoyed this very much.

I had toured Scotland in 2 different occasions , the grampions, the royal dee side, lochness, the trossachs, st- andrews, cairngorm national park, Inverness, Dundee, Aberdeen, fort Williams, isle of skye, I had done from whiskey tours to great hikes...etc etc, but I only heard of the battle of culloden only after having watched the first two seasons of outlander. I went back to Scotland in October 2019 for a hiking trip and made it to culloden. I spent a whole day there. It was amazing and so sad if you could only think of what happened to the Jacobites on that site. The visitor center is brilliant, so informative width a Cafe that serves delicious homemade soups and scones, wihich was very welcome after having walked for 2’hours in culloden Moor under the wind and rain and then sun all at once. :)) During that trip I was there to hike, but I found submerging myself in Scottish history. I went back to Glencoe where in the pass I had just spent a few hours. This time I was there 4 days hiking around and learning about the tragic past of that Glenn. “ The glencoe massacre”. I can’t wait to go back to my beloved Scotland and tour again and learn more. It’s my favorite country it has something that attracts me like a magnet. That’s the place where my soul feels the happiest. I’m Spanish background living in NY, but to my surprise I’m 6% Scottish according to DNA ancestry, maybe is my 6% Scottish that’s pulls me there! Lol 😂