Jeanie Deans

Letter from Sir Walter Scott to Reverend Dow [Library reference: Lit.S.25].

Walter Scott once received a letter outlining the real-life story of Helen Walker (died 1791). Walker had travelled on foot to London to obtain a royal pardon for her sister who had been falsely accused of infanticide. Walker's story was put into the novel with Jeanie Deans taking on her role.

In 1830, Scott wrote to the Reverend Dow of the Parish of Irongray, where Walker was buried, to offer to pay for a monument to her memory. In the letter, Scott specifically refers to the importance of Walker's actions as an inspiration for part of his story.

This illustration shows Jeanie pleading with Queen Caroline for her sister's life [Library reference: Acc. 12812/9].

Following her epic journey to London, Jeanie, with the assistance of the Duke of Argyll, is granted an audience with Queen Caroline. Speaking plainly, and from the heart, Jeanie is ultimately successful in saving the life of her sister Effie.

Sir Walter Scott and the Historical Novel