Where was Wolf Hall filmed? Guide to all the filming locations

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Returning for its second season after a nine-year gap, Wolf Hall was filmed in South West England.

Called The Mirror and the Light, the series showcases a variety of magnificent period filming locations, enhancing its immersive portrayal of the Tudor era.

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The show adapts the final novel in Hilary Mantel's historical trilogy, following Thomas Cromwell's life from his peak influence to his downfall.

Mark Rylance reprises his role as Cromwell, joined by Damian Lewis as Henry VIII, with Jonathan Pryce, Kate Phillips, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster also returning.

Here is our spoiler-free guide to all the filming locations used in the second season of Wolf Hall. The locations are listed in order of appearance.


The Wolf Hall locations

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The Mirror and the Light opens with Anne Boleyn's execution in the Tower of London in 1536.

This scene was filmed in the inner courtyard of the Dover Castle in Kent.

The courtyard has been featured in many historical productions for its authentic medieval atmosphere including, most recently My Lady Jane and Mary and George.
(You can open all the locations on Google Maps by clicking on the links below in the captions ↴)
  Image courtesy of BBC and Google Maps


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The scenes in which King Henry VIII, portrayed by Damian Lewis, prepares for his new bride, Jane Seymour (Kate Phillips), were filmed at Forde Abbey in Dorset.

This historic estate is renowned for its beautifully preserved 12th-century Cistercian monastery and its picturesque gardens.

The court scenes were filmed in the Great Hall of this former monastery, which was also featured in the 2015 romantic drama Far from the Madding Crowd.
Image courtesy of BBC - Map


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The scene following the execution, in which Cromwell speaks to Rafe Sadler, was filmed at Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire.

Built in the 12th century, this fortress is one of England's best-preserved medieval castles and the ancestral home of the Berkeley family.
Image courtesy of BBC  - Map


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Cromwell's dark study was filmed in one of the rooms at Horton Court in Gloucestershire.

This picturesque manor house, with roots dating back to the 15th century, has been featured in several period dramas, including the BBC's Poldark.
Image courtesy of BBC - Map


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Hampton Court Palace was one of the favourite residences of King Henry VIII.

Henry built the palace's grand halls, kitchens, and extensive gardens for the lavish lifestyle of the Tudor court.

Today, the palace stands as a testament to that era, attracting countless visitors who pay almost £30 to visit this iconic location.
Image courtesy of BBC - Map


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The Poles manor in the scene with Margaret Pole (Harriet Walter) is the exterior of the Forde Abbey and Gardens.


The Wolf Hall house

Wolf Hall house
The Great Chalfield Manor near Melksham in Wiltshire, was CGI'd to add an extra floor. The medieval fountain was also a film prop.

The Tudor-style timber-framed drawing room of this impressive 15th-century manor house also appears in the scene.
Image courtesy of BBC and Stuart Logan - Map


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The scenes with the Duke of Norfolk (Timothy Spall) and Princess Mary (Lilit Lesser) were filmed at the Wolfeton House near Dorchester.

With an imposing twin-towered gatehouse, this historic Grade I listed building dates back to the 15th century and combines stunning Elizabethan architecture with medieval and Tudor elements.
Image courtesy of BBC - Map


Shaftesbury Abbey
In the second episode, "Obedience," Cromwell visits Shaftesbury Abbey, where he encounters a young nun named Dorothea Clancy, played by Hannah Khalique-Brown.

As Shaftesbury Abbey has been largely in ruins since the 16th century, these scenes were filmed at the magnificent Gloucester Cathedral.

Renowned for its intricate fan vaulting and historic stained glass windows, Gloucester Cathedral gained fame as a filming location for the Harry Potter films.
Image courtesy of BBC - Map


The Bishop's Palace Undercroft
In the third episode, "Defiance", the scene with the Duke of Norfolk (played by Timothy Spall) was filmed at the vaulted medieval Undercroft at The Bishop's Palace in Wells, Somerset.

This historic 13th century residence, surrounded by a moat and stunning gardens, has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years.
Image courtesy of BBC - Map


Long Gallery Haddon Hall Manor
The corridors of the palace court were filmed in the Long Gallery at Haddon Hall Manor in Derbyshire.

Dating back to the 12th century, this country house is a rare example of an untouched medieval estate, showcasing architectural styles from the Norman to Tudor periods.

The Long Gallery, constructed in the late 16th century, is considered one of the finest in England, exemplifying the elegance of Tudor craftsmanship.
Image courtesy of BBC and The JR James Archive - Map


The Bishop's Palace Long Gallery
This scene from the third episode was also filmed at The Bishop's Palace.

The Long Gallery on the first floor is decorated with wood paneling and portraits of various former bishops.


Wolf Hall Cathedral
The mass scene was filmed at the spectacular Wells Cathedral in Somerset.

Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, this Gothic cathedral features the oldest working clock in the world and a remarkable Chapter House.
Image courtesy of BBC - Map


Barrow Gurney Somerset
In the fourt episode, "Jenneke", Church of St Mary and St Edward in Barrow Gurney, Somerset.

With a history dating back to the 13th century, the striking tower is a Victorian Gothic design by Henry Woodyer that was extensively renovated in the late 19th century.
Image courtesy of BBC - Map


Barrow Court
The church was originally part of the Barrow Gurney Nunnery, which was later integrated into the estate of Barrow Court.

The estate was converted into a private residence following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century.
Image courtesy of BBC - Map


Berkeley Castle Great Hall
The court scene was filmed in the Berkeley Castle Great Hall.
Image courtesy of BBC - Map


Hampton Court Palace Great Hall
In the fifth episode, "Mirror", the Hampton Court Palace Great Hall appears in all its glory.

One of the most majestic surviving parts of King Henry VIII's royal residence, the walls are decorated with colourful tapestries depicting the story of Abraham.
Image courtesy of BBC - Map


Cardiff Castle Wales
The final scene was filmed at the Cardiff Castle in Wales.

Originally a Roman fort, it later became a Norman castle before being transformed into a Gothic Revival mansion by the Bute family in the 19th century.
Image courtesy of BBC and Chiral Jon - Map


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4 comments:

1- Anonymous - Nov 24, 2024, 1:01 PM
What is the real location of the scenes at Shaftesbury Abbey?

   Reply
   2- Ra Moon - Nov 24, 2024, 1:32 PM
   We just updated the post: Gloucester Cathedral.

3- Anonymous - Dec 15, 2024, 2:12 PM
The execution scene at the end of the final episode was filmed at Cardiff Castle.

   Reply
   4- Ra Moon - Dec 15, 2024, 7:02 PM
   Thank you, updated!


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