To Kill a King (2003)

Dover Castle as The Tower of London

Dover Castle as The Tower of London © FilmFour Productions

 

Director: Mike Barker

Writers: Jenny Mayew

Starring: Tim Roth, Dougray Scott, Olivia Williams, Rupert Everett

Production Company: FilmFour, IAC Film, Natural Nylon Entertainment, Rockwood Edge, Scion Films, Screenland Movieworld GmbH

Kent Filming Locations: Dover Castle, Penshurst Place

This feature film is set in 1645 at the end of the English Civil War. The rebel New Model Army has defeated the Royalist forces of King Charles I and Lord Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell emerge as heroes. Now the pair seeks to reform the crown and execute the King which leads to civil unrest.

Starring in this gripping historical drama is Tim Roth (Lie to Me, United Passions, Skellig), Dougray Scott (There Be Dragons, Doctor Who, Sinbad), Rupert Everett (Shrek, St Trinian’s, Stardust), Olivia Williams (Anna Karenina, Justin and the Knights of Valour, Sabotage) and Corin Redgrave (Spooks, Foyle’s War, The Trial of King Killers).

King Charles’s I (Rupert Everett) sitting in his chamber on a chair

The Baron’s Hall at Penshurst Place as the King’s Chamber © FilmFour Productions

The production visited Kent to film at Penshurst Place where the interiors doubled as Cromwell’s living quarters. Dover Castle doubled as The Tower of London and the castle’s tunnels were also used in the scene where Fairfax and Cromwell search for the king’s missing gold.

Penshurst Place is a 14th century building known for its historical significance and architectural beauty. It is a popular location for a number of film and television shows including The Other Boleyn Girl (2008), Merlin (2008) and The Princess Bride (1987).

Dover Castle was first built in 1160 and remains in the same condition as it was when first constructed.  Another popular filming location, the castle has welcomed productions such as, Poirot – The Clocks (2009), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008), Hamlet (1990).

To Kill A King also features in the Kent Film Office Tudor(ish) Trail which celebrates Kent’s Tudor history and film connections.

To Kill a King was released in cinemas in 2003 and is now available to buy on DVD.

 

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.