Secrets of Great British Castles (2016)

Dan Jones standing in front of the water at Leeds Castle with the castle in the background.

Dan Jones at Leeds Castle © Sideline and Channel 5

Production Company: Sideline

Kent Locations Used:  Leeds Castle

Secrets of Great British Castles returns for a second series, where historian Dan Jones explores the turbulent history behind Britain’s castles. Exploring the secrets behind the castles, Dan uncovers stories of intrigue, drama, romance, rebellion, and murder.

Between May and June 2016, the production team filmed at Leeds Castle where Dan Jones delves into its history, seen and unseen, such as the hidden 13th Century bathhouse built for Edward I. For the first time visitors will be able to hear about top secret letters between Winston Churchill and Geoffrey Lloyd, Minister in charge of the Secret Petroleum Warfare Department, detailing fascinating World War II plans that had their inception at Leeds Castle.

Set in the outskirts of the county town of Kent, Maidstone is the beautiful Leeds Castle which is set over 500 acres and boasts stunning period rooms, gardens, a moat, woodlands, maze with shell grotto and an aviary boasts medieval themed rooms. Leeds Castle has previously been used as a film location by film The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses (2016), Gadget Man (2014) and Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949).

The Leeds Castle episode of Secrets of Great British Castles airs on Channel 5 at 20:00 on Friday 25th November 2016.

 

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