Fort Amherst

The Witcher – Series 3 (2023)

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Henry Cavill, Freya Allan and Anya Chalotra in The Witcher. The three stand against a smoky backdrop, pieces of debris floating behind them. Cavill has shoulder-length white hair, is wearing a black leather jacket and holding a sword. Allan has white hair worn in a plait, and wears a green homespun shirt under a brown leather vest. Chalotra has long dark hair and wears a purple brocade dress and black necklace.

The Witcher S3 (2023) © Netflix

Creator: Lauren Schmidt
Starring: Henry Cavill, Freya Allan, Anya Chalotra
Production Company: Cinesite, Hivemind, Netflix, Pioneer Stilking Films, Platige Image
Kent Locations Used: Jolly Farm, Fort Amherst

Based on the book series of the same name by Polish writer Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher (2023) is a Netflix drama series which explores the legend of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter struggling to find his place in the medieval-inspired land known as the Continent.

Adapted for the screen by Lauren Schmidt (The West Wing, Daredevil), The Witcher stars Henry Cavill (The Man From U.N.C.L.E (2015), Enola Holmes 2 (2022)) as Geralt of Rivia, Freya Allan (The Third Day (2020), Gunpowder Milkshake) as Ciri and Anya Chalotra (Wanderlust, The ABC Murders) as Yennefer.

Production visited Kent for Series 3 to film at Fort Amherst and transform a barn at Jolly Farm into a medieval tavern.

Built during Napoleonic times to defend Medway from a land-based attack, Fort Amherst consists of run-down period outbuildings, cannons, defensive ditches, dressed period guard quarters, and atmospheric underground tunnels. Previous productions to have filmed there include Darkest Hour (2018), Jekyll and Hyde (2015) and Partners in Crime (2015).

Situated in Sevenoaks district, Jolly Farm has 250 acres of arable and pastoral farmland, ancient parkland and woodland, as well as multiple farm buildings, a historic untouched stable courtyard, vintage-packed farmhouse and quintessential English cottage. ITV series The Larkins (2021-2022) also filmed at Jolly Farm.

Series 3 of The Witcher (2023) will be released on Netflix, with Part 1 dropping on Thursday 29th June 2023 and Part 2 following on Thursday 27th July 2023.

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

The Nevers (2021)

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Laura Donnelly and Ann Skelly are standing arm in arm looking into the distance. They are dressed in Victorian clothes in a London street with washing hanging behind them.

Laura Donnelly and Ann Skelly in The Nevers – Hanged (2021) © HBO / Keith Bernstein

Creator and Director: Joss Whedon
Writer: Joss Whedon, Melissa Iqbal, Kevin Lau, Madhuri Shekar, Jane Espenson
Starring: Laura Donnelly, Olivia Williams, Ben Chaplin, Eleanor Tomlinson, James Norton, Pip Torrens, James Norton, Nick Frost, Denis O’Hare
Production Company: HBO
Kent Locations Used: The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Fort Amherst

This 12-part, direct to TV series is an epic science fiction drama about a gang of Victorian women who find themselves with unusual abilities, relentless enemies and a mission that might change the world.

The Nevers (2021) was co-written by Joss Whedon (Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Melissa Iqbal (Humans (2016), Origin), Kevin Lau (Lovecraft Country, Damnation), Madhuri Shekar (Sister Act 3, Evil Eye), and Buffy co-writer Jane Espenson (Once Upon a Time, Game of Thrones). The series was also directed by Joss Whedon. This is not the first time Whedon has filmed in Kent, as he filmed at Dover Castle for Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015).

Laura Donnelly (Outlander, Britannia (2021)) leads the cast as Amalia True, the most reckless, hero of her time. Olivia Williams (Victoria and Abdul (2017), The Halcyon (2017)) plays the role of Lavinia Bidlow, wealthy spinster and champion of The Touched, who funds the orphanage where Amalia lives. Eleanor Tomlinson (The Outlaws, Poldark) plays Mary Brighton, a gentle but resilient woman who pursues her dream of singing on stage despite a disappointing career.

Ben Chaplin (The Thin Red Line, The Children Act) is the deeply moral Detective Frank Mundi, a man caught between the powerful and The Touched. Pip Torrens (The Crown Series 1 – 6 (2016-2023), Roadkill) is the unflappable Lord Massen, a former general determined to protect the established order from The Touched.  Nick Frost (The Boat that Rocked (2009), Shaun of the Dead) portrays Declan Orrun, aka the Beggar King, a low-level crime lord. Denis O’Hare (American Horror Story, Dallas Buyers Club) plays Dr. Edmund Hague, a gifted American surgeon who uses his skills in the most brutal way possible and James Norton (Grantchester (2014), Little Women) plays pansexual posh boy, Hugo Swann.

In 2019, production visited The Historic Dockyard Chatham, making use of multiple areas at the location as London doubles for Victorian streets including the Ropery exterior, Anchor Wharf, Stables and Officers’ Terrace. In Episode One a stunt scene filmed on Ropery Street appears with masked horsemen chasing the protagonists Amalia True, Penance Adair (Ann Skelly) and Myrtle Haplisch (Viola Prettejohn). The rear of the Ropery building also stands in as a theatre stage door entrance. The Stables houses stand in for Dr Horatio’s (Zackary Momoh) home and Officer’s Terrace stands in for the London street where Maladie (Amy Manson) is led away to an “asylum for the psychologically deranged”. The Historic Dockyard Chatham also provided a unit base for cast and crew during filming at Fort Amherst. Production also filmed at Fort Amherst to depict colonial scenes for the second part of the series, which unfortunately never aired.

Various locations in the Medway area provided unit base facilities to support The Nevers cast and crew during filming. The Dockside Retail Outlet Chatham and The Medway Campus of Greenwich University provided car parking and Gillingham Football Club provided a base for Supporting Artists. The Historic Dockyard Chatham provided unit base facilities in the exterior car parks and on Anchor Wharf, while the Fitted Rigging House was utilised for crowd holding between scenes.

Set on the River Medway, The Historic Dockyard Chatham was once an active Royal Navy shipyard and is one of the most popular Kent filming locations, particularly for period dramas looking for London street doubles. Recent period drama TV productions include Pennyworth Series 1 (2019), Belgravia (2020) and The Crown Series 1 – 6 (2016-2023).

The first half of The Nevers (2021) was made available to stream on NOWTV on Monday 17th May 2021. Unfortunately, the series was axed before the second half was released.

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

Darkest Hour (2018)

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Gary Oldman in his role as Chrurchill giving the Victory sign in parliament in the film the Darkest Hour (2017)

Gary Oldman in Darkest Hour (2017) Photo by Jack English © 2017 FOCUS FEATURES LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED


Writer: Anthony McCarten

Director: Joe Wright

Starring: Gary Oldman, Lily James, Ben Mendelsohn, Kristin Scott Thomas, Stephen Dillane, Ronald Pickup, Samuel West

Production Company: Wanda Pictures and Working Title Films

Kent Locations Used: Fort Amherst and Chartwell House

Darkest Hour is a war drama that follows Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman) as he becomes Prime Minister at the start of the Second World War. Churchill is faced with a tough decision: negotiate with Adolf Hitler, who rages war across Europe, or fight and risk many British lives.

Darkest Hour is written by Anthony McCarten (The Theory of Everything) and directed by Joe Wright (Pride and Prejudice). The film stars Gary Oldman (The Dark Knight Rises), Lily James (Cinderella), Ben Mendelsohn (Rogue One), Kristin Scott Thomas (Only God Forgives), Stephen Dillane (Game of Thrones), Ronald Pickup (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), Samuel West (Suffragette) and many others.

Several scenes from the production were filmed at Fort Amherst which itself was used during World War II as an Air Raid Warning command post. Fort Amherst has tunnels that have featured in many films, such as Jekyll and Hyde (2015).

Other scenes were filmed in the grounds of Chartwell House, Churchill’s former home. Set in delightful gardens, Chartwell is a National Trust property in Westerham and the rooms remain much as they were when Churchill lived there. Chartwell has previously been used as a film location by productions such as Flog It! (2014) and The Gathering Storm (2002).

Darkest Hour will be released in the UK on 12th January 2018.

See Darkest Hour trailer here:

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jekyll and Hyde (2015)

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Tom Bateman as Jekyll and Hyde - standing on a cobbled street with a bridge in the background at night

Tom Bateman as Jekyll and Hyde © ITV

Director: Colin Teague

Writer: Charlie Higson

Starring: Tom Bateman, Richard E Grant, Natalie Gumede

Production company: ITV Studios

Kent Locations Used: Rochester, The Guildhall Museum, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Elmley Nature Reserve,  Fort Amherst

ITV’s new ten-part series Jekyll and Hyde is set in the 1930’s and features Robert Jekyll, the grandson of the original famed Dr Jekyll.

This new action adventure starts with Robert Jekyll living with his foster parents in India, ignorant of his family history and his mysterious, inherited condition. The drama begins when Robert Jekyll unveils the nature of his ‘curse’ which sees him transform into Hyde in moments of extreme anger, stress and when lives are threatened.

The show was conceived by Charlie Higson (Young Bond, The Enemy) and inspired by The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. Higson executive produces the series alongside Francis Hopkinson (Henry VIII, Colditz, Wallander) and Foz Allan (Wolfblood, The Dumping Ground, Robin Hood) as Series Producer.

Jekyll and Hyde cast on a cobbled street with old building behind them

Jekyll and Hyde cast © ITV

Directed by Colin Teague (Torchwood, The Last Drop) and starring Tom Bateman (Da Vinci’s Demons, The Tunnel) as Jekyll and Hyde alongside Richard E Grant (Doctor Who, Downton Abbey) and Natalie Gumede (Doctor Who, Coronation Street).

The Jekyll and Hyde production team chose to film in Kent between February and July 2015 at Rochester High Street where the exterior of Vraitch Vision doubles as Empire music hall in London and The Guildhall Museum features as the hotel where Dr Jekyll (Tom Bateman) first lodges when arriving in England. The Historic Dockyard Chatham was used to double as Gravesend Docks, Tenebrae offices and factory and various areas of the site feature as London Streets and markets.

Elmley Nature Reserve features in episode three as the setting for Maggie’s (Niamh Walsh) country house, where Robert Jekyll, Garson (Donald Sumpter), Max Utterson (Christian McKay) and Hils (Ruby Bentall) visit before a showdown with The Cutter (Jason La Shard).  The Fort Amherst tunnels are used in episodes 9 and 10 where Jekyll finds out about the powers of The Incubus.

Rochester is a historic city with a Medieval Cathedral and castle. Productions such as  BBC’s The Mystery of Edwin Drood (2012) and Great Expectations (1989) have previously filmed in the city.

The Historic Dockyard Chatham is set across an 80 acre site with Georgian and Victorian historic buildings, a dry dock, cobbled streets and industrial buildings. The location has previously been used in Call the Midwife , Mr Turner (2015) and Les Miserables (2013).

Elmley Nature Reserve is a large expanse of marshland located on the Isle of Sheppey. The marshes have previously been used by productions such as Great Expectations (2012), Great British Railway Journeys (2014) and A Taste of Britain (2014).

Based in Chatham, Medway is Georgian Fortress, Fort Amherst which is in a 17 acre park like setting with large tunnel complex, woodland, WW2 gun battery and sloping grassland. Fort Amherst has also been used as a filming location by Partners in Crime (2015), Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) and The Mission (1987).

Don’t miss Jekyll and Hyde which starts on Sunday 25th October at 18:30 on ITV.

 

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

Partners in Crime (2015)

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Tommy (David Walliams) pulling Tuppence (Jessica Raine) by the hand towards the camera in a field, a red car is behind with the doors open

Tommy (David Walliams), Tuppence (Jessica Raine) – © Endor Productions

Director: Edward Hall

Writers: Agatha Christie (Based on the novel by), Zinnie Harris and Claire Wilson (Screenplay)

Starring: David Walliams, Jessica Raine

Production company: Endor Productions, Agatha Christie Productions

Kent Locations Used: The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Fort Amherst

Set in 1950s Britain, Agatha Christie’s Partners in Crime is a 6 part adventure series following married beekeeper couple Tommy (Walliams) and Tuppence (Raine) Beresford as they stumble into a world of murder, undercover agents and Cold War conspiracy.

Much to the dismay of her cautious husband Tuppence seeks adventure around every corner and throws her all into every mystery, determined to catch the perpetrator and uncover the truth.

Tommy and Tuppence are at the heart of Agatha Christie’s novels alongside more recognisable characters like Miss Marple and and Poirot. This new BBC series brings a fresh take on old figures, introducing them to a new generation.

The production filmed at Fort Amherst in Chatham, as well as crossing over the road to The Historic Dockyard to film several London street scenes.

Previously, Fort Amherst has been used in Sherlock Holmes – A Game of Shadows (2011) and The Mission (1986). The Historic Dockyard has played host to a number of productions including Arthur & George (2015), Downton Abbey (2013) and Les Miserables (2013).

Make sure you tune into Partners in Crime on Sunday 26th July at 9pm on BBC1.

 

 

 

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

Sean Bean on Waterloo (2015)

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View from Fort Amherst- roofs of houses with the river Medway behind

View from Fort Amherst ©Kentfilmoffice

 

Starring: Sean Bean

Production Company: Wavelength Films

Kent Locations: Chatham, Fort Amherst

On the 18th June 1815, The Battle of Waterloo was fought between France and the Seventh Coalition; this year will mark the 200th anniversary of that Battle. To honour that anniversary, a two part documentary will air, presented by actor Sean Bean. The documentary will feature evidence from eye witness accounts, along with modern military experts to help tell the story of the conflict. Alongside military experts, Sean Bean will be testing tactics and weapons that were used during the battle and compare them with present day strategies. This documentary is hoping to “provide a ground level perspective” on the Battle.

The documentary has been produced by Independent company, Wavelength Films, and has been commissioned by A+E networks UK. Sean Bean has previously played fictional British soldier, Richard Sharpe on the historical war drama ‘Sharpe’ (5 May 1993 –9 November 2008). Bean himself said “I have always been interested in the story of Waterloo especially since I played the role of Richard”. He also stated that “[Sharpe’s] adventures were based on real events 200 years ago”. When this documentary was first announced Sean Bean stated “I am excited to be following the footsteps of Sharpe and those who fought in the Battle of Waterloo to tell the story of the iconic battle on history.”

Filming for this special documentary has taken place in Belgium and England, and has also included iconic locations like Fort Amherst in Chatham, Medway, Kent which has been used for weapons testing and re-enactments of the battle.

Fort Amherst has tunnels that have featured in many films, such as Sherlock Homles: A Game of Shadows (2011- the tunnels were used as the escape tunnels at the French Resistance in Paris) and The Mission (1986- Fort Amherst’s tunnels were used as part of the convent where Mendoza (Robert De Niro) is being held after he kills his brother).

The program will air on Sunday June 14th June at 10pm on the History UK channel, Sky: 529 and 530 (+1), Virgin Media: 234, BT: 327, TalkTalk: 327.

 

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

Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows (2011)

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Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr infront of a view of London

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows Movie Poster © Warner Bros.

Director: Guy Ritchie

Producer:  Bruce Berman

Writers: Michael Mulroney, Kieran Mulroney (Screenplay) & Arthur Conan Doyle (Novel)

Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law, Eddie Marsan, Noomi Rapace, Jared Harris & Stephen Fry

Production Company: Village Roadshow Pictures, Silver Pictures, Wigram Productions

Kent Locations Used: The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Port of Dover, White Cliffs of Dover, The Waverley Paddlesteamer, Knole & Fort Amherst

Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law revisit their roles as the great Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson in Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows. When the Crown Prince of Austria is found dead, inspector Lestrade (Eddie Marsdan-Law and Order UK ) believes it to be suicide. But Holmes deduces that the prince has been a victim in a murder that is part of a larger and more elaborate plot designed by Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris- Fringe).

Holmes tracks down the clues to a gentleman’s club where he and his brother Mycroft Holmes (Stephen Fry-Alice in Wonderland) celebrate to Dr Watson’s final night of bachelorhood. There Holmes meets the mysterious fortune teller Sim (Noomi Rapace-The Girl Who kicked the Hornet’s Nest) whose unwitting involvement with the Crown Prince’s murder makes her the next target for the killer.

Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows was adapted by Michele Mulroney (Unlikely Hero, Sunny & Share Love You) and Kieran Mulroney (Paper Man) and directed by Guy Ritchie (Snatch, RocknRolla).  Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man, Tropic Thunder) and Jude Law (The Talented Mr. Ripley, Enemy at the Gates) return in the starring roles alongside Noomi Rapace (The Drop, Child 44), Rachel McAdams (The Notebook, Spotlight), Stephen Fry (V for Vendetta Alice in Wonderland) and Jared Harris (Lincoln, The Boxtrolls).

A number of popular Kent locations take a starring role in this latest blockbuster from director Guy Ritchie. The cast and crew returned to The Historic Dockyard Chatham where the Punchbowl Pub fight scenes and the hanging of Lord Blackwood amongst other scenes were filmed for the first movie.  Eagle eyed viewers should watch the trailer below and see if they can spot the dockyards alongside the other Kent Locations! The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a popular film location, having previously featured in Rustom (2016) and Oliver Twist (2007).

The production company also visited the Port of Dover  where they boarded the Waverley Paddle Steamer to film the White Cliffs of Dover. The paddle steamer was re-built in 1947 after the original was sunk off Dunkirk in 1940 and now sails around the country offering tours to the general public. The Port of Dover can be seen in Johnny English (2003) starring Rowan Atkinson and in the James Bond classic Diamonds are Forever (1971) starring Sean Connery as the location for a dramatic hovercraft scene.

National Trust Property Knole in Sevenoaks was also used, though you’ll have a hard time spotting the structure of the inner courtyard in its new Alpine setting. Adored by Henry VII and given to him by the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1538, it later was presented to the Sackville family by Elizabeth I. The house showcases stunning architecture, priceless Stuart furniture and is set at the heart of the only remaining deer park in the county.  A popular film location it has appeared in Great British Railway Journeys – Series 7 (2016) and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011).

Lastly, crews took to Fort Amherst in Chatham to shoot scenes for the film. The extensive tunnels were the perfect double for the Paris sewer system. The fort is Britain’s largest Napoleonic Fortress and with an impressive network of historic buildings across 20 acres, it is becoming a firm favourite for film productions. Fort Amherst has also featured in Jekyll and Hyde (2016) and The Saint (1997). Considered one of Britain’s most haunted Forts, it is open to the public, though apparently you’ll risk meeting one of the many poltergeists and ghostly apparitions that walk there.

Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows was released in cinemas in  December 2011 and is now available to buy on DVD.

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

The Saint (1997)

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The Saint movie poster- head shot of main character staring at the camera with blue mist behind him, Saint is written in white.

The Saint movie poster © Paramount Pictures

Director: Phillip Noyce

Starring: Val Kilmer, Elizabeth Shue, Henry Goodman, Rade Šerbedžija, Alun Armstrong 

Production Company: Paramount Pictures, Rysher Entertainment, Mace Neufeld Productions, Robert Evans Company

Kent Filming Location: Fort Amherst, Chatham

Inspired by the 1928 novels and following in the footsteps of the 1960’s TV series, starring Roger Moore, The Saint is about Simon Templar (Val Kilmer – Batman Forever, Heat), a suave and sophisticated international thief who has one last job before he can comfortably retire. Known as a master of disguise, he assumes the names of saints for his false identities.  When he is tasked by the Russian Mafia with stealing the cold fusion formula created by the stunning Dr Emma Russell (Elizabeth Shue – Hollow Man, Back to the Future II) love proves to be a dangerous distraction.

The Saint is directed by Phillip Noyce (Salt, The Bone Collector, Patriot Games) and stars Val Kilmer (Heat, Batman Forever, Top Gun) and Elizabeth Shue (Back to the Future Part II, Hollow Man, Leaving Las Vegas), Rade Šerbedžija (Snatch, Batman Begins), Henry Goodman (Notting Hill, Avengers: Age of Ultron) and Alun Armstrong (Braveheart, Sleepy Hollow).

The atmospheric Georgian fortress of Fort Amherst, Chatham, provided the perfect location to film the scene in the sewers of Moscow where Templar and Russell hide.

Fort Amherst is a Georgian Fortress over 17 acres, including a tunnel complex, park like setting, woodland, WW2 gun battery and sloping grassland and is known as one of the most haunted forts in Britain. Fort Amherst has also been used as a filming location by Jekyll and Hyde (2015), Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) and The Mission (1987).

The Saint was released in cinemas in April 1997 and is now available to buy on DVD.

 

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

The Mission (1986)

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The Mission DVD cover- Robert De Niro standing on tree branches and rocks pointing a sword at the camera. The mission written in green.

The Mission DVD cover ©Columbia-Cannon-Warner

Director: Roland Joffe

Starring: Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, Liam Neeson, Ronald Pickup, Aidan Quin

Production Company: Warner Bros., Goldcrest Films International, Kingsmere Productions Ltd., Enigma Productions, AMLF

Kent locations used:  Fort Amherst

Mendoza (Robert De Niro) holding Father Gabriel (Jeremy Irons)up by the collar in confrontation

Mendoza (Robert De Niro) and Father Gabriel (Jeremy Irons) filming at Fort Amherst ©Columbia-Cannon-Warner

The Mission is an Oscar winning action film focused on the story of Rodrigo Mendoza (Robert De Niro), who after killing his brother, is given the chance by Father Gabriel (Jeremy Irons) to redeem his sins. They both travel to Brazil on a mission to bring Christianity to a native South American tribe. However, when the church comes under pressure from the Portuguese empire, they sell the land the mission is built on, putting its future in jeopardy.

The film features Oscar winners Robert De Niro (Taxi Diver, Mean strrets) and Jeremy Irons (Reversal of Fortune, Waterland). Also starring Liam Neeson(Non-Stop, Batman Begins), Ronald Pickup(Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time) and Aidan Quin(Legends of the Fall, Unknown).

The tunnels of Fort Amherst were used as part of the monastery where Mendoza (Robert De Niro) is being held after he murders his brother. Fort Amherst was originally built in 1755, containing a labyrinth of underground tunnels and hidden gun positions, to improve the defense of the River Medway. Fort Amherst has previously welcomed other productions such as Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) and The Saint (1997).

The Mission first premiered in 1986 and is now available to buy on DVD.  

 

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