Anita Dobson as Queen Elizabeth I – ©BBC
Presenter: Dan Snow
Historical Consultant: Geoffrey Parker
Starring: Anita Dobson
Production Company: BBC
Kent Locations Used: Penshurst Place and Gardens
Armada: 12 Days to Save England is three part docudrama focusing on Queen Elizabeth I and the attack of the Spanish Armada during the summer of 1588, when England was the closest it’s ever been to being conquered.
The show combines CGI and dramatic reconstruction with discussions from leading historians. The show hopes to bring a unique insight to the dramatic historical event, when King Philip II of Spain ordered the invasion of England. The programme benefits from historical analysis of previously unseen letters written by Spanish commanders regarding their military decisions on board the ships.
For four days in December 2014, the production team visited Penshurst Place, which they described as the ‘perfect location,’ to film in a variety of rooms, including The Crypt, Sunderland Room and the Italian Gardens. These areas were used as Queen Elizabeth’s bedchamber, as well as King Philip’s office, bedroom and chapel. In addition, a prison cell was set up at the location.
Previously, Penshurst Place has also welcomed the productions of Wolf Hall (2015), The Hollow Crown – Henry V (2012) and The Other Boleyn Girl (2008).
Don’t miss episode 2 of Armada: 12 Days to Save England which airs on Sunday 31st May 2015 at 9.00pm on BBC2.
For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.
