Secrets of Great British Castles film locations

Secrets of Great British Castles (2016)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
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. 

Secrets of Great British Castles (2015)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Dan in front of Dover Castle keep

Dan in front of Dover Castle keep © Sideline/Group M

Production Company: Sideline

Kent Locations: Dover Castle

A new Channel 5 series, Secrets of Great British Castles, sees historian Dan Jones explore the history and legends of the UK’s great fortresses.

As Dan gets glimpses behind the walls of these British strongholds, he discovers the stories of drama, romance, rebellion, royalty and murder which have come to define the last 1000 years of British history.

The first episode in the series features  Dover Castle and takes Dan behind the battlements. He descends down into the underground and discovers the vast network of tunnels which were used to defend both the castle and the country for centuries.

Dover Castle is a medieval castle situated on the top of the White Cliffs of Dover. It was founded in the 12th century and has been described as ‘The Key to England’ due to its defensive significance throughout history. It is the largest castle in England and boasts and extensive network of underground tunnels.

The castle is now open to visitors throughout the year and is managed by English Heritage.

Whilst filming at Dover Castle, the production also visiting The Grand Shaft, a unique 1800s triple spiral staircase used as a defence system for the rapid movement of troops from the cliff top to the beach in Dover.

Dover Castle has previously welcomed productions such as Into The Woods (2015), BBC One’s drama Wolf Hall (2015), and The Other Boleyn Girl (2008).

Don’t miss the first episode of The Secrets of Great British Castles featuring Dover Castle on Channel 5 at 20:00, 3rd April 2015.

 

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