The Great Fire L-R Sarah (ROSE LESLIE), Charles II (JACK HUSTON), Sam Pepys (DANIEL MAYS), Thomas Farriner (ANDREW BUCHAN), Lord Denton (CHARLES DANCE) © Ecosse Films/ITV
Writer: Tom Bradby
Starring: Andrew Buchan, Rose Leslie, Charles Dance, Jack Huston, Daniel Mays
Production company: Ecosse Films
Kent Locations: Penshurst Place and Cobham Hall
The Great Fire is a new four part ITV drama inspired by the historical events of 1666, where the capital was devastated by fire.
Set against the decadent backdrop of King Charles II’s Court, the drama focuses on the circumstances which led to the catastrophic fire. It looks at Thomas Farriner’s family life at the bakery in Pudding Lane where the fire started the King’s extravagant lifestyle, and diarist Samuel Pepys, whose recordings chronicled the turbulent Regency period.
The series was written by British journalist and novelist Tom Bradby and stars a host of acting talent including Andrew Buchan (Broadchurch, Cranford), Rose Leslie (Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey), Charles Dance (Game of Thrones, Alien 3), Jack Huston (American Hustle, Boardwalk Empire) and Daniel Mays (Mr Biggs, Public Enemies).
Jack Huston as Pepys at Penshurst Place Gardens © Ecosse Films/ITV
The Great Fire team visited Kent and filmed at Penshurst Place, doubling as King Charles II’s Court and Cobham Hall , which was used to represent Arundel House as well as various London streets.
Penshurst Place is a Medieval and Tudor fortified style manor house set in gorgeous parkland and boasts formal Elizabethan gardens. A popular film location, Penshurst Place has previously hosted productions such as The Hollow Crown – Henry V (2012), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) and Anne of the Thousand Days (1969).
Cobham Hall is a private school near to Gravesend located in 150 acres of Grade II listed parkland and has a stunning ball room, library, cobbled courtyards, formal gardens, classrooms as well as sports facilities, including a swimming pool. Cobham Hall has been used as a film location by Wild Child (2008) and Bleak House (2005).
Don’t miss The Great Fire which starts on Thursday 16th October 2014 at 21:00 on ITV1.
For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.
