Wolf Hall (2024) is a historical drama set in the court of King Henry VIII.
The BBC series brings to life the life and rise of Thomas Cromwell, played by Mark Rylance.
The second season, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, was filmed in multiple historical locations across England. Here are the key filming locations for the series:
Where Was Wolf Hall Filmed?
Chastleton House, Oxfordshire
Chastleton House in Oxfordshire was used to represent Putney, the location where young Thomas Cromwell (played by Mark Rylance) is attacked by his father.
The interior of this house also stood in for the Seymour family home, “Wolf Hall.”
The house’s shabby feel helped convey the Seymour family’s less-than-wealthy status at the start of the series.
Chastleton House is open to visitors and is managed by the National Trust.
Dover Castle, Kent
Dover Castle, located in Kent, was used to depict the Tower of London.
This iconic medieval fortress was the perfect stand-in for the tower where Anne Boleyn is executed.
Dover Castle was chosen over the actual Tower of London to avoid modern distractions like tourists and city buildings.
The castle is an important part of England’s history and has been used in other productions, such as Into the Woods.
Penshurst Place, Kent
Penshurst Place is another significant filming location from Kent.
This fortified house has remained largely unchanged for over 600 years and was used to film scenes in the Whitehall area of the series.
The Long Gallery at Penshurst, where characters walk through enormous rooms, was also used to recreate scenes in the royal court.
Wells, Somerset
The medieval city of Wells in Somerset, the smallest city in England, was used for several street scenes in Wolf Hall.
The city also features its cathedral, where the production team was granted special access to film in the cathedral’s library.
The library contains books that are hundreds of years old, offering an authentic touch to the filming. Visitors to Wells can explore its charming streets and nearby Bishop’s Palace.
Montacute House, Somerset
Montacute House, located in Somerset, was used to represent Greenwich Palace.
This grand house, which is part of the National Trust, has large windows and a sense of scale that was ideal for portraying the palaces built by Henry VIII.
It also reflects the grandeur Henry sought when expanding his court.
Great Chalfield Manor, Wiltshire
Great Chalfield Manor in Wiltshire served as Cromwell’s family home in the series.
Built between 1465 and 1480, this moated manor was chosen for its historic feel, representing Cromwell’s life as a successful merchant.
The house has also been featured in other period dramas, including The Other Boleyn Girl.
Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire, and Broughton Castle, Oxfordshire
Both of these impressive castles, located in Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, feature in Wolf Hall.
They are among the few castles in England with the same families living in them for generations, preserving a strong sense of history.
These locations offer visitors a chance to experience life as it was centuries ago.
Hampton Court Palace, London
For the first time, the production team filmed inside Hampton Court Palace.
This historical site was closely linked to Henry VIII and his court.
The Great Hall at Hampton Court Palace, where Henry and his court lived, was used for filming, making this a significant and authentic location for the series.
This marks the first drama to be allowed to film in the Great Hall, where Henry, Jane Seymour, and Thomas Cromwell once walked.
When Did the Filming of Wolf Hall Take Place?
Filming for Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light began in 2023, continuing throughout the year.
The historical locations selected for the production were integral in recreating the world of Tudor England, providing authenticity to the period drama.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions-
Q: Where is Chastleton House located?
A: Chastleton House is located in Oxfordshire, England. It is managed by the National Trust and is open for public visits.
Q: Can visitors tour Dover Castle?
A: Yes, Dover Castle is open to visitors. It is a historic site and offers tours showcasing the castle’s history, including its role in Wolf Hall.
Q: What is special about Wells, Somerset?
A: Wells is England’s smallest city, famous for its cathedral, which featured prominently in Wolf Hall. The cathedral library, where the production filmed, contains rare and ancient books.
Q: Was Hampton Court Palace used in any other films?
A: Yes, Hampton Court Palace has been used in various historical dramas, but the filming in the Great Hall for Wolf Hall is a unique first for the site.
Q: How can I visit the filming locations of Wolf Hall?
A: Many of the filming locations, including Chastleton House, Dover Castle, and Penshurst Place, are open to the public. Visitors can tour these historical sites and explore the locations that were used in the series.