Channel 5's latest historical drama Anne Boleyn reimagines the life and legacy of Tudor Queen Anne Boleyn through a feminist lens. Set in Tudor England, the new series chronicles the Queen's controversy, eventual downfall and her execution - but where was Channel 5's Anne Boleyn filmed?
In a statement sent to Bustle UK, it was confirmed that the series was filmed in Yorkshire in late 2020. According to the Radio Times , many of the show's filming locations were used as stand-ins for some of London's most famous Tudor landmarks, including the historic 14th-century Bolton Castle in Wensleydale, Yorkshire. Other famous locations where Anne Boleyn was filmed include Castle Howard near the city of York, St Michael's Church in the village of Emley, Harewood House in West Yorkshire, Oakwell Hall and Ripley Castle, among others.
Many of the show's picturesque filming locations - including Bolton Abbey, Castle Howard, Harewood House and Ripley Castle - are open to the public, meaning viewers can explore the Channel 5 drama's stunning backdrops.
Commenting on the filming of the show, Anne Boleyn production designer Lucy Spink discussed the difficulties of filming in the depths of Yorkshire winter. "There were a lot of people carrying heavy Tudor furniture up the little spiral staircase! It was quite a rough environment in the unheated castle, so we really felt like we were part of the Tudor world, cold and hard," Spin K said of the experience.
Actor Jodie Turner-Smith, who plays Tudor Queen Anne Boleyn in the Channel 5 drama, has also previously looked back on her experience on set, revealing how filming at historic locations such as Bolton Castle was inspiring throughout the production. "energy".
"It was so cold! It was a challenge and I think they kept the fires burning 24/7," Turner-Smith told the Radio Times . “But it’s cool because we shoot a lot at Bolton Castle and there’s definitely something dynamic about shooting in a place like this, especially when a building is historic and has so many souls running through it,” she added.
Joining Turner-Smith in the series are I May Destroy You's Papa Essiedu, White House Farm's Mark Stanley, and Date Amber's Lola Petticrew. , "White Lines" star Barry Ward, "Silent Witness"'s Amanda Burton and "Trigonometry"'s Talisa Tessel, among others.
Anne Boleyn will air on Channel 5 starting at 9pm on Tuesday 1 June and will air over three consecutive nights, with the season finale airing on Thursday 3 June .
