New Celebrity Sightings

Posts Tagged ‘Film locations’

Harry Potter fans will remember the scene in the movie when he makes his first flight on a broomstick,from Howart’s lawn.Well for the film location they chose Alnwick Castle.

In fact the Castle was used for both these films

2002 - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint; directed by Chris Columbus

and

2001 - Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint; directed by Chris Columbus

You can see a picture of the Hogwart’s lawn, here, however if you would like to visit the castle then there is self catering accomodation available nearby.

Famous actors and actresses have visited the Castle over the last 50 years and the following films were shot there.

998 - Monk Dawson
Starring Martin Kemp and Rhona Mitra, directed by Tom Waller

1998 - Elizabeth
Starring Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, and Christopher Eccleston; a Working Title production

1991 - Robin Hood Prince of Thieves
Alan Rickman and Kevin Costner starred

1982 - Ivanhoe
James Mason and Anthony Andrews as costars

1979 - The Spaceman and King Arthur
Jim Dale and Kenneth More starred, production be Walt Disney

1971 - Mary Queen of Scots
Starring Vanessa Redgrave and Glenda Jackson, again produced by Hal Wallis

1964 - Becket
Starring Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole, and produced by Hal Wallis

Perhaps we should also say a little about the history of the Castle.

Just 30 years after the Battle of Hastings, Yves de Vescy laid the first foundations. The year was 1096. If it helps to put the age of this magnificent castle into perspective then remember that it was built about a generation before the birth of Ghengis Khan!

The Castle has a truly unique atmosphere. Part of this is probably attributable to its age but of course there is also the architecture and layout. The carved stone figures set randomly on top of the high walls  give it a unique character and one can easily see why moviemakers favour the place.

The Bollywood film industry is massive. It is successfull, vibrant and growing. So we felt both surprise and pride when we heard that Bollywood was coming to Northumberland. More specifically to Eshot Hall just outside Alnwick.

To quote from the local newspaper…

But the latest role for the luxury country residence has been in the upcoming romantic comedy Kaun Bola, featuring Bollywood heart-throb actor Arshad Wasi.
Filming took place over three full days when the historic hall – now a five-star retreat – was taken over to accommodate the set.

So what is Eshot Hall like and where exactly is it?

Well this is one quote from their web site

The Hall is one of Northumberland’s most beautiful 17th century country houses and enjoys an idyllic setting on a 500 acre family owned estate

The history of the estate is very interesting, dating back to 1310. The following gives some idea of the early years

Records of a Hall at Eshott date back to 1310, when Roger Mauduit was given a Royal licence to crenellate his dwelling house. The Estate was formed when, in 1328, he was appointed to receive lands of value £2,000 per annum on behalf of Joan, the King’s sister.

In 1349 a rebellion on the Estate against the King led to the confiscation of the land by the Crown, but in 1358 the land was restored to John Mauduit (Roger’s son). At this point the village is referred to as ‘Esshete’ and the Castle of Esshete is mentioned in the list of fortalices in 1415 belonging to Sir John Heron, a knight. In 1535 John’s son William died and was succeeded by his granddaughter Elizabeth, who later married Thomas Carr. In 1588 William Carr purchased the Estate and in 1624 it was inherited by his grandson.

Subsequently the estate was bought and developed by the Bainbridges ( of department store fame).

It is also worth mentioning that both Catherine Cookson’s The Moth and Wire in the Blood featuring Robson Green were also filmed at the Hall.

If you would like to stay close to Eshot Hall so that you can explore the area then there is self catering accommodation which can be booked through Northumbria-byways.com.