Filming was underway all last week in Pembroke Castle for what is understood to be a film version of the hit BBC3 sitcom, Bad Education. It is being made by Tiger Aspect Productions under the working title of Rosebud.
Stars including comedian Jack Whitehall and Steve Speirs of Stella fame posed for photographs with fans as they entered and left the castle. During filming they stayed in Tenby and enjoyed several meals at the excellent Blue Ball restaurant there.
The majestic Norman, stone built castle on the banks of the river in Pembroke stands on the sight of the original medieval castle and was the birthplace of King Henry VII in 1457. It was then defended against Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War by Colonels, Poyer (Carol’s ancestor), Laugharne and Powell; Colonel Poyer eventally being taken to Covent Garden and shot for his trouble.
Filming in Pembroke Castle is nothing new. In 1976 the Castle was used for the jousting scenes in the film “Jabberwocky” directed by Terry Gilliam and starring the Monty Python team.
In 1989, it was used as the set of King Miraz’s castle in the BBC production of C S Lewis’s Prince Caspian.
In 2011, scenes of Richard II, shown as part of the BBC’s Shakespeare season The Hollow Crown, were shot at Pembroke and it also features in the opening scene of The Lion in Winter in which the future Richard I, played by Anthony Hopkins, jousts with another knight.
Filming of a major Hollywood blockbuster based on the bestseller, Me Before You, is due to begin in May in Pembroke High Street.
Pembrokeshire is also due to be the location for the filming of a Games of Thrones type programme later in the Summer and historically is well known as a film location with numerous other major movies filmed in the County. These include Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Freshwater West being the location of the Shell House and Dobie’s final resting place); Robin Hood, starring Russell Crowe; The Lion in Winter, Third Star, Round Ireland with a Fridge, Snow White and the Huntsman, Moby Dick, Under Milk Wood (both the Richard Burton and Rhys Ifans versions) and the Edge of Love; to name but a few.
If you are thinking of moving to Pembrokeshire, or purchasing property here, West Wales Property Finders would be delighted to help you. Over 90% of the properties we find our clients never hit the open market, meaning they get the pick of the crop. Please call 01834 862816, email carol@westwalespropertyfinders.co.uk or check out our website on www.westwalespropertyfinders.co.uk.
