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Filmed in Maldon District
An adaptation of the award-winning novel The Essex Serpent, by Essex-born writer Sarah Perry, hit TV screens in 2022 – and local viewers will recognise many of the locations.
The novel, which won the British Book Awards Book of the Year in 2016, is set in a fictional village called Aldwinter, on the edge of the Blackwater marshes, near Colchester. For the TV adaptation, which stars Claire Danes and Tom Hiddleston, the misty, Victorian landscape of the Essex marshes was supplied by North Fambridge, Tollesbury and Maldon, along with scenes in Alresford Creek near Brightlingsea and at West Mersea.
“I recalled begging to be taken to Maldon as a child, where we’d watch the oxblood sails of the Thames barges go up and down the horizon,” recalls Sarah Perry. “All these memories, old and new, created a village that seems to me so real I am surprised I can’t go for a walk along the High Road.”
Most of the filming took place in early 2021, with film crews congregating around Hythe Quay, where the traditional Thames sailing barges, including Pudge, Hydrogen Thistle, George Smeed and Centaur, formed an authentic backdrop for the period drama.
With the addition of barrow-loads of dirt spread across the concrete and dozens of old-style wooden barrels and hand carts, Hythe Quay moved convincingly back in time.
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The Hythe Quay area in particular was bustling with film buffs hoping for a glimpse of the stars, while a number of local people managed to find themselves roles as extras in the movie, including Maldon River Bailiff Nigel Harmer, pictured below.
Filming also took place in Silver Street outside the Blue Boar Hotel – which dates back to the 14th century, and as a Grade II* listed building has changed very little. The unspoiled maritime landscapes of Tollesbury and North Fambridge also provided suitable backdrops to the action, which follows the story of Cora Seaborne (Danes) who travels from London to Aldwinter after the death of her overbearing husband and develops a friendship with local vicar William Ransome (Hiddlestone).
Set in a time of earthquakes, contagions and rumours of sea monsters, The Essex Serpent novel captures the tensions between city and country, science and faith, desire and duty. Celebrated actors Claire Danes, best known for the powerful drama Homeland, and Tom Hiddleston, who played Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe but here channels his more sensitive role in The Night Manager, are bound to make it unmissable to watch as well. The six-episode mini series is available on Apple TV.
Now visit the film locations...
Number of results: 34
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Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury
Fellowship Afloat's centre is a unique place for adventure, relaxation and exploring the environment.
Based on a converted lightvessel moored on the coast, it's an ideal activity venue for youth clubs, schools, churches, special needs groups and…
Maldon
Established in 1949 the MYC is a small but thriving sailing club situated at the end of the promenade opposite Byrhtnoth. The Clubhouse is a converted barge which provides a galley, bar, changing rooms and a clubroom.
Goldhanger
Goldhanger Sailing Club
Heybridge
A small club with simple facilities and low membership costs catering for a mix of small craft. Most sailing is informal but several organised events are held each year.
Bradwell-on-Sea
Get on the water with Essex Outdoors and experience a day out with a difference on board a high speed RIB powerboat on the River Blackwater Estuary. Whether you want to learn the ropes and try your hand at helming or simply sit back, relax and enjoy…
North Fambridge
Dawnbreaker IV has been built to a high specification to provide you with a fishing experience second to none. Fully insured and licenced for 10 persons and Code of Practice for up to 60 miles. Capable of up to 28 knots and with a comfortable…
Maldon
Frangipani SUP is a friendly, family run Stand Up Paddle (SUP) board school based in Maldon, Essex. We operate in various locations in Essex including Maldon, Chelmsford and surrounding areas.
North Fambridge
West Wick Yacht Club organizes both motor and sailing events including club racing, cruising, and social. Members receive a wide range of benefits including local chandler’s discounts, free racing, subsidised events and much more. To find out about…
St Lawrence
Sailing Club on the south side of the Blackwater River offering full dinghy racing programme and cruiser sailing with full social activities plus canoeing.
Heybridge
Rowing and Pedalo hire for days out in the summer on the picturesque lake at Chigborough Fisheries. Life jackets must be worn at all times on board.
Maldon
Brent has been a much loved local landmark for over 40 years. It is the last surviving steam tug of the Port of London Authority’s fleet. Full restoration is planned for this unique vessel.
Maldon
Marigold Charters offers sailing adventures on and around the river Blackwater. Their vessel Marigold is a Gravesend Bawley built upon the lines of the Lilliam in 1869.
Maldon
Sea-Change provides residential opportunities for young people and vulnerable adults to learn and develop in a unique environment. By living and working together aboard a traditional sailing vessel they participate in a wide range of life skills and…
Maldon
Millbeach Marine Club
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