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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...
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Burnham-on-Crouch
Burnham's picturesque quayside is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Burnham-on-Crouch
Architecturally listed yacht club offering magnificent views of the River Crouch. Racing for day boats and dinghies, training for cadets and optimists - strong Junior Club. Large restaurant and bar with terrace. Visiting yachtsmen welcome.
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.
Heybridge Basin
This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county town of Chelmsford with the tidal estuary of the River Blackwater at Heybridge Basin. It is 13.8 miles (22.1 km) long and has 13 locks.
Bradwell-on-Sea
Residential sailing voyages aboard traditional vessels. Groups of 7 to 16 people, ages 12 years and upwards. No experience necessary.
Tollesbury
Tollesbury Marina is set in the heart of the East Coast on the mouth of the River Blackwater, gateway to the rivers and creeks of Essex and Suffolk.
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
Millbeach Marine Club
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.
Bradwell-on-Sea
Get on the water with Essex Outdoors for a Sailing Experience Day 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 the stunning surroundings, the choice is yours.…
Maldon
The Club offers a variety of summer sailing programme and winter socials, RYA training courses and moorings. Both novice and experienced boat owners are welcome.
Bradwell-On-Sea
Our aim is to promote and advance the enjoyment of sailing and in our case that of cruising as we do not have a junior or dinghy section.
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
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…
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