Filmed in Maldon District
An adaptation of the award-winning novel The Essex Serpent, by Essex-born writer Sarah Perry, hits TV screens on 13 May 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 showing on Apple TV from May 13. Subscription costs £4.99 a month, but a seven-day free trial is available.
Now visit the film locations...
Number of results: 31
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Tollesbury
Situated in the heart of one of the friendliest marinas on the East Coast facilities at this club include a restaurant and bar, swimming pool and tennis courts.
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.
Bradwell-on-Sea
Residential sailing voyages aboard traditional vessels. Groups of 7 to 16 people, ages 12 years and upwards. No experience necessary.
Maldon
Millbeach Marine Club
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…
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.
Burnham-on-Crouch
This prestigious yacht club overlooks the River Crouch and is open all year 7 days a week. It has an active junior section, an affiliated rowing club and visiting yachtsmen are always welcome.
Burnham-on-Crouch
Burnham's picturesque quayside is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
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…
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.
Goldhanger
Goldhanger Sailing Club
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