By Mushfi 
The hit historical crime drama Shardlake, adapted from the novels by C.J. Sansom, has garnered attention for its gripping mysteries and intricate plots, as well as its immersive portrayal of Tudor England. While the show’s writing and performances have been widely praised, fans often wonder where the show was filmed. The locations themselves are more than just scenic backdrops; they play a crucial role in transporting viewers back to the turbulent world of 16th-century England. In this article, we take a closer look at the filming locations that helped bring Shardlake’s captivating stories to life.
The Shardlake Series: A Brief Introduction
Before we dive into the filming locations, it’s helpful to understand the premise of the Shardlake series. The show follows Matthew Shardlake, a hunchbacked lawyer and detective working in Tudor England during the reign of King Henry VIII. Combining real historical events like the fall of Thomas Cromwell and the dissolution of the monasteries with thrilling crime stories, Shardlake provides a unique lens into this turbulent period of history. Premiering in 2021 with the first season of Dissolution, the series visually captures the intrigue and danger of the time.
The choice of filming locations plays a key role in making the world of Shardlake feel authentic, contributing to its rich atmosphere and historical depth. So, where did they film these striking scenes?
Notable Filming Locations for Shardlake
The filming of Shardlake took place across several key sites in the UK, each chosen for its historical significance and visual impact. These locations help to recreate the world of 16th-century England, from its grand cathedrals to its atmospheric countryside. Let’s explore some of the most iconic filming spots featured in the series.
York Minster – York, England
One of the most striking locations in Shardlake is York Minster, the grand Gothic cathedral in the city of York. Known as one of the largest and most beautiful cathedrals in Europe, York Minster makes an unforgettable impression on screen. The towering spires, intricate stained-glass windows, and majestic interiors are the perfect backdrop for scenes involving the powerful church figures of Tudor England.
The cathedral’s prominent role in the series emphasizes the centrality of religion in the period, with its grandeur symbolizing the immense power the church held over both politics and society during the reign of Henry VIII.
The Tower of London – London, England
Another iconic location featured in Shardlake is the Tower of London, one of the most famous and historically significant landmarks in England. Located on the banks of the River Thames, this medieval fortress has long been associated with power, imprisonment, and royal intrigue—making it an essential setting for the series.
The Tower’s dark, imposing corridors and ancient rooms—such as the Bloody Tower and White Tower—are used to great effect in the show, evoking a sense of danger and conspiracies that often swirl around Shardlake as he navigates the dangerous world of the Tudor court.
Lincoln Cathedral – Lincoln, England
Lincoln Cathedral, located in the city of Lincoln in eastern England, provides another striking filming location. Famous for its soaring Gothic spires, Lincoln Cathedral has been used in Shardlake to represent religious institutions, such as monasteries and important church headquarters.
Its rich architectural details and historical significance make it an ideal choice for depicting the religious landscape of Tudor England, especially during the period of the Reformation when King Henry VIII was asserting control over the church.
Durham Cathedral – Durham, England
The stunning Durham Cathedral, located in northeast England, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an essential location in the series. Known for its Norman architecture, the cathedral’s soaring stone arches, intricate carvings, and grandiose interior give it a timeless quality, perfectly suited for depicting the grandeur and power of the medieval church.
Durham Cathedral also plays a pivotal role in scenes exploring the complex relationship between the church and the monarchy during the early 1500s.
Hampton Court Palace – London, England
Hampton Court Palace, once the residence of King Henry VIII, is another critical filming location in Shardlake. This Tudor palace, with its impressive architecture and lush gardens, adds a regal dimension to the show. The palace’s historical ties to Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and Thomas Cromwell make it a natural choice for scenes involving the royal family and political drama.
The grandeur of Hampton Court Palace helps reinforce the period setting, highlighting the tension and intrigue surrounding the Tudor court.
The Cotswolds – Gloucestershire, England
The serene Cotswolds in Gloucestershire provides a contrast to the political intrigue and urban drama of the show. This picturesque region, with its rolling hills, charming villages, and stone cottages, evokes the rural life of Tudor England. The Cotswolds offer a peaceful, rustic backdrop for some of the series’ quieter moments, where Shardlake delves into the mysteries away from the power struggles of the court.
The region’s well-preserved medieval architecture and tranquil landscapes provide a fitting backdrop to some of the more subdued and atmospheric scenes in the series.
St Albans Cathedral – St Albans, England
Another notable filming location is St Albans Cathedral, located in Hertfordshire. Known for its impressive Norman architecture, St Albans Cathedral adds to the show’s portrayal of the centrality of religion in Tudor society. The cathedral’s long nave, vaulted ceilings, and historical importance make it an ideal location for scenes that focus on the relationship between church and state during the period.
St Albans, historically known for its ancient abbey and monastery, also brings an additional layer of depth to the religious themes explored in the series.
Oxford University – Oxford, England
Oxford’s renowned university and its iconic buildings, including the Bodleian Library and New College, are also prominently featured in Shardlake. The city’s ancient colleges, cobbled streets, and intellectual atmosphere perfectly reflect the educational and legal landscapes of Tudor England.
Oxford’s role in the series highlights Shardlake’s legal expertise and intellectual connections, grounding the show’s exploration of law and justice in a real historical context.
A Closing Perspective: The Importance of Setting in Shardlake
The filming locations of Shardlake are integral to the series, helping to create an immersive historical experience. From the towering spires of York Minster to the ancient walls of the Tower of London, the settings not only enhance the visual appeal of the show but also reinforce the political, religious, and social dynamics of Tudor England.
Each location in Shardlake plays a vital role in bringing the historical drama to life. Whether it’s the grandeur of Hampton Court Palace or the quiet beauty of the Cotswolds, these sites allow viewers to step back in time and fully immerse themselves in the world of 16th-century England.
So, the next time you tune in to watch Shardlake unravel another mystery, take a moment to appreciate the historical settings that make the world of the show so captivating and rich in detail.
FAQs:-
Where was Shardlake filmed?
Shardlake was primarily filmed in the UK, with several locations in and around England capturing the historical feel of the story. Key filming locations include:
York: The historic city of York, with its medieval streets and architecture, served as a stand-in for parts of Tudor London. Famous sites like York Minster and the city’s narrow alleys and old buildings were used to bring the world of Shardlake to life.
Oxford: Some scenes were filmed in the prestigious University of Oxford, particularly around its grand architecture, which was used to represent the scholarly and religious environment of the time.
London: Naturally, London also featured in several scenes, using specific areas that could evoke the look and feel of 16th-century London, particularly around the River Thames.
Durham Cathedral: This iconic location was used in several scenes as it reflects the grandeur and majesty of religious buildings in the era, offering an authentic setting for the ecclesiastical elements of the plot.
Lacock Abbey: A key filming location for the more “courtly” settings, this beautiful abbey also featured prominently in the filming of many period dramas.
Was the series filmed in actual Tudor locations?
Yes! Many of the locations featured in Shardlake are real historical sites that date back to or closely resemble the Tudor period. However, some areas were adapted or digitally altered to maintain the historical atmosphere while accommodating modern filming needs.
What filming locations were used to depict Tudor London?
The show cleverly utilized multiple historical sites in cities like York and Oxford to recreate the atmosphere of Tudor London. However, many of the street scenes that depict London’s urban life were shot in smaller towns and rural areas that could convincingly double for the period. The production team also used some set builds to capture the intricacies of a bustling, somewhat grim medieval capital.
To read more, Click Here