Look out for Knole in this year’s biggest romantic drama – a film adaptation of the best-selling novel by Philippa Gregory – ‘The Other Boleyn Girl’.
Filmed in the UK in late 2006 at various locations including Knole, ‘The Other Boleyn Girl’ was released on 7 March 2008. It follows the story of sisters Anne (Natalie Portman) and Mary Boleyn (Scarlett Johansson) who, encouraged by the social ambitions of their family, compete for the love of King Henry VIII (Eric Bana).
In the film Knole depicts the Tudor era at Whitehall Palace, and can be seen in several scenes as characters ride to and from court. The Green Court and Stone Court became the backdrop for the departure of the Boleyn sisters from London - Mary in a carriage with her illegitimate son and Anne, on horseback with Henry, under the watchful gaze of a distraught Catherine of Aragon.
Property Manger Steven Dedman says:
'During filming Knole became a hive of activity. The internal courtyards were dramatically altered to depict Whitehall Palace in London. To make sure the process ran smoothly, we created a team of approximately 25 volunteers who, along with most of the staff at Knole,oversaw filming from start to finish. This meant that the ancient and fragile nature of the property was protected at all times. One of the team even ended up as an 'extra' in the film!'
© NTPL / Rupert Truman
He continues:
'In the frequent breaks between shots, both Scarlett and Natalie were particularly interested in the history of Knole and often asked questions about the house and the people that lived in it. They were also fantastic horsewomen – their riding scenes were incredible to watch. The whole experience, whilst hard work, was thoroughly enjoyed by all of the property.'
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