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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: 36
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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.
North Fambridge
Fambridge Lake is a peaceful spot for wildlife watching and duck feeding, with a lakeside decking and picnic area.
Maldon
For well over a thousand years Hythe Quay has been the home to Maldon's maritime community and the gateway to Maldon for vessels arriving from the sea. From the award winning Promenade Park to the pubs, restaurants and shops of Maldon High Street,…
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.
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.
East of England Paddlesports is a community of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts, enjoying getting out on the water around Essex and surrounding areas. The group organises trips and events, offers tuition and has a buy and sell group for equipment…
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.
Goldhanger
Goldhanger Sailing Club
Tollesbury
Woodup Pool open-air lido is a tidal salt water amenity pool with an area of sand at one end. Children should be supervised at all times as there are no lifeguards in attendance. During the summer months a portable toilet is provided.
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
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
Burnham's picturesque quayside is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Bradwell-on-Sea
Essex Outdoors Bradwell is a specialist sailing and power boating centre, providing high quality courses and outdoor learning opportunities to the young people of Essex, and the wider community.
North Fambridge
The North Fambridge Yacht Club was established in 1898 by founder member Francis B. Cooke and is set in a beautiful, peaceful and picture perfect location approximately 11 miles inland on the River Crouch at North Fambridge Yacht Station. The 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…
Maldon
A family sailing club situated on the upper reaches of the Blackwater with comprehensive facilities for cruisers and dinghies. Large cadet section. Members' guests welcome and temporary membership available.
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.
Bradwell-on-Sea
Othona Community is an open and inclusive Christian Community offering a choice of themed activities and courses throughout the year, including survival skills, wellbeing and art.
Burnham-On-Crouch
The Burnham Wharf Heritage C.I.C. is a dedicated community interest company with a noble mission: to restore and recover the rich maritime industrial heritage along the Burnham-on-Crouch waterfront. Their tireless efforts ensure that these…
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