‘Mary & George’ is a British historical drama miniseries created by D. C. Moore. It transports us to 17th century England. The plot revolves around Mary Villiers and her son George. Mary’s husband dies, and they face a bleak future. Mary understands King James I’s unique personality, so she tells George how to seduce him. George grows close to the King and becomes one of his favorite subjects. However, the Earl of Somerset finds out about George’s schemes. Mary also gets entangled in a phony identity scheme. The court of King James I becomes rife with intrigue, treachery, and avarice.
The show is created by D.C. Moore and is based on the book ‘The King’s Assassin’ by Benjamin Woolley. The Starz show is a period drama that shows the Jacobean era. There are many castles, manors, and palaces in the show. As the characters’ stories unfold, viewers may wonder where the show was filmed. We have the details for you!
Where was “Mary & George” Filmed?
‘Mary & George’ is filmed at many places across England and Scotland in the UK. The country has many old buildings and historical sites. The main shooting started in January 2023 and finished in June 2023. Costume designer Annie Symons said, “We haven’t seen this period before on TV. It was exciting to explore new territory.”
London Metropolitan Area, UK
Ham House: Some scenes were filmed around London. George Villiers’ house, the London Palace, and the King’s Banquet Hall are shown in the show. George Villiers’ real house was York House on the Strand along the Thames. But in the show, Ham House in Richmond stands in for his house. This 17th-century mansion is a National Trust site and is open to the public.
The London Charterhouse: The London Charterhouse represents parts of the London Palace’s exterior, the meat market, and the King’s Banquet Hall and Kitchen. This building is located on Charterhouse Square, Barbican. It was built in 1545 and now serves as an almshouse and museum.
St. Bartholomew the Great: The royal coronation in the first season was filmed at St. Bartholomew the Great, an Anglican church at West Smithfield, Barbican. This medieval church also serves as the site for King James’ address to parliament.
Kent, UK
Knole: Kent County is known as the Garden of England. It is very important for creating the settings in ‘Mary & George.’ Knole in Sevenoaks was used for interior scenes of James’ palace. This royal residence has been there since Henry VIII’s time.
Dover Castle: Dover Castle on Castle Hill Road, known as the Key to England, was used as the Tower of London in the series. Both Knole and Dover Castle are popular tourist spots.
Other Locations in the UK
Hatfield House: Hatfield House was used to portray King James’ palace. Built in 1611, its Jacobean architecture was ideal for displaying masque plays, ballroom dancing, and royal banquets.
Crowhurst House: Scenes showing Mary’s residence were filmed at Crowhurst House in Surrey. This house was built in the Tudor Revival style by George A. Crawley. It has unique features like a moat and drawbridge.
Rothamstead Manor: Scenes of the Compton Manor, where Mary marries her final husband, were shot in Rothamstead Manor in West Common.
Long Crendon Manor: In the fourth episode, we see Long Crendon Manor in Buckinghamshire. This 12th-century property is on Frogmore Lane and now functions as a bed-and-breakfast.
Grimsthorpe Castle: Grimsthorpe Castle at Estate Office, Grimsthorpe, was used to show the French setting when George travels to France for his studies. This Lincolnshire country house stood in for the French chateau in the series.
Old Hunstanton Beach: The Old Hunstanton Beach in Norfolk was used for a beach scene in the series.
Strawberry Hill House: Scenes of an aristocratic meeting were filmed at the Strawberry Hill House on 268 Waldegrave Road in Twickenham.
Ashridge Estate: For hunting scenes, the crew went to the Ashridge Estate in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire.
Stirling Castle: The scenes located in Edinburgh were shot at Stirling Castle in Castle Wynd, Scotland. This castle commemorates King James’s periodic visits to Scotland. The series includes scenes of the castle’s interiors, particularly the rebuilt 16th-century Queen’s Inner Hall.
Doune Castle: The series also features Doune Castle, which is located on Castle Hill, Scotland.
Hampden House: The Privy Council Chamber and law chamber sequences were staged at Hampden House, located at 1 Allen Street in Hampden, Buckinghamshire. The interior is Elizabethan, while the exterior was reconstructed in Gothic style in the 18th century.
Cobham Hall: The execution sequence in the episode was shot in front of Cobham Hall. This 16th-century country home on Brewers Road in Cobham presently functions as a private ladies’ school.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Mary & George
Q: Where was ‘Mary & George’ filmed?
A: ‘Mary & George’ was filmed at various historic locations across England and Scotland. Key locations include Ham House in Richmond, The London Charterhouse, St. Bartholomew the Great in London, Knole in Sevenoaks, Dover Castle, Hatfield House, Crowhurst House in Surrey, Rothamstead Manor, Long Crendon Manor in Buckinghamshire, Grimsthorpe Castle, Old Hunstanton Beach in Norfolk, Strawberry Hill House, Ashridge Estate, Stirling Castle, Doune Castle, Hampden House, and Cobham Hall.
Q: When was ‘Mary & George’ filmed?
A: Filming for ‘Mary & George’ began in January 2023 and wrapped up in June 2023.
Q: What is the release date of ‘Mary & George’?
A: ‘Mary & George’ was released on April 5, 2024 on Starz.
Q: Who created the show ‘Mary & George’?
A:‘Mary & George’ was created by D.C. Moore and is based on the nonfiction book ‘The King’s Assassin’ by Benjamin Woolley.
Q: What is ‘Mary & George’ about?
A: ‘Mary & George’ is a period drama set in 17th-century England. It tells the story of Mary Villiers and her son, George, who plot to gain power by getting close to King James I. The show is full of intrigue, deceit, and greed as they navigate the court of King James I.
