Features
The Tudor trail
Set-jetters, tourists who visit
film locations, are poised to
descend on Kent with the
release this weekend of the
film, The Other Boleyn Girl.
Here are some of the must-see
destinations
KENT takes a starring role in
the film, The Other Boleyn
Girl, which follows the story of
sisters Anne (Natalie Portman)
and Mary Boleyn (Scarlett Johansson)
who compete for the love of
Henry VIII (Eric Bana).
With scenes shot at Penshurst Place,
Knole and Dover Castle and with many
of the countyfs other attractions featuring
in the lives of the Boleyn sisters and
Henry VIII, the county is the perfect
place for those wishing to relive the dramatic
tale.
Hever Castle and Penshurst Place
Hever Castle at Edenbridge was the reallife
home to the upwardly mobile Boleyn
family. In Philippa Gregoryfs novel, on
which the film is based, Mary yearns to
escape from the pressures of Londonfs
court to be with her illegitimate royal
children at this fairytale palace.
The moated Tudor dwelling in enchanting
gardens became the backdrop
for King Henryfs courtship of Anne.
Heverfs treasures tell how their relationship
unfolded; from the replica of
the clock Henry presented to Anne on
their wedding in 1533, to the prayer book
she clasped on her way to the executionerfs
block in 1536. (www.hevercastle.co.uk).
Penshurst Place, Tonbridge, was the
setting for key scenes in the movie. This
spell-binding stately home set amid
Tudor gardens became the film double
for Whitehall Palace.
The magnificent medieval Baronfs
Hall was the big screen stage for Henry
and Annefs wedding feast. Hear firsthand
stories from the set, as told by Penshurstfs
room guides, several of whom
became extras for three days. (www.penshurstplace.
com).
Where to stay
Hotel du Vin in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
This stylish hotel is set in one of the
historic spa townfs architectural
landmarks, a Grade II listed sandstone
mansion. (01892-526455, www.hoteldu
vin.com).
Set in 14 acres of grounds on the
edge of Royal Tunbridge Wells, The
Spa Hotel is an elegant country
mansion with 70 individually-styled
bedrooms, many of which offer view
over the grounds. (01892-520331,
www.spahotel.co.uk).
Knole
Knole in Sevenoaks depicts London by
night in the film. The Green Court and
Stone Court are transformed into the
movie setting for the departure of the
Boleyn family from court.
In Tudor times Knole belonged to
Thomas Cranmer, the Archbishop of
Canterbury who supported Henry VIIIfs
divorce of Queen Catherine and marriage
to Anne Boleyn. Henry acquired
the home in 1538, making the most of the
hunting in the superb medieval deer
park. (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole).
Where to stay
The Royal Oak Hotel, Sevenoaks, an
18th Century former coaching inn.
(01732-451109, www.brook-hotels.co.uk).
Dover Castle and the White Cliffs of
Dover
The filmmakers chose Dover Castle to
portray the brooding presence of the
Tower of London, following Annefs
downfall. Visitors can retrace the steps
Anne takes to the executionerfs block. A
Castle Fit For A King. (www.englishheritage.
org.uk).
For further information on places
to visit and stay in Kent go to
www.visitkent.co.uk
10:03am Saturday 1st March 2008
Print 
Email this
What are these links for?
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
More on Digg
More on del.icio.us
More on Furl
More on reddit
More on NowPublic/
More on Yahoo!