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Knole House, Sevenoaks, to shut for filming of Sky period drama believed to be Mary and George starring Julianne Moore

19:37, 20 January 2023

updated: 20:31, 20 January 2023

An historic Kent landmark is set to shut for three weeks as a film crew rolls in.

Knole House in Sevenoaks will be closed for the filming of a new Sky period drama.

Knole House will be shut for three weeks to allow filming to take place
Knole House will be shut for three weeks to allow filming to take place

The house, parts of which date back to 15th century, will be closed from Monday.

A spokesman for the National Trust, which runs the landmark and the surrounding country park, confirmed that all of the facilities at the house would be shut until mid-February.

"The project will require Knole House and all the National Trust facilities to close completely to visitors for three weeks, January 23 to February 10, to ensure the safety of our visitors, cast, crew, volunteers and staff," they said.

"The parkland will remain open to the public as always, but the full National Trust offer from the top gate, car park, toilets, café, shops, courtyards, showrooms, Gatehouse Tower and Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio will be closed.

"Any ticketed events, tours and visits will be cancelled or rescheduled."

The whole of Knole House will be shut as filming takes place. Picture: Andreas von Einsiedel/National Trust
The whole of Knole House will be shut as filming takes place. Picture: Andreas von Einsiedel/National Trust

The exact programme that is being filmed has yet to be confirmed, but it is believed that it could be 'Mary & George', an eight-part series due to be released later this year.

It stars Julianne Moore as Mary Villiers, the woman who sculpted her son to become the lover of King James I.

It is set in the Jacobean era, from which much of the architecture currently seen at Knole House originates.

A spokesperson added that the recording of the scenes will involve "a large number of cast, crew, equipment and vehicles to be on site".

"The National Trust will also have to carry out a significant amount of work to protect and relocate items from Knole’s precious collection," they added.

Julianne Moore stars in upcoming Sky period drama 'Mary and George'. Picture: PA Photo/Sony/Jojo Whilden
Julianne Moore stars in upcoming Sky period drama 'Mary and George'. Picture: PA Photo/Sony/Jojo Whilden
Knole House dates back as early as the 15th century, but many architectural features are Jacobean
Knole House dates back as early as the 15th century, but many architectural features are Jacobean

"After filming is completed, the showrooms will be cleaned and the collection reinstated before Knole reopens on Saturday February 11, in time for the school half term holiday. The showrooms reopen on Monday, February 13."

Hannah Kay, general manager at Knole, said the team at the house was "delighted" that the house had been selected as a location for shooting.

"As Knole is a significant heritage location, we will be working hard to protect and re-locate the collections to allow filming to take place within Knole’s early 17th century showrooms," she added.

"While the parkland remains open to pedestrians as usual, our National Trust facilities will be closed until February 10 when we look forward to welcoming visitors again.”

Sky has been contacted for more information on the programmme.

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