We’ve marvelled at him in Sherlock and been scared of him in Star Trek. Now Benedict Cumberbatch is taking on the mighty role of Shakespeare’s Richard III – and he did it in Kent.

Penshurst Place was the main venue for much of the filming of the epic drama, The Hollow Crown: The War of the Roses, on BBC 2.

Marking the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death this year, the programme also stars Dame Judi Dench as Richard’s mother Cecily, Hugh Bonneville and Sophie Okonedo with Keeley Hawes as Queen Elizabeth. Filming took place at the historic house over three days, in December 2014 and January 2015.

The site did not need much preparation for the scenes, as it is totally authentic – it was even owned by Richard III.

The inner courtyard was used to depict an exterior view of the Palace of Westminster, while the Baron’s Hall acted as the Throne Room in the French palace.

More scenes were shot outside in the courtyard and the turning circle at the end of the private drive, as well as in the grade I listed parklands.

General manager Ben Thomas said: “Penshurst Place was a natural choice for The Hollow Crown as it has so many links with both Richard III and William Shakespeare.

“What’s more, it is a truly authentic location for filming.

“The house was already over 100 years old when Richard III owned it and many of the architectural and historical details are exactly as they would have been back then. When we walk through the Baron’s Hall now, we see what Richard III, Henry VIII and so many other great historical names would have seen when they walked through it centuries ago.

“The fact that Penshurst Place is privately owned also means the film crews have much more flexibility, giving the actors the full benefit of the location’s breath-taking, almost tangible sense of history.”

Scenes for the series were also filmed at Leeds Castle and Dover Castle.

Learn more about the county's sought-after film locations.