New guidance for heritage properties published

As a new series of the hugely popular Bridgerton prepares to land on Netflix, specialist insurer Ecclesiastical has published guidance for heritage properties considering offering their premises to production companies.

GLOUCESTER, United Kingdom, May 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ecclesiastical Insurance, based in Gloucester, has launched a new filming in heritage properties guide to help property managers consider the risks of allowing film crews through their doors.

From Colin Firth’s Mr. Darcy emerging drenched from a lake at Lyme Park House, Cheshire in Pride and Prejudice to Matthew Crawley proposing to Lady Mary outside a snow-covered Highclere Castle, Hampshire in Downton Abbey, heritage properties have played a vital role in some of TV and cinema’s most celebrated moments.

Many of these iconic locations have subsequently become tourist spots as fans of the shows visit them to recreate famous scenes or follow in the footsteps of their favourite characters.

While that has been gratefully received by many locations still recovering from the impact of the pandemic on their visitor numbers and turnover, others have seen a negative impact as a result of their participation.

Amazon smash hit Saltburn, which featured iconic scenes starring Barry Keoghan dancing to ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ through the fictitious mansion, is one of the most high-profile examples in recent years of a property owner rueing their decision to allow filming to take place.

The owner of Drayton House in Lowick, Northamptonshire, which was used as the fictitious Saltburn mansion in the production, recently complained of visitors to the property trespassing in the grounds.

Another example of the impact of film crews filming at heritage properties includes damage to the fabric of the building, including floors, walls and panelling. These most commonly occur during the setup and takedown of filming sets, when equipment is leant against walls, or large equipment impacts with it.

In one incident at Highclere Castle, a turquoise chest belonging to the Countess of Carnarvon was knocked onto the floor and broken, needing repair at Sotheby’s. The staff at the stately home now move any furniture and paintings to avoid further incidents taking place.

In a recent interview ahead of the launch of the new series of Bridgerton, Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope Featherington AKA Lady Whistledown, confessed to breaking a piece of furniture during a scene with co-star Luke Newton.