The 650 acre Grade II registered parkland surrounding the 18th century Blaise Castle is used to built two film sets: cluster of houses and animal pens amongst trees adjacent to woodland, named on plans as “Avalon Village”, plus a wooden tower with a “scaffold plinth” and “scaffold birdcage”.
We’ll update this article as soon as we find out more!
This past few weeks has seen a brand new 5th century tower emerging in the Blaise Castle estate. This film set is believed to be for The Winter King, an upcoming 10-part series on the Arthurian legends, produced by Bad Wolf. @bristol_filmingpic.twitter.com/Usnlo5FshA
.@bristol_filming FYI a couple of new signs have appeared on the fence around the Blaise Castle filming location, one detailing this specific set and the other with general info on filming in Bristol. pic.twitter.com/KVaUWVENAq
Walked past the completed The Winter King set at Blaise Castle today. No filming was taking place, but the Unit Base is set up, some PKE Lighting trucks were on site and fences to close the footpath were in place so they must be starting soon. #bristol#filming#crewlocpic.twitter.com/o4NC5AEIqU
Andrew will play the character of Sansum, who is loosely based on the Cornish saint Samson of Dol, a Catholic priest and later a Bishop. His disciple Derfel Cadarn, an elderly monk, recalls the time of when he met the many famous heroes of Arthurian legend and writes them down on the request of young Queen Igraine. Most of the narrative is recounted in a series of flashbacks to Derfel’s life as a young man, with regular intermissions in the present-day monastery.
Sansum is described as unsympathetic and intriguing. He can’t read and believes Derfel is writing a Christian gospel. We expect that the TV series will take some liberties from the books (as is the case with The Last Kingdom) but we’d tentatively call Sansum a villain on the show.
Variety confirmed production of the series on 4 April 2022 saying the 10-part series will shoot later this year in Wales and the West Country. The book series follows Arthur Pendragon as he evolves from outcast son to legendary warrior and leader King Arthur.
On 4 May 2022, Bristol World reported that filming would also take place at a temporary film set near Bristol including a fortified encampment serving as Caer Cadarn – a fortress which plays a key part in Cornwall’s The Winter King.
The Warlord Chronicles are described as “historical fiction” rather than fantasy by FanSided (despite being based on a myth) and as Cornwell’s best work. The author himself called the book series, which includes novels The Winter King, Enemy of God and Excalibur, “his favourite” of all the books he has written.
Andrew Gower Online 