Written by Tom Deehan on Oct 20, 2017. Posted in On Location / Production News

High-end BBC series, Gunpowder, shot 17th century drama in Yorkshire

For the BBC’s latest high-end drama, Gunpowder, the production utilised a variety of locations throughout Yorkshire to depict one of the most important events of British history: the Gunpowder Plot.

Produced by Thinker Films and Kudos Film and Television, the three-part series envisions the plan behind the historic event, focusing mainly on the input of Robert Catesby (Kit Harington) and Ann Vaux (Liv Tyler).

All locations featured on the show were sourced in Yorkshire, which boasts a wide range of untouched period architecture and forestry. For scenes of the countryside the production made a stop at Ikley Moor, a landscape personified by sprawling greenery and scattered boulders.

Bradford College and Dalton Mills, both located in Bradford, also star alongside Kirkstall Abbey, East Riddlesden Hall and Oakwell Hall.

Fans of ITV’s Victoria will recognise Beverley Minster. Known for its use of Gothic architecture, the Grade I listed church was built in the 15^th century but received updates to its structure in the 19^th century.

High-end TV production in the UK is incentivised by a dedicated financial incentive scheme. Projects that spend a minimum of GBP1 million per-broadcast house can receive a 25% tax rebate to offset their overall expenditure.

With an experienced crew base and ease of use for period projects, Yorkshire’s popularity with the production industry has only continued to grow. The region has played host to recent dramas such as the Bollywood biopic, Gold, and Paul Thomas Anderson’s upcoming film, Phantom Thread.

With two high-profile stars attached and a widespread marketing campaign, Gunpowder is set to be one of the BBC's biggest productions of the year. The show premieres tomorrow night at 9pm on BBC One.