After the downfall of Cardinal Wolsey, his secretary, Thomas Cromwell, finds himself amongst the treachery and intrigue of King Henry VIII's court and soon becomes a close advisor to the King, a role fraught with danger.
The acclaimed Tudor drama, adapted from Hilary Mantel, was shot by candle and daylight in some of England’s best-preserved historic houses – Lacock, Montacute, Wells Cathedral – lending Thomas Cromwell’s rise an authenticity you can almost smell.
Where was Wolf Hall filmed?
Wolf Hall was filmed across the west of England – Wiltshire and Somerset (Lacock, Montacute House, Wells Cathedral) – and at Caerphilly Castle in Wales.
Every Wolf Hall location, explained
1
Lacock – the Tudor village
The National Trust village of Lacock in Wiltshire, its streets barely changed in centuries, provides much of the period world.
2
Montacute House – the court
The jousting and royal-court scenes used Montacute House, an Elizabethan mansion in Somerset.
3
Wells Cathedral – the interiors
Grand interiors, including Gray’s Inn, used Wells Cathedral in Somerset.
4
Caerphilly Castle – the Tower
The Tower of London scenes used Caerphilly Castle in Wales, one of Britain’s largest medieval fortresses.
Planning a visit
Lacock village, Montacute House and Wells Cathedral are all open to visitors in the beautiful west of England – a genuine Tudor tour – with mighty Caerphilly Castle in Wales.
Wolf Hall Fun Facts
1
Lit like Barry Lyndon The series was shot largely by natural and candlelight for period authenticity, echoing Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon.
2
Lacock is a screen regular The barely-changed National Trust village of Lacock appears in countless period productions.
3
Real historic houses Rather than sets, the drama used genuine Tudor and Elizabethan buildings.
4
Based on Booker winners It adapts Hilary Mantel’s Booker Prize-winning Cromwell novels.
5
Caerphilly is enormous The Welsh castle standing in for the Tower is one of Britain’s largest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lacock a real village?
Yes – it’s a well-preserved National Trust village in Wiltshire, used in many period dramas.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Lacock, Montacute House, Wells Cathedral and Caerphilly Castle are all open to visitors.
