Bristol chapel stars in new Poldark series

Poldark may be based in Cornwall but the hit BBC drama is firmly Bristol-made. 

The second series of the BBC production, starring Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson, has been filmed at BottleYard Studio in Hengrove and the production team made the most of filming opportunities in and around the city, including the world’s oldest Methodist chapel – the New Room, found tucked away off the Horsefair in the city centre.

We’re quite excited to say that our lovely chapel is going to be in the second series of #Poldark!

— NewRoomBristol (@NewRoomBristol) 22 August 2016

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Producers transformed it into a courtroom for Poldark’s trial for murder, wrecking and inciting a riot. The chapel is expected to feature in the first episodes of the series as Ross fights for justice. 

The chapel has released behind-the-scenes photos which were taken during filming at the New Room, which took place last October.

Swore to secrecy staff at New Room said it was “hugely exciting” to watch the building be turned into a courtroom complete with dock, tables for the prosecution and the defence, with the pulpit taking the role of the judge’s seat.

Manager of the New Room, David Worthington, said: “Poldark is set in the 18th century so even though we are in Bristol rather than in Cornwall, the building fitted perfectly as the location for Ross’s trial.

“All the staff enjoyed meeting the cast and crew and we hope that everyone will enjoy seeing the New Room on screen, especially in such dramatic scenes.”

During filming electric lights, radiators and modern signs all had to be removed from the building, which was originally built in 1739 by John Wesley and the first Methodists. 

Stars including Turner, Eleanor Tomlinson (Demelza) and Kyle Soller (Francis) all featured in the courtroom scenes, as well as Heida Reed (Elizabeth), Phil Davis (Jud) and Beatie Edney (Prudie).

New characters in Series Two Unwin Trevaunance, played by W1A’s Hugh Skinner, and Caroline Penvenen, played by Gabriella Wilde, also feature in the scenes.

The new series of Poldark starts on September 4.

Read more: The Hollywood of Hengrove

Photo credit: BBC top image, all other photos Mammoth Screen