Bailiffgate residents are getting a behind the scenes view of the hit ITV drama series Downton Abbey as filming takes place on their doorstep in Alnwick this week.
“All the residents were out watching and listening as there were shouts of ‘And … action'” said Bailiffgate manager, Ann McDonald. “We were all trying to get a glimpse of the actors playing Mr Bates or Lady Grantham. The only Mr Bates we saw, though, was a friend of a resident with the same name, arriving to take him out!”
A warm August day was transformed into a wintry scene and the Duchess High School building on Bailiffgate was converted into a pub called the Crown and Anchor as the cast and crew filmed on the “snow” covered street.
“They must have been very hot in those clothes because it was a lovely day,” said Ann.
Filming has also been taking place around Alnwick Castle, a venue which has previously been the backdrop for films including the Harry Potter franchise. Areas of the castle are restricted to visitors while the cast is on site until 8 August.
There is still a chance to see the filming take place in other locations in the town. “Lord and Lady Grantham were out last night in a horse and carriage around Alnwick!” said Ann.