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Just when the wait for Bridgerton season 4 started to feel interminable, Channel 5 brought us The Forsytes. Naturally, we're obsessed. And naturally, we're all desperate to know The Forsytes filming locations that will transport us back in to the age of corsets and crinolines.
Based on John Galsworthy's Forsyte Saga, published between 1906 and 1922, the new six-part series is an epic, sprawling family tale that follows an upper-class family of stockbrokers, spanning across four generations. It's a sumptuous, lavish new adaptation, filled with telenovela drama with a Bridgerton meets Downton Abbey meets Dallas meets The Gilded Age feel about it. Prepare for family feuds, domestic dramas, delectable costumes and, of course, breathtaking sets.
Which brings us to the reason we're all here: where was The Forsytes filmed? It's the question that is bound to be top-of-mind after watching the show. And we've got you covered.
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Where is The Forsytes set?
First thing's first: where is the show actually set? The novels and the show are both set in 1880s London. Naturally, London looked rather different 140 years ago – needless to say, the skyline has changed. So, as with many London-set period dramas, production set up camp elsewhere.
The Forsytes filming locations
Victorian London was recreated in Bristol for The Forsytes. Some filming also took place in Wales, Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Venice.
Many of the interior shots were actually filmed in the Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol. Jolyon Forsyte’s Richmond Park house, Robin Hill, Soames Forsyte’s Knightsbridge house, the solicitors offices of Forsyte & Co, Louisa Byrne's cottage and Philip Bosinney’s office were all studio sets.
For exterior shots, the cast and crew recreated 1880s Soho in Bristol, namely on All Saints Lane, Denmark Street, Hobbs Lane, Orchard Lane, Frog Lane, Frogmore Street and Tailor's Court. Homes on Vyvyan Terrace and Christchurch Road were used for exterior shots of a few of the main characters' residences.
“There are few UK cities that can contend with what Bristol has to offer lavish period dramas like The Forsytes,” Bristol Film Office Manager, Adela Straughan, said to the Express. “ From Clifton’s breathtaking architecture to secluded Georgian squares, the range of settings we can supply is outstanding. High-end TV drama shoots like this bring tens of millions of pounds towards Bristol’s economy each year and also put our locations on the screen tourism map, supporting visitor destinations to shine on screen and generate valuable income.”
Here are a few more of the specific spots you might spot in the show.
The historic and very Instagrammable Christmas Steps in Bristol is a winding street that dates back to the 1700s, making it perfect for this Victorian-era show. This street was used for scenes set in Montmartre, Paris.
Bristol students may recognise the Mahogany Parlour in Goldney House, with its wood-lined walls and grand fireplace, which doubles as a Gentleman's Club in the show.
Bowood House & Gardens was built in 1725 as a royal hunting lodge. It was later converted into a military hospital, a school for girls and an RAF base. You'll spot this picturesque spot in the scene where Soames and Irene take a boat ride on the lake. This location also appears in other period dramas, including Poldark, Sanditon and Downton Abbey.
This sprawling mansion in Somerset just outside of Bath provided the perfect setting for the racecourse scene. It's large staircase was also used in some interior shots.
You'll spot Ashton Court Estate in scenes set in a London park and a polo field.
This building doubles as the Forsytes & Company’s London offices where the family conduct their business.
In episode 1, we find ourselves at a boxing match. This was filmed at Arnos Vale Cemetery, an Anglican Chapel.
Ann Fiddler, CEO of the Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust, explained to the Express: “In order to get the shots they needed, we had the ceiling lights removed. When you watch the final scenes, you’ll spot our tall, elegant windows in the background. Arnos Vale Cemetery is unique – as a historic site, as a place for nature and a green space for people to walk. As a charity, the income from filming provides a significant boost and helps keep the Cemetery accessible to the more than 500,000 visitors we welcome every year. It also raises our profile, for potential visitors and location managers, really showcasing what we have to offer. Bristol Film Office are incredibly helpful in connecting us with productions and we are very grateful for their support.”
Split the G where the OG family does in The House of Guinness.
This Bristol church can be spotted in church scenes in the first episode.
You may spot this iconic Bath theatre in a scene that sees a few characters attending a society event.
Although much of the action takes place in London, a few lucky actors jetted off to Venice to film scenes where Jolyon has an affair with lady's maid Louisa, setting the scene for drama decades in the future.
