Here - Holkham Hall

THE DUCHESS
© Pathé Productions 2008
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he architectural beauty of Holkham Hall offers a unique location for film directors. Filming for The Duchess
began here for two weeks in October 2007 after Holkham Hall was selected as one of the country houses
used to recreate the interior of Devonshire House, the London residence of the Duke of Devonshire, a
building which no longer exists. Kedleston Hall and Chatsworth in Derbyshire were also used.
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The Film
eleased in September 2008 starring Keira Knightley as the Duchess and Ralph Fiennes as the Duke, the film is
set at the end of the 18th century. It is based on the life story of Georgiana Spencer, who at seventeen years
of age married the Duke of Devonshire, a man much older than her and who sought a wife solely to bear him a son
and heir.
Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire was adored by the public and became the most fascinating woman of her era.
Her extravagant tastes and appetite for politics and gambling brought her debt, whilst her hopeless search for love
and her doomed affair with Charles Grey, future Prime Minister, brought her pain and disgrace. With her husband’s
distant manner, blatant infidelity with her friend Bess Foster and ensuing ménage à trois at Devonshire House,
Georgiana was forced to make the choice of love, or her children. The film, based on Amanda Foreman’s acclaimed
biography, is an excellent account of her turbulent marriage and personal disappointments.
Displays in the state rooms offer the opportunity to see behind the scenes of the filming at Holkham. Whilst the
order of the information will not follow the exact story of the film, we hope you will be encouraged to see The
Duchess or read the book.
THE DUCHESS
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o ensure that the lighting would appear the same between
shots taken at different times of day and later edited together,
windows on both sides of the hall were blocked. Huge arc lights
were then brought in to imitate natural daylight.
The scale of the set up had to be seen to be believed!
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hree weeks of complex organisation – accommodation
units, catering, scaffolding, generator lorries, lighting crew,
electricians, make-up artists and a massive costume marquee.
Lights,
cameras,
action!
Empty director’s chairs waiting to be filled.
A helium filled light balloon floats high above the Marble Hall.
Photographs © Archant
& Mike Daley, Holkham
THE DUCHESS
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undreds of local people were sought by the production company as extras for crowd scenes. Over 400 people queued
throughout the day in Fakenham to be auditioned. Holkham had its own stars when some of our room stewards and
Viscount Coke’s mother were successful.
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he Duke’s canine companions on location in the Long
Library at Holkham.
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xtras on the terraces take a break during filming. The
terraces were used to replicate the grounds of a private
sanatorium, which Georgiana visited as the sulphur in the
water was considered to be medically effective in assisting
her quest to bear a son.
Photographs © Archant & Mike Daley, Holkham
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tepping forward in time outside the north of the hall. These
footmen protect their wigs from the elements by covering them
with polythene bags.
THE DUCHESS
© Pathé Productions 2008
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Synopsis
year on from the birth of a son and heir, William George Spencer Cavendish, Georgiana arranges to visit Bath,
leaving the Duke and Bess at Devonshire House. She secretly plans to meet her lover Charles Grey who will be
in Bath promoting the Whig Party.
Rumours of the affair are quick to spread. In London, the Duke and Georgiana’s mother Lady Spencer hear the reports and travel to Bath to confront Georgiana. Both are aware of the ensuing humiliation to the family if the affair
becomes public.
The Duke loves Georgiana in his own way and does not want to see her ruined. He threatens the downfall of her lover
and the loss of her children if she does not end the relationship. Contriving to force her return to Devonshire House,
he gives Georgiana letters written by her girls, commenting that her son is too young to write. Her feelings run high
on reading the contents and the reality of her choice is clear, she knows she cannot be without her children.
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The Scene
he Saloon depicts the Red Room at Devonshire House. Georgiana returns home and her daughters rush to meet
her. The Duke offers a comforting hand as he is pleased they have come to an arrangement.
THE DUCHESS
© Pathé Productions 2008
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Synopsis
ady Bess Foster’s three boys are being kept from their mother by her estranged husband, Lord Foster. Distraught
by their absence she will do anything to be reunited with them, believing that her relationship with the Duke can
help her. Using his power, the Duke did indeed secure the boy’s return to their mother. The scene below is secretly
watched by Georgiana.
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The Scene
he Saloon depicts the Red Room at Devonshire House. The Duke, Bess and her sons appear as a happy family unit,
while the Duke relaxed in their presence, patiently gives instruction on the use of a hunting rifle to Bess’s eldest
son Augustus.
THE DUCHESS
© Pathé Productions 2008
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Synopsis
t is shortly after their marriage and Georgiana is expecting their first child. She has been forced to accept the
Duke’s selfish decision to offer a home to three year old orphan Charlotte, the illegitimate child from his union
with a maid at Devonshire House. He suggests that looking after Charlotte will allow her to practice her mothering
skills.
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The Scene
he Yellow Tapestry Bedroom in Stranger’s Wing (not on view to the public) is the setting for this early scene
in the film. It is Charlotte’s first night at Devonshire House and Georgiana hears her crying in bed. Concerned,
she introduces herself. It is the start of a lasting bond and acceptance of the child as her own.
© Pathé Productions 2008
Synopsis
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uring a heated argument with the Duke and Lady Elizabeth Foster
over their affair, Georgiana has challenged the Duke to accept her
liaison with Charles Grey. Incensed by her audacity, he follows the frightened
Georgiana to her chambers, where in his fury, he rapes her. Georgiana’s
screams are heard throughout the house.
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The Scene
ere, Bess (played by Hayley Atwell), rushes to comfort young Charlotte
who has left her room, disturbed on hearing Georgiana’s frantic cries.
THE DUCHESS
© Pathé Productions 2008
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Synopsis
hroughout her life, Georgiana was a popular socialite who became the
undisputed queen of fashionable society. She campaigned staunchly for
the Whig Party, in particular her distant cousin Charles Fox.
Her duty to bear the Duke of Devonshire a son was beset with problems
– two girls, four miscarriages and two stillbirths were a great irritation to
her husband. She finally had a son William George Spencer Cavendish.
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The Scene
he Marble Hall is used to replicate the entrance hall at Devonshire
House. Georgiana heavily pregnant here with her first child receives
guests for a gaming evening. The baby girl arrives later that evening.
This still shows Georgiana in conversation with the playwright Richard
Sheridan (left, played by Aiden McArdle) and Whig politician Charles Fox
(right, played by Simon McBurney).
© Pathé Productions 2008
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Synopsis
eorgiana has learned of her husband’s infidelity with Lady Elizabeth Foster,
her best friend. Distraught, she visits her mother at Althorp House for advice.
When told that the Duke will not forsake his mistress, Lady Spencer instructs
her daughter to give up her politics, social life and gambling. She must return
immediately to Devonshire House and be a loving wife fulfilling her contractual
duty to provide the Duke with a male heir, for which she will be financially
rewarded.
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The Scene
he entrance hall at Devonshire House, where the Duke waits pensively for
Georgiana’s return from Althorp. On arrival, she rushes past him up the
stairs, with little to say.
© Pathé Productions 2008