Poldark season 2: BBC's hit drama filmed at iconic church

Aidan Turner stars as Ross Poldark.

The oldest Methodist building in the world features in the new series of Poldark, which returns to BBC1 on September 4. 

The hit drama starring Aidan Turner is set in 18th century Cornwall and producers used Bristol's New Room for the courtroom scenes.

Ross Poldark, played by Turner, goes on trial accused of murder, wrecking and inciting a riot. Series one, screened last year, ended on a dramatic cliffhanger when he was arrested (actually on the Cornish cliffs) by soldiers. The chapel is expected to feature in the first episodes of the series as Ross is brought to trial.

Top secret filming took place at the period chapel in October 2015. The building was transformed into a courtroom by production company Mammoth Screen, whose workers had to completely hide all modern fittings before filming could go ahead. This meant removing electric lights, covering radiators and removing all modern signs.

Filming part of Poldark's second series in the chapel.

The chapel was then transformed into a courtroom complete with dock, tables for the prosecution and the defence, with the pulpit taking the role of the judge's seat.

Stars including Turner, Eleanor Tomlinson (Demelza) and Kyle Soller (Francis) all featured in the dramatic 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.

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."

The 'Methodies' of Cornwall are often referenced in the Poldark books by Winston Graham. Founder of the New Room, John Wesley, visited Cornwall 32 times between 1743 to 1787 and preached the gospel many times, often to miners, fishermen and their families.

Initially Wesleyan Methodism flourished in Cornwall, but in 1815 a distinctively south-west kind of Methodism emerged, the Bible Christians. When the mining trade in Cornwall collapsed, many miners emigrated taking their skills, Methodism and Cornish pasties to mines worldwide, but especially Australia and Canada.

related articles
BBC\'s The Ark stayed afloat, just about
BBC's The Ark stayed afloat, just about

BBC's The Ark stayed afloat, just about

Hugh Jackman to play St Paul in new film
Hugh Jackman to play St Paul in new film

Hugh Jackman to play St Paul in new film

BBC says it\'s too Christian, will increase programming on other faiths
BBC says it's too Christian, will increase programming on other faiths

BBC says it's too Christian, will increase programming on other faiths

Songs of Praise shows how churches are trying to heal Brexit divisions
Songs of Praise shows how churches are trying to heal Brexit divisions

Songs of Praise shows how churches are trying to heal Brexit divisions

News
Kelsey Grammer says he nearly lost faith after beloved sister's horrific murder
Kelsey Grammer says he nearly lost faith after beloved sister's horrific murder

“Frasier” actor Kelsey Grammer opened up about how he “cursed God” following the murder of his sister, but love — and a “reawakening” that happened while promoting the film “Jesus Revolution” — restored his faith. 

Mainz Cathedral unveils world’s 'largest Bible page' to honour Gutenberg
Mainz Cathedral unveils world’s 'largest Bible page' to honour Gutenberg

Mainz Cathedral in Germany is showcasing the world’s largest Bible page to the public in honour of the 625th birthday of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press and producer of the Gutenberg Bible.

Council backs down on street preaching restrictions
Council backs down on street preaching restrictions

A council in Hampshire has agreed to withdraw attempts to impose a court injunction restricting Christian street preaching and other activities in public spaces. 

The unyielding faith of one woman that shook an empire
The unyielding faith of one woman that shook an empire

In the year AD 203, a young woman named Vibia Perpetua stepped into a Roman arena in Carthage, North Africa. The crowd jeered, wild beasts prowled, and death was certain. Yet she did not hesitate.