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FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ‘THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL’

Visit National Trust locations used for the film of the year

If you have caught Tudor fever with the latest costume blockbuster, 'The Other Boleyn Girl', why not soak up some of the period atmosphere and visit the National Trust locations that were used for the film. From the exquisite Tudor courts of Henry VIII at Whitehall Palace to the lavish interiors of the Boleyn country residence, find out which Trust properties brought them back to life.

Adapted for the screen from the best-selling novel by Philippa Gregory, 'The Other Boleyn Girl', released in the UK on Friday 7 March, follows the tale of the Boleyn sisters, Anne (Natalie Portman) and Mary (Scarlett Johansson) as they compete for the love of King Henry VIII (Eric Bana).

The National Trust properties which feature in the film are:

Great Chalfield Manor in Wiltshire - Great Chalfield Manor was used in scenes to portray the Boleyn country home. Its exterior architectural composition evokes the Tudor luxury that the Boleyns would have enjoyed in their rise to power. The courtyard and garden also provide a magnificent backdrop in scenes throughout the film.

Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire - To re-create the now non-existent Whitehall Palace, Lacock Abbey was transformed from its country house appearance. The Warming Room in the Abbey became Henry VIII's Bath House and the Chapter House became the Royal bedroom of Catherine of Aragon, his first wife. Fountains were placed in the central cloister Garth to imitate the formal grounds at Whitehall Palace.

Knole in Kent - Knole's romantic internal courtyards and deer-park were radically altered to depict the Tudor London of King Henry VIII's time. The Green Court and the Stone Court at Knole became the backdrop for the departure of the Boleyn sisters and a scene was also shot by one of the magnificent windows.

In reality, the beauty of Knole so impressed King Henry VIII that in 1538 he forced Thomas Cranmer, his Archbishop of Canterbury, to hand it over to him.

For further information and opening times for these and all other National Trust properties, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

- ENDS -

For further information and images contact Alison Dalby, Press Officer, on 01793 817780 or alison.dalby@nationaltrust.org.uk

Notes to editors:

Great Chalfield Manor and Garden, nr. Melksham, Wiltshire, Tel: 01225 782239
Open: 30 March - 2 November, admission to house by guided tour
The Manor is a fine example of a medieval house, complete with an upper moat, gatehouse and small parish church. Beautiful oriel windows and rooftop 'soldiers' (c 1480) adorn the house which was restored between 1905 - 1911 by Major R. Fuller. Other films that have used the Manor for their locations include Jane Austen's 'Persuasion'.

Lacock Abbey, Lacock, nr. Chippenham, Wiltshire, Tel: 01249 730459
Open: Grounds/cloisters - 1 March - 2 November; Abbey 15 March - 2 November
The Abbey is at the heart of Lacock village and was founded in 1232 and converted into a country house around 1540. The atmospheric monastic rooms include medieval cloisters, a sacristy and chapter house which have all survived largely intact. Film fans may recognise the Abbey from two of the 'Harry Potter' movies. The pioneering photographic achievements of William Fox Talbot, who invented the negative/positive process can be seen in the Fox Talbot Museum. His descendants gave the Abbey and village of Lacock to the National Trust in 1944.

Knole, Sevenoaks, Kent, Tel: 01732 462100
Open: 15 March - 2 November
Set within a glorious 1,000 acre deer park, Knole is a complex and beautiful house which has links with kings, queens and nobility as well as literary connections, being the birthplace of novelist and poet, Vita Sackville-West. The thirteen superb state rooms are laid out much as they were in the 18th century and the house boasts a world-renowned collection of paintings by Gainsborough, Van Dyck and Reynolds as well as important 17th century tapestries.

About the National Trust
The National Trust is Europe's biggest conservation organisation and looks after special places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland for ever, for everyone. People and places are at the heart of everything it does. Over 3.5 million members, 49, 000 volunteers, 500,000 school children, and millions of visitors, donors and supporters help the Trust look after its 300 historic houses and gardens, 700 miles of coastline and 250,000 hectares of open countryside

Other Locations for 'The Other Boleyn Girl'

For other locations used for the filming of 'The Other Boleyn Girl', visit www.visitTheOtherBoleynGirl.co.uk