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
The secret to true and lasting change
The secret to true and lasting change

True and lasting change is possible - though perhaps not in the way we’ve been taught to pursue it.

Churches urged to support alcohol-free January as millions sign up nationwide
Churches urged to support alcohol-free January as millions sign up nationwide

Churches across the UK are being encouraged to actively support Dry January this New Year, as millions of people commit to a month without alcohol.

42 Christian and Muslim men executed by bandits in Nigeria, women and children abducted
42 Christian and Muslim men executed by bandits in Nigeria, women and children abducted

Nigeria greeted the New Year with yet more violence by militants, with 50 people killed in a number of attacks that took place between 28 December and 3 January in the Middle Belt region.

Pre-Nicene Christian art found in Turkey
Pre-Nicene Christian art found in Turkey

The mural predates the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD.