Peaky Blinders Movie Captures Scenes at Historic Calke Abbey in Midlands
For the first time, a major cinematic production has taken place at a historic stately home in the Midlands, bringing global stars to its grounds. Scenes from the new Peaky Blinders film have been shot at Calke Abbey in Derbyshire, shining a spotlight on this iconic estate.
Estate Transformed for Filming
The sprawling country estate of Calke Abbey proved to be a top location for producers, who were drawn to its atmospheric gentle decay. The film, set in 1940s Birmingham, features Tommy Shelby, portrayed by Cillian Murphy, in a script written by Steven Knight and directed by Tom Harper. Although the movie is set for release in the coming weeks, filming occurred over the winter of 2024, marking the estate's debut as a setting for a major cinema production.
Stars such as Rebecca Ferguson and Packy Lee joined Murphy on set, with scenes captured both inside the house and on the grounds. Internal shots included passageways, corridors, the kitchen, school room, and night nursery, as well as other rooms typically used as collection stores. External shots featured the stable yards at Middle Lodge and the surrounding parkland.
Creative Vision and Preservation Efforts
The production team and set designers worked to transform spaces to meet the creative vision, enhancing the abandoned atmosphere of the estate. A vintage car was added for period detail, while many of the stables and house were left largely untouched to portray the early 20th century, when country estates often fell into dilapidated conditions. The character of Calke Abbey, with its serene surroundings, peeling wallpaper, and paint, made it a compelling filming location.
As Calke Abbey is a National Trust site, the filming and location team collaborated closely with property staff to prepare scenes carefully. This involved packing away approximately 1,300 items from the estate's thousands of artifacts into storage and laying protective flooring to shield delicate surfaces. The film crew numbered several hundred, including cast, catering, hair and makeup, camera and lighting crew, and set designers.
Excitement from Estate Management
Caroline Taylor, Visitor Operations Manager, expressed her enthusiasm in an interview with the BBC. She stated, "Seeing the estate in all its glory on screen, from the atmospheric rooms to the historic stable yards, truly celebrates what makes Calke special. It's a privilege to share this unique house and landscape with the film, and we can't wait for audiences to see it brought to life."
The film, titled Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, is scheduled for release in cinemas from March 6, with its Netflix debut following on March 20. This production not only highlights the cinematic appeal of Calke Abbey but also brings attention to its historical significance and preservation efforts.
