David Brent

I am really surprised that no one has been able to recognize the bridge in the picture.
I suppose it may have been re-constructed or changed by now but I would have thought that our location hunting members would have had a clue or two as to it's possible location by now.

Dave.

Rob Compton

Frustrating, Dave, isn't it? My thought was that it looks like the Cotswolds - the bridge is rather like the bridge over the poetically named River Windrush at Minster Lovell in Oxfordshire, and also a bit like Newbridge (also Oxfordshire) over the Thames (actually one of the oldest Thames bridges, despite it's name). Both these are close to where I live.

But though they are both similar, it definitely isn't either of them as they both have stone walls.

It does look vaguely South of England, but a bit further out of London than Buckinghamshire - and I doubt that a Home Counties based film crew would want to go up to Lancashire, somehow. But this is all just idle guesswork - I don't really know...

However - someone must know!

rgds
Rob

Alan F

Hi Dave

The river bridge is Tilford in Surrey.
Check these two links

http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5406

http://www.francisfrith.com/search/england/surrey/tilford/photos/tilford_photos.htm

Note there are two bridges in Tilford so not all pictures refer to the one in the film, but there’s only one pub and only one tree with railings around it.

I found this on another site.
“The surrounding areas have been used in many advert & film shoots including British Airways, Jaguar, Gladiator, Band of Brothers & James Bond”

Alan

David Brent

Once again Alan you've come through with the goods.

Many thanks for sharing that information. Amazing to see the tree still standing near the pub. It looks a beautiful area.

Any ideas about the location of the cottage - or is that too much to ask?

Cheers mate

Dave.

Rob Compton

Excellent work, Alan! Fantastic!

rgds
Rob

stevie boy

superb sleuthing

Alan F

I’ve found a possible for the cottage in Fulbrook Lane – Elstead, the next village to Tilford.

http://www.flashearth.com/?lat=51.191782&lon=-0.706361&z=20&r=0&src=msl

The shape and orientation are right, as is the entry from the road and the path to the cottage. Is there anyone here from Deepest Surrey who could check it out?

pitchfork

I think the house may be in the Hascombe/Godalmong area of Surrey.
It really is a warren around that area but there is a house that look very similar on the back road between Stovolds Hill and Godalming.
Is that a Morris Comercial Bus? I believe that that part of Surrey ran perkins engined Guys around that time but I am not a bus expert!

David Brent

There certainly are similarities Alan.

The tree lined roadway and the expanse of trees seen behind the house in the photo look the same.
The path running from the front door also seems to match.

The only thing that doesn't seem to match is the large chimney seen atop the house in the film. It appears to be missing from the current aerial shot.

Like you say Alan, it would be nice if someone could visit the scene. It would be a great day out too. It still looks a beautiful area.

Dave.

pitchfork

I live near to "Deepest Surrey" and the Sussex Border.
There are so many houses that look very similar in these parts in the area under the north downs reaching out to the Weald. I am often out Towards Tilford and Elstead for work so will try to check up on locations. Trouble is I am normally in an HGV (fairly small one) but have to be careful which route I take!! Needless to say I dont bother with SatNav.
It really is a beaufiful area and due to conservation I doubt the house will have changed a great deal.

Alan F

If you could check out the cottage, that would be great. If it is the right place then we know that the road outside is big enough for a bus, so you should be OK.

stevie boy

this is becoming a good post. keep sleuthing chaps

pitchfork

Yes it may even have actually been on a bus route. If it is in the general area of Tilford it may have been served by a Bus company from Aldershott.
If we could find old bus routes that might narrow it down.

Alan F

Success!! ….Well sort of.
The cottage in Fullbrook Lane, Elstead is the right one but it now has a high fence and gate and all that’s visible from the road is part of the roof and the distinctive chimney. I did what I could, photo wise.

David Brent

Great work Alan.

Many thanks for the photos.

What a shame about the high fence.
Is the house located in a very isolated area?
What is the surrounding area like?

Cheers

Dave.