Witchfinder General film locations

[rick]

I ll add another note to the above. The scene where Vincent price and his followers are walking at dusk along the front of the church and into the driveway ready to point the accusing finger at the Rev. John Lowes are Rushford.

[Holland]

What's the deal with the white cliffs though?



They're galloping around Northants, Essex and Suffolk and suddenly there's white cliffs?

[rick]

Hi Holland,

Yes I know what you mean, let s call it artistic license eh ! I think that s the part where Richard Marshall is granted special duty to stop the king leaving by the coast after defeat at Naseby. Those scenes were filmed on the coast at Dunwich Suffolk

[rick]

HI,



My apologies to everyone interested in this topic. I have re examined the "Witchfinder General" on the DVD and every church scene WAS RUSHFORD, nothing done at Brandeston at all. The rear views of these churches are amazingly similar but Rushford I do declare IS the location !!!



Richard

[DAVID RAYNER]

Rick, without dedicated enthusiasts such as yourself, we'd probably be none the wiser about these locations, as there is nothing on the web about them. Many Thanks.

[rick]

Hi David, thanks for the vote of confidence. As you know, the real Witchfinder is local history for me so of special interest. How on earth they found Rushford is a mystery, talk about hidden. It really was great to be where a lot of this superb film was shot and to imagine the hive of activity behind camera. The rectory now appears to be a private residence and what a tranquil place to live. It didn t seem like anybody was at home so I had the cheek to invite myelf in to gardens for a quick look round and take some photos. By coincidence another couple arrived to look at the place unaware of its film history. When I told them they asked I worked for a film company seeking out locations would you believe. Was I tempted to go along with it ???? I d like to show you the pics as it is now if I could work out how to do it on here. Rick.

[samkydd]

Thetford was also the town where the Dad's Army TV series location filming was shot. The nearby Thetford Chase, a large part owned by the MOD, was also used by many period film production units for location shooting so it's possible that Witchfinder used the same army range.

[4737carlin]

was just reading this thred, now i can see its very old but i wonder if you worked out for total sure which church was used and if any of you might have some photographs of these locations, or any from the film and how they looked in recent years?

[Allan Condie]

The church used in the film is at Rushford in Norfolk, just over the border. Full details about the building can be found on the Norfolk Churches website. Norfolk Churches



It was the church attached to a College of Priests, what remained of the College was converted into the rectory in the 19th Century and was also used in the film.



The interior shots were obviously also filmed inside the church as the furnishings were as in the photos on the website and the layout was nothing like it would have been in the 17th century.

[Allan Condie]

The hall in the scene where John Lowe is ducked is Long Melford and the Castle in the final scenes is at Orford, both in Suffolk.

[Catweazle67]

Tonight (Sunday 8th November) on BBC1 there's a program (19.00-20.00) called 'Countryfile' This episode explores 'Lavenham' in Suffolk. It was used as a location in the Vincent Price film 'Witchfinder General' for 'Tigon-British' in 1967/8

When they explore the 'Market Place' & 'Guildhall', this is where Matthew Hopkins (Vincent Price) burned the witches. Other parts of the village were also used. Lavenham also turned up in a few episodes of 'Lovejoy' including the last one 'Last Tango In Lavenham'

It's a nice village with most of the buildings been Tudor.

'Countryfile' will be repeated again on BBC1 on Thursday night/Friday morning at 2.05-3.05 am.

[darrenburnfan]

Interesting. I'll be watching that...although I don't suppose they'll mention its connection with Witchfinder General.

[Catweazle67]

We'll see.

Bernard

[Mark O]

Thanks for the info Catweazle, Lavenham's lovely.

[dylan]

Here's a photo I recently took of the market square at Lavenham:


It was the main location for scenes in Witchfinder General.



D.

[Catweazle67]

Dylan,

Re: your photo

Except for the floor, it's still the same. When were you there?

As I was there yesterday!

Bernard

[dylan]

Dylan,

Re: your photo

Except for the floor, it's still the same. When were you there?

As I was there yesterday!

Bernard

14th October on a trip around Suffolk. Had a pint at the Cock Inn.



D.

[darrenburnfan]

I've just watched the Countryfile programme. Some nice views of the Suffolk countryside, but no views of the town or village of Lavenham.

[Catweazle67]

Seems like 'Everything BUT the village'

And showing the Americans residents, as it's remembrance Sunday.

Sod the BBC.

[Pye]

DOes anyone know where the little inn was where Ogilvy has the fight with John Stearne?