Hever Castle’s Assistant Curator and Historian, Dr Owen Emmerson, contributed to the production of the critically acclaimed BBC drama, Wolf Hall.
Owen’s expertise in 16th-century history was instrumental in ensuring the accuracy of numerous on-screen props and set pieces. He spent five months working with graphic designers Rosie Carmichael and Chris Rosser, providing invaluable research and visual evidence for the creation of historically accurate prayer books, documents, and other artifacts.
Owen’s meticulous research involved visiting the National Archives to photograph and translate original documents, ensuring that the on-screen replicas were as faithful to the originals as possible.
“It wasn’t just about the exterior of the books,” Owen explained. “They had to function as real props, and the details, like wax seals and how they were broken, had to be accurate.”
Owen’s contribution to Wolf Hall was part of a larger team of historians, including Kirsten Claiden-Yardley, Peter Wagstaff of SceneSpan, and Ruth Goodman, who worked as researchers and on-site advisors for the drama.
“Working on Wolf Hall was a dream come true,” Owen said. “I’ve been a fan of Hilary Mantel’s novels for years, and to be part of this iconic series was truly an honour.”
Owen attended the series premiere at the BFI Southbank, where he enjoyed the live score by Debbie Wiseman and a Q&A with the director Peter Kosminsky and cast. He was particularly impressed by the stunning costumes designed by Joanna Eatwell, including those for Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves.
The second series of Wolf Hall delves into the rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell, promising even more drama and intrigue.
Whilst Wolf Hall wasn’t filmed at Hever Castle, visitors to Anne Boleyn’s childhood home, can see five of the costumes from the series on display from 12 February – 2 November 2025 and experience what it would have been like to walk in the footsteps of the Tudors in the Boleyn Apartment which was opened to the public in June 2024. The Wolf Hall costumes and the only surviving suite of rooms lived in by the Boleyn family are included with admission (Castle ticket required).
View the costumes of Wolf Hall on display at Hever Castle & Gardens from 12 February to 2 November 2025 (Castle & Gardens ticket required).
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
