This episode explores how Oxford becomes a spectacular film set, featuring Harry Potter filming in October 2000, historic costume dramas, and striking archive footage of the city transformed for the screen. In this engaging episode, we explore how Oxford is repeatedly transformed by the magic of film into a vast and vibrant movie set. Drawing on a rich mix of contemporary and archive footage, the programme shows Hollywood productions filming in the streets, colleges, and iconic buildings of Oxford and the University.
Oxford has long attracted filmmakers seeking distinctive and memorable locations. A major focus is the filming of Harry Potter in October 2000, with celebrated locations including Christ Church (used as Hogwarts’ dining hall), the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School (Hogwarts’ infirmary), and New College Quad.
The filming inside the Bodleian Divinity School took place continuously, 24 hours a day over a single weekend, and had to be completed by Monday morning to avoid disrupting the working week for students and staff. The scale of the production was striking: more than 70 vehicles connected to the film were crowded into the streets surrounding Broad Street and Radcliffe Square, demonstrating the logistical impact of a major Hollywood shoot in the heart of the city.
The episode also delves into the archives to uncover colourful footage of earlier large-scale costume dramas. In 1999, Oxford was transformed into revolutionary France for the film Quills, and in 2001 the streets became a backdrop to the English Civil War during the filming of the historical drama To Kill a King. Throughout, crowds of costumed actors, elaborate sets, and extensive film-company equipment bring both history and fantasy vividly to life.
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This episode explores how Oxford becomes a spectacular film set, featuring Harry Potter filming in October 2000, historic costume dramas, and striking archive footage of the city transformed for the screen. In this engaging episode, we explore how Oxford is repeatedly transformed by the magic of film into a vast and vibrant movie set. Drawing on a rich mix of contemporary and archive footage, the programme shows Hollywood productions filming in the streets, colleges, and iconic buildings of Oxford and the University.
Oxford has long attracted filmmakers seeking distinctive and memorable locations. A major focus is the filming of Harry Potter in October 2000, with celebrated locations including Christ Church (used as Hogwarts’ dining hall), the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School (Hogwarts’ infirmary), and New College Quad.
The filming inside the Bodleian Divinity School took place continuously, 24 hours a day over a single weekend, and had to be completed by Monday morning to avoid disrupting the working week for students and staff. The scale of the production was striking: more than 70 vehicles connected to the film were crowded into the streets surrounding Broad Street and Radcliffe Square, demonstrating the logistical impact of a major Hollywood shoot in the heart of the city.
The episode also delves into the archives to uncover colourful footage of earlier large-scale costume dramas. In 1999, Oxford was transformed into revolutionary France for the film Quills, and in 2001 the streets became a backdrop to the English Civil War during the filming of the historical drama To Kill a King. Throughout, crowds of costumed actors, elaborate sets, and extensive film-company equipment bring both history and fantasy vividly to life.
Foundations of the Future: Building the Bodleian Weston Library
Oxford on Film: From Attic to Archive
4 minutes
2 weeks ago
Foundations of the Future: Building the Bodleian Weston Library
Step into 1937 Oxford! Watch Queen Mary break ground on the new Bodleian Weston Library, explore lost city streets, and meet the young archaeologist racing to save history. Step back to 1937 and witness the transformation of Oxford’s historic Broad Street as the iconic Bodleian Weston Library rises from the heart of the old city. In this episode, we explore the visionary design of Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the disappearance of centuries-old houses, and the pioneering archaeological work led by a young Rupert Bruce-Mitford. Using rare archive footage, hear the story of the public groundbreaking ceremony by Queen Mary, and discover how this project helped shape modern urban rescue archaeology - techniques still in use today.
Footage from March of Time. US National Archives 1937. Also footage from 'Oxford 1941' by the British Council.
Oxford on Film: From Attic to Archive
This episode explores how Oxford becomes a spectacular film set, featuring Harry Potter filming in October 2000, historic costume dramas, and striking archive footage of the city transformed for the screen. In this engaging episode, we explore how Oxford is repeatedly transformed by the magic of film into a vast and vibrant movie set. Drawing on a rich mix of contemporary and archive footage, the programme shows Hollywood productions filming in the streets, colleges, and iconic buildings of Oxford and the University.
Oxford has long attracted filmmakers seeking distinctive and memorable locations. A major focus is the filming of Harry Potter in October 2000, with celebrated locations including Christ Church (used as Hogwarts’ dining hall), the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School (Hogwarts’ infirmary), and New College Quad.
The filming inside the Bodleian Divinity School took place continuously, 24 hours a day over a single weekend, and had to be completed by Monday morning to avoid disrupting the working week for students and staff. The scale of the production was striking: more than 70 vehicles connected to the film were crowded into the streets surrounding Broad Street and Radcliffe Square, demonstrating the logistical impact of a major Hollywood shoot in the heart of the city.
The episode also delves into the archives to uncover colourful footage of earlier large-scale costume dramas. In 1999, Oxford was transformed into revolutionary France for the film Quills, and in 2001 the streets became a backdrop to the English Civil War during the filming of the historical drama To Kill a King. Throughout, crowds of costumed actors, elaborate sets, and extensive film-company equipment bring both history and fantasy vividly to life.
