Two major films made in Richmond Park reflect its dramatic history and its modern connections.
The classic historical drama Anne of The Thousand Days (1969) looks back to Richmond Park in the 16th century. It tells the story of King Henry VIII's courtship and brief marriage to Anne Boleyn.
The film is a fairly accurate account of what really happened and it certainly made historical sense to film in Richmond Park. This was one of the King's favourite hunting parks. He lived nearby at Richmond Palace for the first part of his reign and he and Anne Boleyn had their honeymoon not far away at Hampton Court. Henry, played in the film by Richard Burton, really was obsessed with having a male heir. The failure of Anne Boleyn (played by Genevieve Bujold) to have a son ensured that she remained Queen for less than three years. The film won four Golden Globes and an Oscar. Richard Burton is said to have lent the Henry VIII costume to Sid James for his part in Carry on Henry released two years later.
As well as a location for feature films, Richmond Park is regularly used as a backdrop for television programmes, corporate videos and fashion shoots. The latest impressive film to be shot there was produced by the Friends of Richmond Park and is narrated and stars Sir David Attenborough who asks visitors to tread lightly; view the film on the official website. Other films from Richmond Park have featured on Blue Peter , Inside Out (the BBC regional current affairs programme), BBC Springwatch , GMTV weather and Channel 4's Richard and Judy .
