The Duchess (2008)

Quarndon, United Kingdom

Neoclassical residence designed by Robert Adam in the 1760s, owned by the National Trust, near Quarndon in Derbyshire; it was seen in the cinema as early as 1969 in "Love" (Women in Love) by Ken Russell. Completed in 1765, it is designated a Grade I listed building and is set up as a house museum.

The scene : 1 minThe manor stands in for the "Althorp" estate of the Spencers (the young Georgiana flirts with Charles Grey on the south facade, her mother praises her charms to the duke in the library) and provides several interiors for "Devonshire House": its Marble Hall becomes the colonnaded dining room for dinner with Charles Fox's Whigs, then the ballroom where Georgiana's hairstyle catches fire; the riverbanks of the estate also serve for her walk with her daughters and Bess.

Bakewell, United Kingdom

One of the most famous country houses in England, the seat of the Dukes of Devonshire in Derbyshire; Keira Knightley had already filmed there for "Pride and Prejudice" (2005), where the castle embodied Pemberley. Designed by renowned architects including Joseph Paxton, it is listed as a Grade I monument and set up as a house museum.

The scene : 6 minSeat of the Dukes of Devonshire, the castle hosts the candlelit wedding; it is also where Georgiana retreats after the birth of her son, strolls in the garden with the children, and secretly meets the future Prime Minister Grey.

Londres, United Kingdom

A vast neoclassical palace on the Strand, by the Thames, housing interior courts and cultural institutions. Designed by architect William Chambers, it is listed as a Grade I monument. Each winter, an ice rink is set up in its courtyard.

The scene : 7 minIts fountain courtyard gives an imposing look to the "Devonshire House" where the duke resides in London.

Wells-next-the-Sea, United Kingdom

Palladian palace of the 18th century in Norfolk, whose Marble Hall is inspired by the Pantheon of Rome. Built in 1734 by William Kent, this palace and house museum is listed as a Grade I monument.

The scene : 8 minThe vast Marble Hall of the palace becomes the monumental entrance hall of 'Devonshire House' (where the duke greets his dogs upon arrival); the residence also provides the dining room.

West Clandon, United Kingdom

Palladian residence from the 1730s designed by the Venetian architect Giacomo Leoni, located in Surrey (National Trust); ravaged by a fire in 2015. The National Trust decided in 2022 not to fully reconstruct it: only the Speaker's Parlour, the walls, the roof, and the woodwork have been restored, while the rest remains stabilized as the fire left it and is open for visits. The site will open in autumn 2025, with a planned reopening in 2029.

The scene : 19 minIts Marble Hall of dazzling white serves as a small morning lounge of 'Devonshire House', the stage for the chilling confrontations between the duke, the duchess, and Lady Bess Foster.

Bath, United Kingdom

Monumental arch of thirty Georgian houses designed by John Wood the Younger in the 1770s, emblem of the city of Bath. This site is classified as a Grade I listed historic monument.

The scene : 26 minGeorgiana's arrival in Bath is introduced by a view of this famous row of Georgian houses.

Bath, United Kingdom

Georgian assembly rooms from the 18th century, in Bath, high social venues for balls and concerts. Designed by John Wood the Younger in 1769, they are listed as a Grade I historic monument.

The scene : 27 minIn the Tea Room, the duchess, spectacularly coifed, is introduced to the crowd as "the empress of fashion" and meets Lady Bess.

Lower Basildon, United Kingdom

Palladian manor from the 18th century in Berkshire (National Trust), recurring setting in cinema ("Netherfield" in Pride and Prejudice 2005, Marie Antoinette by Sofia Coppola...). Built in 1770, it is listed as a Grade I historic monument.

The scene : 33 minThe dining room of the house rented by the Devonshires, where the duke, the duchess, and Bess dine and where Georgiana manages to have Bess invited to stay with them for a while.

Bristol, United Kingdom

Oldest continuously active theatre in England (1760s), in Bristol, now the home of the Bristol Old Vic company. It is a Grade I listed building.

The scene : 34 minThe "Royal Theatre of Drury Lane" where the Devonshires attend Sheridan's "The School for Scandal," in the presence of the author.

Londres, United Kingdom

Baroque ensemble designed by Christopher Wren in Greenwich, former royal naval school, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The scene : 41 minThe bustling streets of 18th century London: the crowd cheers the carriage of the newlyweds, and Georgiana later rallies bystanders to support Charles Grey in his reformist parliamentary campaign.

West Wycombe, United Kingdom

18th century manor and landscape park of the Dashwood family, located in Buckinghamshire; a frequent setting in cinema (Labyrinth, The Music Lovers…).

The scene : 56 minIn West Wycombe, by the lake of the estate, Georgiana has an intimate conversation with Charles Grey during a secret meeting that ends with a kiss.

Bath, United Kingdom

Bath Art Museum is located in a Georgian building at the end of Great Pulteney Street. The museum was established in 1882 from the collection gathered by Sir William Holburne; it operates as an independent charitable organization in a Grade I listed building. Its collections notably include works by Gainsborough, Stubbs, and Zoffany.

The scene : 1 hr 15 minThe Bath house where Georgiana and Grey pursue their secret affair.

Isleworth, United Kingdom

Elizabethan manor transformed by Robert Adam (1760-1780), in the west of London (National Trust); became famous on screen as "Wayne Manor" in The Dark Knight Rises.

The scene : The entrance hall designed by Robert Adam hosts Lady Melbourne's ball, where Georgiana is reinstated into high society after having renounced the daughter she had with Grey.

Twickenham, United Kingdom

Historic film studios of St Margarets, in Twickenham, West London.

The scene : Studio where the interiors of the film were shot.