Where was Far from the Madding Crowd filmed?
2015
City Locations
Dorset, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, London (United Kingdom)
Location Types
Estate, Mansion, Storefront, House
Location Styles
Castle/Chateau, Gothic/Victorian, Foreign, Beachfront, Greek/Neoclassical, Building Dated/Retro, Rustic
About Far from the Madding Crowd
Far from the Madding Crowd (2015) is a captivating adaptation of Thomas Hardy's timeless novel, masterfully directed by Thomas Vinterberg. The film features an exceptional cast, including Carey Mulligan, Tom Sturridge, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Michael Sheen.
Mulligan performs as Bathsheba Everdene, a strong-willed and independent woman at the story's heart. Upon arriving in Dorset to live with her aunt, she catches the eye of local farmer Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts). Despite declining his marriage proposal, their lives remain intertwined through a series of contrasting fortunes.
The narrative unfolds around Bathsheba's complex relationships with her three suitors: the loyal Gabriel Oak, the prosperous yet repressed William Boldwood (Michael Sheen), and the dashing but reckless Sergeant Francis Troy (Tom Sturridge). These relationships reveal the different facets of love and courtship in Victorian England, as well as Bathsheba's struggle for independence in a male-dominated society.
Far from the Madding Crowd garnered positive reviews from critics, with many highlighting Carey Mulligan's exceptional portrayal of Bathsheba as a vital strength of the film. Some critics even considered her performance superior to Julie Christie's in the 1967 adaptation of the same novel. This compelling period drama not only offers a fresh interpretation of Hardy's classic novel but also provides a vivid exploration of love, independence, and the human condition.
Far from the Madding Crowd Locations
Far from the Madding Crowd brings to life the vivid landscapes of Thomas Hardy's 'Wessex,' a slightly fictionalized version of Dorset, in the West Country of southwest England. Most scenes were shot across a selection of picturesque locations in this region, offering a stunning visual backdrop that perfectly encapsulates the rural charm and pastoral beauty of Hardy's novel.
The dramatic cliffs at Eype, near Bridport, feature prominently in the film as the site where a young, out-of-control sheepdog drives off Gabriel Oak's sheep. The farmhouse inherited by Bathsheba Everdene is Mapperton House, an elegant estate home to the Earl and Duchess of Sandwich, located in Beaminster, just five miles northeast of Bridport. This house also appeared in Douglas McGrath’s 1996 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma.
Sherborne, a historic market town in Dorset, provides the setting for several key scenes. Half Moon Street and the area surrounding Sherborne Abbey serve as the bustling town square where Fanny Robbin points out her beau, Sergeant Troy, and Gabriel Oak seeks employment.
The austere mansion of William Boldwood, complete with its beautiful riverside terrace, is actually Claydon House, situated in Middle Claydon, about 13 miles from Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire.
A visit to these locations would undoubtedly be worthwhile for fans of the film or lovers of classic literature. Not only do they offer a tangible connection to the world of Far from the Madding Crowd, but they also provide an opportunity to explore some of England's most enchanting rural landscapes and historical landmarks.
Bathsheba Everdene works at the aunt's farm scene in Far from the Madding Crowd
Mapperton House, Gardens & Wildlands, Mapperton, Beaminster DT8 3NR, UK
The lush farmland surrounding Mapperton House provides a picturesque backdrop for several key scenes. As the newly inherited home of headstrong heroine Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan), the stately Mapperton House and its gardens depict Everdene Farm, where Bathsheba meets the brooding Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts) and the dashing Sergeant Troy (Tom Sturridge).
Mapperton House's distinctive golden stone façade and sloping grounds evoke Hardy's fictional community of Weatherbury and represent Bathsheba's elevation in status as an independent woman and landowner. The house's interiors, furniture, and artifacts transport viewers back to Victorian Dorset. Mapperton's formal gardens, greenhouse, ponds, and trails also feature prominently, accentuating the passions and turmoils of Bathsheba, Gabriel, and Sergeant Troy against the steady rhythms of nature.
This historic manor house and estate, owned by the Earl and Countess of Sandwich, are open to the public from spring through autumn on certain days of the week. Visitors can tour the house, stroll through 10 acres of formal Italianate gardens, and hike miles of walking trails through woods and farmland.
Mapperton House is located near the village of Beaminster in Dorset, about 5 miles northeast of Bridport. You can reach your destination in 30 minutes by car from Dorchester using the A37 and A356 routes. Alternatively, public bus #2 is also an option, although it may take a bit longer due to the route it follows.
A sheepdog chases Gabriel's entire flock off a cliff scene in Far from the Madding Crowd
Eype, Bridport, UK
One fateful night, a young sheepdog inadvertently drives Gabriel's (Matthias Schoenaerts) entire flock off a treacherous cliff. With his debts settled, Gabriel finds himself destitute and embarks on a journey searching for employment.
The cliffs where the lively young sheepdog herds Oak's sheep uncontrollably are located in Eype, near Bridport. The captivating scenes of Gabriel's hut by the sea are filmed on the majestic cliffs of Eype. The area's breathtaking landscape can be observed in various settings, including the exhilarating sight of Gabriel chasing after his sheep.
This picturesque village in West Dorset derives its name from its notable feature: a steep hill. It's not hard to understand why when you consider that it proudly showcases the highest cliff on the south coast, towering an impressive 191m above sea level. With its charming thatched cottages scattered throughout and a stunning beach composed of sand and gravel, all embraced by the majestic Golden Cap, Eype consistently attracts visitors from near and far.
To get to Eype, take the A35 from Dorchester towards Bridport. The village has limited parking, but more parking is available along the cliff top. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and dramatic cliffs that provided the backdrop for this crucial scene in Far from the Madding Crowd.
Fanny Robbin points out one of the soldiers scene in Far from the Madding Crowd
Half Moon Street, Sherborne, UK
The bustling market square in the historic town of Sherborne provides a lively backdrop for several pivotal early scenes. As the dashing Sergeant Troy (Tom Sturridge) parades through the square with the smitten Fanny Robbin (Juno Temple), Sherborne's Half Moon Street is transported back to Victorian times. The soaring medieval abbey looming behind the market stalls heightens the sense of a close-knit country community that shapes the fates of the story's key characters.
Here, Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts) overhears townspeople discussing work opportunities at a nearby farm, setting him on the path to Weatherbury and his turbulent relationship with Bathsheba Everdene. The market square scenes in Sherborne capture the promise and uncertainty of new beginnings, foreshadowing Gabriel's future troubles and triumphs. With its abbey, castle ruins, and historical buildings, Sherborne provided an idyllic stand-in for the fictional town of Casterbridge in Thomas Hardy's classic novel.
Visitors can easily experience the exact Sherborne locations featured in the film by strolling through Half Moon Street and the abbey grounds. This historic market town in Dorset is just off the A30, about 40 miles from Salisbury. In addition to following Gabriel Oak's footsteps through the picturesque film sites, literature fans can also visit the Sherborne Museum to learn more about Thomas Hardy's connections to the area.
Bathsheba first sees her neighbor William Boldwood scene in Far from the Madding Crowd
Forde Abbey, Chard TA20 4LU, UK
The independent-minded heroine Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan) has a fateful first encounter with one of her suitors, William Boldwood (Michael Sheen). While selling her seeds in town, Bathsheba sees her neighbor, William, a well-off and mature bachelor. Feeling mischievous, Bathsheba sends Boldwood an anonymous Valentine's Day card as a playful joke. Little does she know that this enigmatic message from an unknown admirer will offend and intrigue Boldwood.
This scene occurs in the Corn Exchange building where Bathsheba has gone to sell her grain. The stately interior used for filming is the wood-paneled Great Hall of Forde Abbey, near Chard, in Somerset, about seven miles west of Beaminster. With its medieval ambiance, the Great Hall doubles convincingly as a 19th-century Corn Exchange.
Forde Abbey and its gardens make for an excellent day trip for those who want to visit the filming location. The Abbey has a long history going back 900 years, and much of the architecture has been preserved to resemble its 12th-century origins as a Cistercian monastery. Nominated for the Historic Houses 'Garden of the Year' award in 2019, the grounds and elegant interiors of Forde Abbey provide the perfect backdrop for this pivotal first meeting.
Forde Abbey is conveniently situated near Chard, just a short 12-minute drive by car or a quick 20-minute journey from Axminster via Chard Rd/A358.
William’s Christmas party scene in Far from the Madding Crowd
Claydon Estate, Claydon Courtyard, Buckingham MK18 2EY, UK
During the lavish Christmas celebration, Boldwood (Michael Sheen) graciously invites Gabriel (Matthias Schoenaerts) and Bathsheba (Carey Mulligan) to share a dance despite the romantic rivalry between the two men. After their dance, Bathsheba steps outside and is shocked to discover Sergeant Troy (Tom Sturridge) standing before her, alive and well, when all believed him to be dead.
The grand mansion used for filming Boldwood's estate is the historic Claydon House in Middle Claydon, Buckinghamshire. This imposing home belongs to the Verney family and sits on the remnants of a much larger property that fell into disrepair over the centuries. While the exterior appears stern and severe, the interior is elaborately decorated with flamboyant 18th-century rococo woodcarvings by Luke Lightfoot. Visitors can explore the rooms freely, imagining themselves guests at the Christmas party.
The conservation team keeps the rooms furnished as they would have looked when first created, without velvet ropes or barriers, providing an intimate glimpse into 18th-century life. Visitors are welcome to explore the enchanting Claydon Estate. From London, one can travel by train to Bletchley and then transfer to a bus that will take you directly to the Village Centre. Within a short 6 minutes, fans will arrive at their desired destination.
The swordplay in the woods scene in Far from the Madding Crowd
Maiden Castle, Maiden Castle Rd, Dorchester DT2 9PP, UK
In a pivotal scene, the dashing Sergeant Troy (Tom Sturridge) surprises Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan) in the woods, showing off his impressive swordsmanship to impress and seduce her. As Bathsheba stands enraptured, Troy swings his sword perilously close to her body and around her head, embracing her passionately once he finishes his daring display. This tense scene underscores Troy's charisma and masculinity, contrasted with Bathsheba's unease and captivation.
This memorable scene was filmed on location at the ancient hillfort of Maiden Castle in Dorchester, Dorset. Maiden Castle is one of Europe's largest and most complex Iron Age forts, spanning an impressive 50 acres. Its monumental earthen ramparts and ditches evoke the ruins of Troy's ancient citadel. The fort's winding paths and secluded clearings provide the perfect setting for Troy and Bathsheba's clandestine affair.
Visitors can easily access Maiden Castle year-round. From Dorchester, you can reach your destination in just 30 minutes by bus or a mere 10 minutes by private car via Maiden Castle Rd. There is a free car park at the base of the hilltop, with a short walk up to the site. Once there, you can wander freely and take in panoramic views over Dorchester and the surrounding countryside.
Conclusion
Far from the Madding Crowd is a brilliantly executed 2015 adaptation of Thomas Hardy's timeless novel, skillfully directed by Thomas Vinterberg. This film seamlessly combines captivating aesthetics, outstanding performances, and a compelling script that flawlessly captures the essence of Hardy's world with meticulousness and fervor.
Vinterberg masterfully crafts a visually stunning aesthetic by blending vibrant colors and capturing the essence of natural light. This creates a tactile quality that draws audiences in and evokes powerful emotions.
Notably, the film's cinematography, skillfully executed by Charlotte Bruus Christensen, becomes a character in its own right, adding depth and enhancing the overall storytelling experience. From lens flares on sunny days and verdant rolling hills to pinky-purple sunsets and morning streaks of misty light, every frame is a feast for the eyes. The picturesque locations in Dorset, where the majority of scenes were shot, provide a stunning visual backdrop that perfectly encapsulates the rural charm and pastoral beauty of Hardy's novel.
The film's cast delivers exceptional performances, led by Carey Mulligan, who shines as the fiercely independent Bathsheba Everdene. Mulligan's portrayal of the strong-willed literary heroine is radiant and vital, capturing the essence of Hardy's iconic character with depth and nuance.
Far from the Madding Crowd contributes significantly to the movie industry as a standout example of literary adaptations done right. It strikes a delicate balance between honoring the source material and making it accessible to modern audiences. The film's exploration of fate's capriciousness and its
impact on the characters' lives offers a compelling narrative that resonates even today.
It's a visually stunning, emotionally rich cinematic experience that captures the spirit of Hardy's novel while offering a fresh and engaging interpretation. Whether you're a fan of the book, a lover of period dramas, or simply someone who appreciates well-crafted cinema, this film will leave a lasting impression.