Keen onlookers spotted stars including veteran actor Richard E Grant and Game of Thrones star John Bradley as they filmed scenes for the movie, Merry Christmas Aubrey Flint.
The plot follows an amateur production of A Christmas Carol at a retirement home, reluctantly directed by a reclusive man, Aubrey Flint (John Bradley), on community service.
Film producer Andy Brunskill told The Press the movie makers picked York for its sheer beauty and were drawn to its historic and iconic locations such as Shambles and the Minster.
York’s unique historical setting has attracted film and TV crews to the city across the decades, here is a look back at when our city featured on the big and small screen…
1. Water Babies (1978)
This film, starring James Mason and Bernard Cribbins, was a fantasy adventure based on Charles Kingsley’s novel about a boy who escapes into an underwater world. Various streets in York city centre were used as well as York market.
2. Agatha (1979)
In 1977, Dustin Hoffman filmed scenes at York Railway Station for the movie Agatha, released in 1979, based on the story of crime writer Agatha Christie’s ‘disappearance’ and short stay at a hotel in Harrogate.
3. Chariots of Fire (1981)
This Oscar winning movie based on a true story of two athletes in the 1924 Olympics had scenes filmed at York Railway Station.
4. The Dresser (1983)
British film about an ageing actor and his personal assistant which starred Albert Finney and Tom Courtenay (who won a Golden Globe for the role). Again, scenes were filmed at the railway station.
5. Elizabeth (1998)
This film told the story of the early reign of Queen Elizabeth I and her struggle for power and starred Cate Blanchett and Geoffrey Rush. York Minster was used for cathedral scenes.
6. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
The first in the HP franchise where Harry discovers he’s a wizard. Scenes were filmed at York Railway Station pedestrian bridge, which doubled as King’s Cross, and featured Daniel Radcliffe and Robbie Coltrane.
7. Death Comes to Pemberley (2013)
Another BBC One drama, this time a murder mystery sequel to Pride and Prejudice which was shot at various city locations including York Minster, St William’s College, and Treasurer’s House. Stars included Matthew Rhys and Anna Maxwell Martin.
8. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (2015)
This BBC One fantasy drama about magic returning to England in the 19th century was filmed partly at York Minster and St William’s College and starred the actors Bertie Carvel and Eddie Marsan.
9. The Correspondence (2016)
In 2015, celebrated British actor Jeremy Irons and former Bond Girl Olga Kurylenko filmed scenes for their movie, The Correspondence, in York. Olga was photographed by one of our photographers in Micklegate, while over at the University of York campus, students were recruited at £40 a day to be extras. The film was a romantic drama where Irons played a professor having an affair with a younger colleague.
10. Victoria (2016–2019)
ITV’s popular drama about Queen Victoria’s early reign was filmed at York’s Mansion House and featured York Minster for wedding scenes. It’s main star was Jenna Coleman, who played Victoria.
11. Gentleman Jack (2019–2022)
British actress Suranne Jones starred in this BBC One drama based on Anne Lister’s diaries set in 1830s Yorkshire. Several York locations were used during filming including Fairfax House, Grays Court Hotel, Holy Trinity Church, Minster Yard, and Deangate.
12. My Dad’s Christmas Date (2020)
Amazon Prime’s heartwarming Christmas film about a widowed father and his daughter navigating grief and dating was filmed across city streets, Shambles and York Minster, as well as St Peter’s School (it was written by former Peter’s pupil Toby Torlesse). It featured actors Jeremy Piven and Olivia-Mai Barrett. In another York connection, the soundtrack was composed by York duo Govardo – Dom Sky and Jack Rose.
13. Patience (2023-2025)
Filming for the Channel 4 crime drama Patience took place at various location including York Minster, Precentors Court, Deans Park, Clifford’s Tower, Shambles, and various riverside spots such as King’s Staith. The drama follows Patience (played by Ella Maisy Purvis), a young woman with autism who works in the criminal records department for ‘City of York Police’; it co-stars former Breaking Bad actress Laura Fraser.
14. The Crown (2023)
Netflix blockbuster The Crown filmed scenes at York Minster for its sixth season. Season six of The Crown stars included Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II, Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip, Dominic West as Prince Charles, Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana, Olivia Williams as Camilla, Ed McVey as Prince William and Meg Bellamy as Kate.
Share your memories
Were you an extra in a film? Have you spotted a famous face in York. We’d love to hear your stories and see your photos. Contact: maxine.gordon@thepress.co.uk
