Directed by Saul Dibb, the Oscar BAFTA award-winning The Duchess was set in the 18th century and based on the life of the Georgiana Cavendish, the Duchess of Devonshire who was famous for holding controversial political views, her gambling and rather extravagant tastes. The plot was based on the autobiography written by Amanda Foreman and begins when Georgiana (Keira Knightly) meets the young Earl, Charles Grey (Dominic Cooper) who would later become Prime Minister. Soon afterwards her mother, Lady Spencer (Charlotte Rampling) announces she is to be married to the older William Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire (Ralph Fiennes). An heir to the Cavendish estate is not immediately forthcoming leading to frustration. Georgiana befriends Lady Elizabeth ‘Bess’ Foster (Hayley Atwell) to whom she invites into her home. An affair subsequently ensues between Bess and the Duke which Georgiana is powerless to stop. A chance encounter with Charles Grey ultimately leads to an affair of her own, a profound sense of happiness for a short period, devastation and an illegitimate child which she is forced to give up. The Duchess achieved mixed reviews, but Knightly and Fiennes’ performances were well received.
Release / Airing: 29/08/2008
Locations used for this production:
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East Hyde >
A private house was used in the Bedfordshire countryside for the scenes where Georgiana goes to give birth to her illegitimate baby.
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Holkham Hall >
Along with Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire, Holkham Hall was used to recreate the interiors of Devonshire House, the London residence of the Duke of Devonshire - a building which no longer exists.
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These productions were filmed nearby:
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