BBC to feature Old Hall in show

THE HISTORIC setting of Gainsborough Old Hall is to feature in an upcoming TV documentary after a well-known historian came to film in the town.

BBC TV historian Michael Wood was in Gainsborough to film at the Old Hall for his new documentary series Story of the Nation which will be screened in the Spring.

TV crews descended upon the Medieval manor house was the subject of the new series which aims to trace the history of the British people from the bottom up and from the regions rather than the centre, involving communities all over the UK.

Local historian Sue Allan was heavily involved in the project.

“I had been approached by a member of Michael Wood’s team to advise on the story of the Pilgrim Fathers and Separatists some time ago,” said Sue.

“I told them that they really should film at Gainsborough Old Hall and then flagged up the story of Lady Rose Hickman. After that, well frankly, I put it out of my thoughts as these things usually take months to happen - if they happen!”

She continued: “Well they rang last week checking my availability to film with them as Michael Wood was apparently very anxious to interview me on camera telling the Lady Rose Hickman story and how her family sheltered the Separatists at the Old Hall.”

“Hopefully it should really help to raise up the profile of Gainsborough Old Hall even more than in previous TV programmes when it has been used for filming as a venue and then hardly mentioned as to where it actually is.”

Sue added: “It has been used as a backdrop many times, so it will be nice to actually have it featured and focused on and get the attention it deserves.”

The scenes will be shown as a part of Michael’s new documentary series Story of the Nation in the Spring on BBC2.

For more information on the series you can visit www.mayavisionint.com/Productions.