Filming is underway for Shane Meadow’s new BBC Drama, The Gallows Pole, and a sleepy village in West Yorkshire has been transformed for shooting the adaptation. Heptonstall, near Hebden Bridge, has had its cobbled streets transformed into the 18th Century for the new drama about a gang of counterfeiters.
The drama will be based on the award-winning novel of Benjamin Myers’ award-winning, The Gallows Pole. Based on the true story of a gang of 18th Century counterfeiters who came to be known as the Cragg Vale Coiners, the drama is set to highlight a fascinating period in Yorkshire history. It became the biggest fraud in British history, which damaged the national economy.
Posting to Twitter Angela wrote: “went to visit son in Calder Valley for a bit of walking and visit to picturesque olde worlde Heptonstall – happened upon filming taking place for new BBC period drama coming soon called The Gallows Pole”.
On her visit, they also came across the grave in the old churchyard of David, the chief coiner about who the drama is about, covered in coins. The gravestone reads “Here was interr’d the body of Grace Hartley of Lodge in Erringden who departed this life Sept 2nd 1802 in the 61 year of her life.
“Also of David Hartley her Grandson who departed this life Feb 23rd 1845 aged 25 years.” It carries on to name his others on what seems to be a family grave of the famous counterfeiter.
The Gallows Pole will feature Michael Socha who has appeared in This Is England alongside Thomas Turgoose who is also a part of Meadow’s new production lineup. Other names include 1917’s George MacKay, Sophie McShera, Tom Burke, Cara Theobold, Yusra Warsama and Eve Burley.
We are very excited for the new BBC Drama to hit our screens, and expect it to be an amazing piece of television.
Read More: ‘This Is England’ Director Shane Meadows’ New Yorkshire BBC Drama Lineup Looks Incredible
