Celebrating a Century of Brontë Filming at East Riddlesden Hall

Have you ever watched a film and thought the house or the landscape was just as much a character as the actors? Think of those moody, windswept moors and grand, slightly spooky old houses. Well, with a brand-new film version of Wuthering Heights hitting the big screen this week, people are getting another chance to fall in love with one of the most famous gothic romances ever written. But what if you could step right into that world? The National Trust has just announced a brilliant new exhibition that pulls back the curtain on how this classic story has been brought to life for a century. It’s all happening at a place that has been a star of the screen itself: the magnificent East Riddlesden Hall.

From page to screen: a classic story's journey

There are some books that just stick around, and Wuthering Heights is definitely one of them. It’s a proper classic story, full of passion, ghosts, and drama set against the wild backdrop of the Yorkshire moors. It’s no wonder that filmmakers keep coming back to it, with each new adaption offering a fresh take for a new audience. The latest film release is set to do just that, introducing Catherine and Heathcliff’s turbulent tale to another generation. An important part of any adaption is getting the feel right. The story wouldn't be the same if it were set in a sunny seaside town, would it? It needs those brooding landscapes and imposing stone buildings that Yorkshire does so well. The history behind the novel is deeply rooted in this part of the world, and filmmakers know that to capture its soul, they have to capture the spirit of the place.

This latest release has got everyone talking. Film buffs and book lovers alike are keen to see how the director has interpreted the novel. The marketing team behind the film has done a great job building excitement, knowing that the audience for such a well-loved story is huge. And with this new exhibition, fans have a unique opportunity to see how the magic is made, connecting the words on the page to the images on the screen. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the long history of bringing this tale to life.

Lights, camera, action at East Riddlesden Hall

The star of this new event is East Riddlesden Hall, a 17th-century manor house cared for by the National Trust. With its beautiful but slightly stern-looking exterior and historic interiors, it's the perfect stand-in for the dramatic homes in Brontë novels. It has actually been used as a location for screen adaptations before, so its walls have seen their fair share of action. The new exhibition, called Lights, Camera, Brontë: East Riddlesden Hall on Screen, takes visitors on a journey through the filming history of the Brontë sisters' works. The exhibition opens its doors to the public from Thursday, 12th February, offering a peek behind the scenes.

Imagine wandering through rooms that have been graced by actors in period costumes, with a film camera capturing their every move. The exhibition promises to be full of fascinating stuff. There will be behind-the-scenes photos showing the cast and crew at work, original props, and maybe even some of the costumes worn by the stars. It’s a celebration of the hall’s role in cinematic history. The National Trust team has put together a display that explores how a location is chosen and transformed for the big screen. The lights might be off and the camera put away, but the magic of the movies definitely lingers in the air. This exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in film, literature, or local history.

Meet the team behind the magic

Putting together an exhibition like this is a huge undertaking. It’s not just about hanging a few photos on the wall. The dedicated team at the National Trust’s West Yorkshire Group has been working flat out to get everything perfect for the public. From the curators who researched the history to the conservation experts who handle the delicate items, everyone plays a part. The marketing and communications officer has been busy spreading the word, making sure everyone knows about this unique opportunity. Any good team needs clear communications to succeed.

The preparation for a big release like this starts weeks, if not months, in advance. You can just picture the team busy from Monday to Thursday, carefully arranging displays and writing the information panels that tell the story. A quick chat, or a sort of informal interview, with any member of the team would reveal their passion for preserving these incredible places and sharing their stories. One officer from the West Yorkshire Group mentioned how exciting it is to connect the hall's past with its modern role in film, bringing history to life for a whole new audience. It’s this dedication that makes a visit to a National Trust property so special.

More than just a film set

While East Riddlesden Hall is in the spotlight for this exhibition, the National Trust looks after a whole network of amazing places in the area that share this wild, romantic spirit. The West Yorkshire Group also manages the rugged landscapes of Hardcastle Crags and Marsden Moor. If you’ve ever read Wuthering Heights, these are the kinds of places you'd picture Heathcliff storming across. These vast, open spaces are just as vital to the Brontë story as the grand houses.

Exploring Hardcastle Crags, with its deep-wooded valley and rushing streams, or wandering across the windswept expanse of Marsden Moor, you can really feel the atmosphere that inspired the Brontë sisters. It’s easy to see why film crews are drawn to this part of the country. So, after you’ve seen the exhibition and marvelled at the behind-the-scenes photos, why not pull on your walking boots and explore the landscape that started it all? It's the perfect way to round off a trip into the world of a truly classic story, making the experience of the new film release even richer.