THE Great Hall in Winchester appeared on the nation’s television screens on Saturday in the eagerly-awaited second series of The Hollow Crown.

Managed by Hampshire County Council, The Great Hall provides a stunning backdrop to the Shakespeare-inspired drama – the first episode of which was broadcast on May 7.

Filming was made possible by Film Hampshire – part of the county council’s economic development service which promotes Hampshire’s unique character and historic appeal to attract top blockbusting productions to the county.

Production spend from films being produced at Hampshire locations contributes significantly to the county economy, with £8m per year generated by film makers.

Mel Kendal, the county council’s executive member for economic development, said: “The Great Hall is a great place to visit to delve into history and has proved a very adaptable canvas for film productions.

“High-profile productions like this have such a positive effect on our local economy, with casts and film crews staying and spending money locally, and tourism in Hampshire boosted through, for example, fans visiting the sets and locations.

“I’m glad to see Hampshire’s appeal to the filming industry continuing to bring in business.”

This second series of The Hollow Crown is based on four of Shakespeare’s history plays – Henry VI (parts I, II and III) and Richard III. Its launch coincides with the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death in 1616. The next episode will be broadcast on Saturday at 9pm on BBC2.

The new series sees stars including Benedict Cumberbatch as Richard III, Dame Judi Dench as The Duchess of York, and Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville as Gloucester. The star-studded cast and production crew spent just under a month shooting in Winchester at the historic Great Hall.

The Great Hall has had a lively history since it was originally constructed for William the Conqueror in 1067. Today, the Great Hall showcases King Arthur’s round table, the last traces of Winchester Castle, and an exhibition reflecting its various uses through the centuries and its many royal connections.