The beautiful Arundel Castle, home to the Dukes of Norfolk for over 900 years, closes for three days in September – 18th, 19th and 20th – when it will become one of the locations for a new film about Queen Victoria.

‘The Young Victoria’ will be produced by Graham King and Martin Scorsese from a script by Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park). The film focuses on the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign from her ascent to the throne at the age of 18, and on her romance and marriage to her beloved Prince Albert. To be directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, the cast includes a host of familiar British names such as Paul Bettany (The Da Vinci Code), Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada), Miranda Richardson (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) and Jim Broadbent (Iris).

The 10-week shoot will be filmed in Shepperton Studios and on location in England. Arundel Castle’s lovely setting high above the town of Arundel overlooking the River Arun makes it a perfect film location, and its fine architecture and magnificent collections of antiques, art, furniture and armoury make it a fitting setting for a film about one of Britain’s greatest monarchs.

Sadly, visitors will not be admitted to the Castle during the shoot from Tuesday 18th to Thursday 20th September, but the Castle will re-open as normal on Friday 21st September.

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For press information on Arundel Castle, please call Caroline Edmunds of Pennington PR on 01892 616647 or email her at: caroline@penningtonpr.com.

Editor’s Notes

1. Arundel Castle has been the home of the Dukes of Norfolk for 900 years and has been extensively added to in this time from its original Norman keep to the magnificent Victorian Gothic chapel. It is the longest inhabited country house in England and furniture, armour, art and antiquities from many periods in its history can be seen. The Castle’s formal gardens create an attractive setting.

1. Arundel Castle and grounds are open from 31 March to 28 October 2007.Opening times are: Tue-Sun, 10am-5pm (Castle rooms open from 12 noon). Last entry is 4pm.

1. Various historical special events staged through the year are included in the normal full admission rates which are: £12 for adults, £9.50 for seniors, £7.50 for children and the great value £32 family ticket (2 adults + up to 5 children) for Castle, Fitzalan chapel, gardens, grounds, gift shop and restaurant.