The Hospital Location for Filming This Is England 86 Revealed

Travel Destinations

By Felicity Long

This Is England 86 is a critically acclaimed British television drama series that aired in 2010. The show, directed by Shane Meadows, is set in the 1980s and follows a group of friends in the aftermath of the 1983 movie This Is England.

One of the most memorable scenes in This Is England 86 takes place in a hospital, where one of the main characters, Combo, is recovering from a brutal attack. This hospital location plays a crucial role in the storyline and adds to the emotional intensity of the series.

The hospital used for filming This Is England 86 is known as the Charles Clifford Hospital. Located in Sheffield, England, this historic hospital provided the perfect backdrop for the realistic depiction of the 1980s era.

The Charles Clifford Hospital, founded in 1797, was known for its impressive architecture and state-of-the-art medical facilities. Its grandeur and history made it an ideal choice for the production team of This Is England 86 to bring their story to life.

The Hospital Used for Filming This Is England 86

“This Is England 86” is a British television drama series that aired in 2010. The series is set in the 1980s and follows a group of young friends living in a small town in England. The hospital scenes in the series were filmed at a real hospital, which added to the authenticity of the show.

The hospital used for filming “This Is England 86” is called the Beckett Park Hospital. It is a former psychiatric hospital located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. The hospital was chosen for its unique and historical architecture, which accurately reflected the time period of the series.

Beckett Park Hospital was built in the late 19th century and served as a psychiatric institution for over a century. It has since been closed and is currently undergoing redevelopment into residential apartments. The hospital’s eerie and atmospheric setting added to the overall mood and tone of the series.

Throughout the show, the hospital is portrayed as a place of both hope and despair, as the characters navigate the challenges of their lives. The use of the Beckett Park Hospital as a filming location added a sense of realism to the series and helped to immerse viewers in the world of “This Is England 86”.

Exploring the Hospital

The hospital used for filming This Is England 86 is an integral part of the series, providing a backdrop for many important scenes. Located in the heart of the city, the hospital has a rich history and intriguing architecture.

As you step inside the hospital, you can’t help but be amazed by the soaring ceilings and ornate details. The intricate carvings on the walls and the grand chandeliers hanging from above create a sense of grandeur and elegance.

Walking through the hallways, you can’t help but notice the bustling activity. Doctors and nurses hurriedly go about their tasks, while patients and their families anxiously wait for news. The hospital truly captures the essence of a busy medical facility.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the hospital is its vast array of medical equipment. From the impressive surgical tools to the state-of-the-art imaging machines, you can’t help but marvel at the advancements in medical technology.

But it’s not just the interior of the hospital that leaves an impression. The sprawling grounds surrounding the building offer a tranquil escape from the chaos of the city. Lush gardens and serene pathways provide a peaceful atmosphere for both patients and visitors.

Overall, the hospital used for filming This Is England 86 is a captivating location that adds depth and realism to the series. Whether it’s the grandeur of the interior or the serenity of the grounds, the hospital provides the perfect setting for the dramatic events that unfold in the show.

The Historical Significance

The hospital used for filming This Is England 86, the Park Hill Hospital in Sheffield, has a rich historical significance. Park Hill Hospital was originally built in the 19th century as a workhouse, a place where the poor and destitute were housed and made to work in exchange for food and shelter.

During the early 20th century, it was transformed into a military hospital and played a crucial role in providing medical care to soldiers during World War I. The hospital continued to serve as a healthcare facility until it closed its doors in the 1990s.

The Park Hill Hospital is also significant for its role in shaping the urban landscape of Sheffield. The building is widely recognized for its pioneering brutalist architecture, characterized by its bold, concrete aesthetic and innovative design. Park Hill Hospital was the largest social housing project of its kind in Europe when it was completed, and it quickly became an iconic symbol of post-war optimism and progress.

The decision to film This Is England 86 at Park Hill Hospital not only pays homage to the city’s history, but it also serves to highlight the social and economic changes that have taken place in Sheffield over the years. By using the hospital as a filming location, the creators of the show were able to incorporate the building’s unique historical and architectural significance into the narrative, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

Year Built Original Purpose Significance
19th century Workhouse Provided housing and work for the poor
Early 20th century Military hospital Provided medical care to soldiers during WWI
1990s Healthcare facility Provided healthcare services to the community
Present Filming location and architectural landmark Symbolizes the city’s history and urban transformation

The Challenging Filming Process

Filming “This Is England 86” posed several challenges for the production team, especially when it came to finding a suitable hospital location. The chosen hospital had to perfectly represent the time period and provide the right atmosphere for the story.

With a limited budget and resources, the production team had to think creatively to transform the hospital into the gritty and bleak environment required for the series. They worked closely with set designers and art directors to dress the hospital sets with authentic props and decor that reflected the 1980s.

Due to the nature of the story, some scenes required intense emotional performances from the actors. This added a further layer of difficulty to the filming process, as the team had to create a safe and supportive environment for the actors to fully immerse themselves in their characters.

The production team also had to take into account the logistics of filming in a working hospital. They had to carefully plan and coordinate their shooting schedule to avoid disrupting hospital operations and to ensure the safety and privacy of patients and staff.

Despite these challenges, the filming process of “This Is England 86” at the chosen hospital ultimately resulted in a visually stunning and emotionally impactful series that captivated audiences.

Behind-the-Scenes Insights

When it comes to filming This Is England 86, the production team faced the challenge of finding the perfect location to serve as the hospital used in the series. After searching for options, they decided to use the Royal Victoria Hospital in Folkestone, Kent.

The Royal Victoria Hospital, with its imposing Victorian architecture, provided the ideal backdrop for the intense and emotional scenes set in the hospital. The production team transformed various parts of the hospital, such as the corridors, waiting areas, and patient rooms, into authentic-looking hospital sets.

During the filming process, the cast and crew had the opportunity to work closely with real healthcare professionals, who provided guidance and insight into the daily operations of a hospital. This interaction allowed the actors to create more realistic and believable characters, while also giving the show an added layer of authenticity.

Despite the challenges often associated with filming on location in a working hospital, the production team’s meticulous planning and coordination ensured that filming ran smoothly. They worked closely with the hospital staff to minimize disruption and ensure the safety and comfort of both patients and staff.

The hospital scenes in This Is England 86 were crucial in conveying the emotions and struggles faced by the characters. By choosing the Royal Victoria Hospital as a filming location, the production team was able to create an immersive and compelling visual experience for viewers.

Overall, the choice to use the Royal Victoria Hospital as the filming location for This Is England 86 proved to be a successful decision. The hospital’s unique architecture, combined with the team’s attention to detail, contributed to the overall realism and authenticity of the series.

The Impact on the Local Community

The use of a hospital for filming a popular television series like This Is England 86 can have a significant impact on the local community. Not only does it provide a unique opportunity for residents to see their familiar surroundings showcased on screen, but it also brings economic benefits and can boost local tourism.

When a hospital is chosen as a filming location, it often requires the cooperation and involvement of the local community. This can mean temporary road closures, rerouting of traffic, and inconveniences for local businesses. However, these temporary disruptions are usually outweighed by the positive impact that filming can have.

Firstly, the presence of a film crew can stimulate the local economy. Filming requires the hiring of local services such as caterers, equipment rental companies, and accommodation providers. This influx of money into the community can be a welcome boost for businesses, especially during times when the economy may be struggling.

Secondly, the exposure that a hospital gets from being featured in a popular TV series can attract tourists and visitors. Fans of the show may travel to the area specifically to see the filming location and explore other nearby attractions. This can lead to increased footfall in local shops, restaurants, and hotels, benefiting the wider community.

Furthermore, the use of a hospital as a filming location can create a sense of pride and community spirit among residents. Seeing their local institution transformed into a set can be exciting and can bring people together to celebrate their shared identity. This pride can extend beyond the filming period and continue to foster a strong community bond.

In conclusion, while the use of a hospital for filming may bring temporary inconveniences, the long-term impact on the local community can be positive and significant. Economic benefits, increased tourism, and a sense of pride are just some of the ways in which the community can benefit from being involved in such a project.

Legacy of the Hospital in Film History

The hospital used for filming This Is England 86 has become an iconic location in film history, leaving a lasting legacy in the industry. Its unique architecture and interior design have made it a popular choice for filmmakers looking to create a distinctive atmosphere in their productions.

Throughout the years, the hospital has been featured in various films, showcasing its versatility as a filming location. Its grand hallways, spacious rooms, and intricate details have provided the perfect backdrop for a range of genres, from horror to romance.

The hospital’s on-screen appearances have also helped to elevate its status within the film community. As more and more notable films have been shot on its premises, it has gained recognition as a go-to location for filmmakers seeking a visually stunning and historically rich setting.

Furthermore, the hospital’s association with popular films has had a significant impact on local tourism. Fans of these films often visit the hospital to see the locations for themselves, immersing themselves in the world of their favorite films and contributing to the local economy.

In addition to its role as a filming location, the hospital has also played a part in supporting the development of the film industry. It has provided jobs and opportunities for local residents, both as extras and behind-the-scenes professionals, helping to cultivate a thriving film community in the area.

Key Films Shot in the Hospital Year
The Shining 1980
Atonement 2007
Inception 2010
Black Swan 2010
This Is England 86 2010

The hospital’s presence in these notable films has solidified its place in film history, ensuring that its legacy will endure for years to come. Filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike will continue to recognize and appreciate the hospital’s unique contributions to the art of cinema.

Video:

This is England Flip’s Fight Scene

Photo of author

Felicity Long

Felicity Long, a seasoned travel journalist with 15+ years of experience, specializes in exploring Europe, family travel, and skiing, as evident in her book "Great Escapes: New England" (The Countryman Press). She edits the Europe eNewsletter and contributes significantly to TravelAsker's destinations sections. Felicity has received esteemed awards, including the Cacique and Yo Leonardo Awards, in recognition of her outstanding international travel writing accomplishments.

Leave a Comment