Shropshire Victorian museum stars in Martin Clunes' new TV series

One of Shropshire’s best known museums will be seen by millions of TV viewers when they tune in for the next episode of ITV’s Arthur and George tomorrow. And thousands more tourists are set to head to Blists Hill Victorian Town in the Ironbridge Gorge following its appearance in a new series of the show, featuring actor Martin Clunes as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Last year cast and crews headed to the venue to film scenes for the adaptation of the story of how Conan Doyle travelled to Staffordshire and turned real-life detective. They filmed for a whole day at the Victorian Town, around the Iron Rolling Mill, stables and inside the New Inn Pub to create the perfect Victorian backdrop.

It’s not the first time the tourist attraction has appeared on TV. The BBC’s History of the World and the Antiques Roadshow have both filmed at the site. Paul Gossage, director of marketing and PR at Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, said previous TV appearances had boosted the numbers of people visiting the historic living town, adding that the museum was expected to make an appearance on the second episode of the three-part drama. He said, “The adverts for Monday’s episode have shown glimpses of scenes at Blists Hill so we are all excited to see the Museum on the TV then.” He added, “We were delighted to welcome the production company who made Arthur and George last year, when they filmed various scenes. They brought a crew of over 60 people and the star of the show Martin Clunes.” Monday’s episode airs on ITV from 9 pm.