THE first episode in the star-studded six-part BBC 2 drama Wolf Hall aired last night.

Starring Mark Rylance, Damian Lewis, Claire Foy and Mark Gattis, among others, the series is based on Hilary Mantel's award-winning books about the rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell, one of the most charismatic and divisive figures in English history. 

Although set largely in London, many scenes in the series were shot in Somerset, at locations including the National Trust's Barrington Court, near Ilminster, and Montacute House. 

Creative England has produced a short film in partnership with Visit Somerset, in which Wolf Hall producer Mark Pybus, explains why he chose Somerset as a location, and why a stable block at Barrington Court was the setting for his favourite scene in the series. 

See the film below.