In the newest trailer for ‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man’, Tommy Shelby looks like a shadow of his former self. The criminal kingpin has abandoned his throne—now occupied by his illegitimate son, Duke, played by Barry Keoghan—and is now holed up in an old ghostly mansion while WWII rages around him.
“When we meet him, he’s as broken as he has been,” said Cillian Murphy. “He’s just medicating and living in this purgatory that he’s created for himself in this big old house. He’s in this liminal space, not really living, he’s not really dead. He’s ignoring the world, he’s ignoring his family.”
But where is Tommy Shelby’s country house?
For the first time, in winter 2024, Calke Abbey welcomed a major cinematic production to its estate. The likes of Cillian Murphy, Rebecca Ferguson and Packy Lee to shoot key scenes at the “un-stately home”, which in its day-to-day, tells the tale of the dramatic decline of country houses in the 20th century.
Many of the Grade I listed country home’s areas remain largely unrestored, and a snapshot of this age of desertion—perfect for the filmmakers to capture an authentic backdrop to Tommy Shelby’s woes. But the production team also enhanced the abandoned atmosphere of the estate, with around 1,300 items moved into storage.
Inside, scenes were shot in passageways and corridors, as well as the Kitchen, Schoolroom, Night Nursery, and other rooms normally used as collection stores. While outside, filming took place in the Stableyards, at the Middle Lodge, and in the surrounding parkland.
What now for Calke Abbey?
The location fees have already helped to fund essential repairs that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible. Plus, in anticipation of the film’s release and increased public interest, Calke Abbey has also created a new walking route (available from Saturday, March 14) that takes in the key filming locations, as well as behind-the-scenes stories, images and more.
What else is there to see at Calke Abbey?
Beyond ‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man’, Calke Abbey is pretty fascinating in its own right. The house had been abandoned for decades when the National Trust took over in 1985, and it was decided to preserve these rooms as they were found, to demonstrate how country houses like Calke Abbey fell into decline.
A mix of grandeur and decay, explore the stately Dining Room and Library, historic collections in the Museum Room, the abandoned School Room and Sir Vauncey’s childhood bedroom, and Calke’s twisting tunnels, once used to transport beer, between the brewhouse and the cellar.
Elsewhere, discover 600 acres of historic parkland, including the ‘Old Man of Calke’ oak tree; a vibrant walled garden, home to an auricula theatre, domed orangery, faded glasshouses and a gardener’s bothy; and a historic stableyard and riding school, where you’ll now find a restaurant and café.
How do I get there from Birmingham?
Located in Derbyshire, it takes less than an hour to drive to Calke Abbey from Birmingham via the M42 and A42. Alternatively, you can take a 2-hour trip by taking the train from New Street to Derby and hopping on the No. 2 bus to the nearby village of Ticknall.
📍 Calke Abbey, Ticknall, Derby DE73 7JF
🎥 ‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man’ is in cinemas on March 6, before streaming on Netflix from March 20.