Mansfield's iconic viaduct in new TV drama about 'Bodies In Garden' murders

Mansfield’s iconic railway viaduct is to feature in a new TV drama about one of the town’s most notorious crimes, the ‘Bodies In The Garden’ murder.
A photo taken before lockdown of the railway viaduct in Mansfield town centre.A photo taken before lockdown of the railway viaduct in Mansfield town centre.
A photo taken before lockdown of the railway viaduct in Mansfield town centre.

’Landscapers’, a Sky/HBO production, focuses on the killing in 1998 of William and Patricia Wycherley, whose bodies were buried in the back garden of their home on Blenheim Close in Forest Town.

The bodies lay hidden for 15 years until the truth emerged that they had been killed by their daughter, Susan Edwards, and her partner, Christopher, who were sentenced to life in prison.

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Although much of the four-part series was filmed in London, producers wanted to set some of the scenes in Mansfield to give authenticity to the series.

A long-range view of the iconic railway viaduct in Mansfield.A long-range view of the iconic railway viaduct in Mansfield.
A long-range view of the iconic railway viaduct in Mansfield.

Roads were closed while actors drove from Dame Flogan Street, down White Hart Street, alongside the famous railway arches. Filming also took place in the White Hart Street car park.

The drama, which is due to premiere later in the year, features a star-studded cast, with Olivia Colman playing Susan Edwards, and David Thewlis playing Christopher.

Mansfield District Council, supported by partners Mansfield BID, helped to ensure the filming of the scenes went smoothly.

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The council provided a ‘green room’ for crew inside the newly-renovated Old Town Hall, as well as parking at the front and back of the building.

Another view of the railway viaduct.Another view of the railway viaduct.
Another view of the railway viaduct.

It also supported the road closures and street-lighting requests, and reviewed safety documents, while helping to put the film crew in contact with the owners of specific landmarks.

Meanwhile, Mansfield BID contacted local businesses to make them aware of the road closures, so they could warn customers and delivery drivers in advance.

Media students from Vision West Nottinghamshire College in Mansfield also got involved. They were invited to do paid work-experience on the set and were the first point of contact with the public between takes.

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Mariam Amos, strategic director at the council, said: “We are keen to welcome film crews to Mansfield as part of four efforts to raise the profile of the district on a national scale – as we have done successfully in the past with the TV show, ‘Top Gear’, and the Tour Of Britain cycle race.

"This very much fits in with our plans to put Mansfield on the map and make it a destination for living, working, visiting and investing.

"It’s lovely to hear positive feedback from the producers of ‘Landscapes’ about their experiences in Mansfield.”

Nikki Rolls, chief executive of Mansfield BID, said: “The court case of the murders gripped the nation, so it’s no surprise that books have been written about the events and that now, a star-studded series is being made.

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"BID has been happy to play a key part in helping to facilitate the filming so that the producers can add authenticity to the scenes.

"We look forward to sitting down and watching the series and seeing our iconic street-scenes when the drama airs.”

Michael Rhodes, media tutor at West Notts College, said: “For the students to have an opportunity like this was amazing.

"It has the potential to be the first step on the way to getting a career in the industry.

"By being on set and rubbing shoulders with current professionals, they picked up some hints and tips on how they could get started in what is a very competitive industry.”