Fans of the classic Doctor Who serial, The Daemons might recognize this quiet English backwater by another name - Devil's End!
In April 1971, the Doctor Who production team descended on Aldbourne to begin filming a story of ancient aliens mixed with witchcraft and superstition.
One of the village pubs, The Blue Boar had a starring role, although for the story it's name was changed to The Cloven Hoof.
The local church, St Michael's was also quite prominent in the story, to a point were it is actually blown up - not really of course, but some viewers were convinced the BBC had destroyed a church during filming and wrote in to complain.
Throughout the shoot, cast members and crew happily chatted, signed autographs and even used locals for the crowd scenes.
The Doctor is about to be burnt at the stake on the village green which hasn't changed much over the years.
The village green does feature quite a lot.
The view from The Blue Boar now, and below as it was in 1971.
Here's another photo showing filming in 1971.
And as it is today.
The sinister Morris Dancers led by Bert the landlord of The Blue Boar pub skip down the lane.
The same lane today.
Benton takes the path up to the church vestry door
Benton's view if he walked up there today.
The animated gargoyle, Bok staggers by the church steps.
As they look today.
Sergeant Benton takes aim at the church weather cock to convince the locals that the Doctor is a powerful wizard.
The weather cock in 1971
St. Michael's still has that weather cock.
Oddly enough, one of the first 'Target' paperbacks I read was 'Doctor Who and The Daemons', way back in 1976 (although the paperback was published in 1974). By coincidence, I was touring Wiltshire at the the time, and bought the book at the shop on the camp site where we were staying.
At that time I had no knowledge where the Daemons was actually filmed, although Wiltshire is mentioned in the book, so I did identify with my rural surroundings which did enhance my holiday read.
Doctor Who is strangely concerned about Professor Horner's plan to cut open an ancient barrow near the peaceful village of Devil's End.
Equally worried is Miss Hawthorne, the local white witch, who foretells a terrible disaster if it goes ahead.
The only person who wants the Professor to open the barrow is the new vicar (in truth THE MASTER) whose secret ceremonies are designed to conjure up from out of the barrow a horribly powerful being...
I can certainly understand how the Doctor Who crew really enjoyed their time in Aldbourne. Unsurprisingly its still a lovely, peaceful place, although it's connection with Doctor Who is hardly noticeable these days.
At that time I had no knowledge where the Daemons was actually filmed, although Wiltshire is mentioned in the book, so I did identify with my rural surroundings which did enhance my holiday read.
Doctor Who is strangely concerned about Professor Horner's plan to cut open an ancient barrow near the peaceful village of Devil's End.
Equally worried is Miss Hawthorne, the local white witch, who foretells a terrible disaster if it goes ahead.
The only person who wants the Professor to open the barrow is the new vicar (in truth THE MASTER) whose secret ceremonies are designed to conjure up from out of the barrow a horribly powerful being...
The foreword in the paperback.
I can certainly understand how the Doctor Who crew really enjoyed their time in Aldbourne. Unsurprisingly its still a lovely, peaceful place, although it's connection with Doctor Who is hardly noticeable these days.
Aldbourne in1971, and the last scene in The Daemons
Aldbourne in 2015. Apart from ancient aliens and devil worship it's hardly changed a bit.
Nice post Scoop...I always liked The Daemons and what a great set of pictures to compliment it!
ReplyDeleteJust love the one with the great Roger Delgado signing an autograph!
Thanks for showing them all.
Did you have a pint or two in The Cloven Hoof? :)
Thanks eviled. It sure is a nice place that's hardly changed at all.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, of course I had to have a Guinness at the Cloven Hoof, just one though as I was driving unfortunately. : )
You've just solved a minor mystery for me, Mike.
ReplyDeleteI recently read a book about retracing Easy Company's steps, which has a number of then and now photos in it. Including Aldbourne, where the 506th PIR of the 101 AB was stationed prior to D-Day, and for which it's pretty well known. Those pictures looked rather familiar somehow, and you've just explained where I've seen the place before.
Thanks! -- Paul
I'm glad you recognised it from the photos Paul. Like I've said it seems to have hardly changed in years.
DeleteI have heard that the pub was given the 'Cloven Hoof' prop sign after filming, and it was proudly displayed in the bar. Oddly enough, I watched my DVD copy of 'The Daemons' at work last night, and only found this item a short time ago. Possibly my all-time favourite Doctor Who story.
ReplyDeleteI have heard that the pub was given the 'Cloven Hoof' prop sign after filming, and it was proudly displayed in the bar. Oddly enough, I watched my DVD copy of 'The Daemons' at work last night, and only found this item a short time ago. Possibly my all-time favourite Doctor Who story.
ReplyDeleteI have heard that the pub was given the 'Cloven Hoof' prop sign after filming, and it was proudly displayed in the bar. Oddly enough, I watched my DVD copy of 'The Daemons' at work last night, and only found this item a short time ago. Possibly my all-time favourite Doctor Who story.
ReplyDeleteWhen I called in at the Blue Boar, I sat outside as there's not that much room in the bar area, but I do recall a bar sign hanging up above and behind doorway in a rear room.
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