So THAT's where Fawlty Towers is.
February 6, 2016 10:06 PM Subscribe
The Great British Television Map "I'm an American, but I love British TV series, and so does my wife. As for Geography... I'm a bit more into that than she is." So, this informative map showing the locations depicted in most of the most popular British TV series*... and where they were actually filmed (if it differs)**.
A map of American TV locales had previously been (ironically) made by British cartoonist James Chapman; oddly, he hadn't done a 'TV Map' for the UK, but he did do a 'Rock Music UK Map'
* NOT including the UK version of Big Brother
** SPOILER: Doctor Who was NOT filmed On Location.
A map of American TV locales had previously been (ironically) made by British cartoonist James Chapman; oddly, he hadn't done a 'TV Map' for the UK, but he did do a 'Rock Music UK Map'
* NOT including the UK version of Big Brother
** SPOILER: Doctor Who was NOT filmed On Location.
I never knew Scumbag College was in North London. I must go visit it's pastoral grounds and ivy-covered medieval library.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 10:48 PM on February 6, 2016 [6 favorites]
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 10:48 PM on February 6, 2016 [6 favorites]
So where was the "Local Shop" (for local people)?
posted by boilermonster at 10:49 PM on February 6, 2016 [7 favorites]
posted by boilermonster at 10:49 PM on February 6, 2016 [7 favorites]
Somewhere in the Pennines.
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 11:00 PM on February 6, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 11:00 PM on February 6, 2016 [4 favorites]
Wait, they’re all in different places?
I am not completely ignorant of geography, but somehow when watching these shows I rarely wonder exactly where they are. I kind of do think of it as all the same place.
posted by bongo_x at 11:29 PM on February 6, 2016 [2 favorites]
I am not completely ignorant of geography, but somehow when watching these shows I rarely wonder exactly where they are. I kind of do think of it as all the same place.
posted by bongo_x at 11:29 PM on February 6, 2016 [2 favorites]
The best Fawlty Towers episode is "Basil the Rat."
This shaped my childhood, and primed me for The Young Ones, Absolutely Fabulous, and eventually, the reboot of Doctor Who throughs the Tenant years. So fucking great.
posted by jbenben at 12:01 AM on February 7, 2016 [2 favorites]
This shaped my childhood, and primed me for The Young Ones, Absolutely Fabulous, and eventually, the reboot of Doctor Who throughs the Tenant years. So fucking great.
posted by jbenben at 12:01 AM on February 7, 2016 [2 favorites]
I wish there were a bit more old stuff-- Galton & Simpson and Clement & La Frenais have plenty of highly specific locations-- but brilliant! (speaking of which, would love to see a map just of Paul Whitehouse's voices for The Fast Show)
posted by thetortoise at 12:10 AM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by thetortoise at 12:10 AM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
I already know where Teddington Lock is, what more do I need?
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:18 AM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:18 AM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
The map is interesting, but I would contend that the floor plans are more integral to spatially appreciating the humor of Fawlty Towers.
posted by fairmettle at 2:10 AM on February 7, 2016 [10 favorites]
posted by fairmettle at 2:10 AM on February 7, 2016 [10 favorites]
I never knew Scumbag College was in North London. I must go visit it's pastoral grounds and ivy-covered medieval library.
Filmed in Bristol if you want a pint in the actual Kebab and Calculator
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 2:14 AM on February 7, 2016 [3 favorites]
Filmed in Bristol if you want a pint in the actual Kebab and Calculator
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 2:14 AM on February 7, 2016 [3 favorites]
Had a conversation a few days back how some shows seem to stay around forever while others, even if they were massive, slip away... I mean they used to run coach tours to Heartbeat Country. Not so much now.
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 2:18 AM on February 7, 2016
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 2:18 AM on February 7, 2016
Who mourns for Pebble Mill?
posted by biffa at 2:50 AM on February 7, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by biffa at 2:50 AM on February 7, 2016 [2 favorites]
High resolution version. (Though maybe there's supposed to be some sort of pan & zoom capability that's missing in my browser?)
posted by XMLicious at 2:57 AM on February 7, 2016
posted by XMLicious at 2:57 AM on February 7, 2016
Filmed in Bristol if you want a pint in the actual Kebab and Calculator
This is SO VITAL.
posted by Mezentian at 3:21 AM on February 7, 2016 [2 favorites]
This is SO VITAL.
posted by Mezentian at 3:21 AM on February 7, 2016 [2 favorites]
Ireland is not part of Britain. So fuck whoever did this.
posted by GallonOfAlan at 3:25 AM on February 7, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by GallonOfAlan at 3:25 AM on February 7, 2016 [4 favorites]
Ireland is not part of Britain. So fuck whoever did this.
While I appreciate the sentiment in general, this may be why the author writes "For fans of TV from the UK (and Ireland)," labels Ireland with a different color, and includes 2 (of 3) Irish programs that aired on British networks.
posted by thetortoise at 3:43 AM on February 7, 2016 [21 favorites]
While I appreciate the sentiment in general, this may be why the author writes "For fans of TV from the UK (and Ireland)," labels Ireland with a different color, and includes 2 (of 3) Irish programs that aired on British networks.
posted by thetortoise at 3:43 AM on February 7, 2016 [21 favorites]
(Sorry, I missed The Fall on the map. Amend that sentence above to "3 (of 4) Irish programs.")
posted by thetortoise at 4:09 AM on February 7, 2016
posted by thetortoise at 4:09 AM on February 7, 2016
By having British in a different colour to Great I presume the map maker is trying to imply the play on words 'Great' as in 'good' and 'British' as in 'The British Isles' ie Britain and Ireland. However it's very easy to intemperate it as 'Great Britain' ie the island divided into England Scotland and Wales
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 4:33 AM on February 7, 2016
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 4:33 AM on February 7, 2016
However it's very easy to intemperate it as 'Great Britain' ie the island divided into England Scotland and Wales
A nation divided by grog.
posted by Wolof at 4:43 AM on February 7, 2016
A nation divided by grog.
posted by Wolof at 4:43 AM on February 7, 2016
Ireland is not part of Britain. So fuck whoever did this.
No: Great as in "Covers many if not all" British as in "Shows made on British TV," Namely, BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and a few others. And since they made a few shows in Ireland, Republic of and there was room on the map, they're on the map. They made shows that weren't covered on the map because Sweden, The Caribbean, and All of Time and Space didn't fit on the map at this scale.
Really, it's just a map. A map that clearly marks "Ireland, Republic of" in a different color than "Northern Ireland, United Kingdom of England, Scotland and" no less, which means that, for Americans, they've done a pretty spot on job of noting that Ireland != UK, but it is part of the British Isles, and not implying in any way that "Ireland, Republic of" is part of the UK in any way other than Channel 4, a UK network based in London, filmed a show in County Clarke, "Ireland, Republic of."
posted by eriko at 5:32 AM on February 7, 2016 [14 favorites]
No: Great as in "Covers many if not all" British as in "Shows made on British TV," Namely, BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and a few others. And since they made a few shows in Ireland, Republic of and there was room on the map, they're on the map. They made shows that weren't covered on the map because Sweden, The Caribbean, and All of Time and Space didn't fit on the map at this scale.
Really, it's just a map. A map that clearly marks "Ireland, Republic of" in a different color than "Northern Ireland, United Kingdom of England, Scotland and" no less, which means that, for Americans, they've done a pretty spot on job of noting that Ireland != UK, but it is part of the British Isles, and not implying in any way that "Ireland, Republic of" is part of the UK in any way other than Channel 4, a UK network based in London, filmed a show in County Clarke, "Ireland, Republic of."
posted by eriko at 5:32 AM on February 7, 2016 [14 favorites]
I've just found the gift I will be giving to every member of my family.
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 7:02 AM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 7:02 AM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
No Denton? Detective Inspector Frost will nick your biscuit for that.
posted by valkane at 7:06 AM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by valkane at 7:06 AM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
Needs Cricklewood for The Goodies (and, although it doesn't quite fit, for Alan Coren), and Warminster-on-Sea. Also not appearing in this formulation, Glen Coe for Holy Grail. and Mornington Crescent - a small tweak to make it the British Comedy Map, and all these and more (East Cheam!) could take their rightful lats and longs.
posted by Devonian at 7:06 AM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Devonian at 7:06 AM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
I don't know where I thought Slough was quite, I just know the nebulous They have moved it. Blame that year of geography I missed. Good selection of programmes to illustrate I thought anyhow.
posted by comealongpole at 7:17 AM on February 7, 2016
posted by comealongpole at 7:17 AM on February 7, 2016
I know Denton is fictional, but even a plonker like me knows it's in Berkshire. Or Oxfordshire. And I'm a bloody yank!
posted by valkane at 7:18 AM on February 7, 2016
posted by valkane at 7:18 AM on February 7, 2016
I'm looking for Chipping Leghorn?...it's near Causton?
posted by clavdivs at 7:28 AM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by clavdivs at 7:28 AM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
They're missing Prime Suspect?
Also, where is the Island of Sodor?
posted by nickggully at 7:33 AM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
Also, where is the Island of Sodor?
posted by nickggully at 7:33 AM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
No "Are You Being Served?"
posted by SansPoint at 7:43 AM on February 7, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by SansPoint at 7:43 AM on February 7, 2016 [2 favorites]
Yeah, feeling this could have been much more conprehensive... no Bergerac in Jersey for a start. And the East Mids gets short shrift as usual... no Boon in Nottingham.
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 8:39 AM on February 7, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 8:39 AM on February 7, 2016 [2 favorites]
Having lived in the immediate area of Thirsk for a couple of years in the early 80s, I always figured that Downton Abbey was physically located in the same place as Baldersby Park, one of the Georgian era homes in the area. (The fact that we'd lived in its dower house and that made our house Violet's house was a bonus.)
Also, I'm bummed that there's no James Herriot mentioned.
posted by immlass at 8:41 AM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
Also, I'm bummed that there's no James Herriot mentioned.
posted by immlass at 8:41 AM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
What about Kingdom? That's one I've always wondered about.
posted by fiercekitten at 8:46 AM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by fiercekitten at 8:46 AM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
It's going to be fun, printing this out and adding shows I've watched that aren't on there. I'm glad he didn't attempt to make it 'complete.'
posted by merelyglib at 10:16 AM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by merelyglib at 10:16 AM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
Ideally there's a wiki for this, where people can update with their favorite shows, and then you can create a PDF map of your own containing just the shows you select. I'm not web-savy enough to do this.
posted by benito.strauss at 10:48 AM on February 7, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by benito.strauss at 10:48 AM on February 7, 2016 [2 favorites]
I'm so delighted that Detectorists is on the map! Such a terrific show (and the first season is on Netflix!)
posted by BigHeartedGuy at 10:50 AM on February 7, 2016
posted by BigHeartedGuy at 10:50 AM on February 7, 2016
Still, after his FPP, I was relieved to find Alan Partridge's Norwich was not only on the map, but it was rather isolated on England's farthest-east 'hump'. I knew there would be some excellent pedantry over the shows not on the map (for me, especially The Prisoner's 'Village'), but I hope the map's creator is reading this and is making plans for a Second Edition (as the creator of the American TV map did - adding Gravity Falls to the carton locales of Frostbite Falls and Jellystone Park).
posted by oneswellfoop at 11:21 AM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by oneswellfoop at 11:21 AM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
No Portmeirion?! (The Prisoner.)
It's still classified.
posted by fairmettle at 11:44 AM on February 7, 2016 [3 favorites]
It's still classified.
posted by fairmettle at 11:44 AM on February 7, 2016 [3 favorites]
I thought it was great and very informative - although I had already looked up the ones I was curious about. Pretty much hit every British show I've ever watched/heard of, as an American. I guess except "Keeping Up Appearances". I've never heard of any of the shows people are asking for here.
posted by bleep at 12:18 PM on February 7, 2016
posted by bleep at 12:18 PM on February 7, 2016
This is like Warhol doing window displays. What a beautiful map.
posted by four panels at 12:19 PM on February 7, 2016
posted by four panels at 12:19 PM on February 7, 2016
What about Kingdom? That's one I've always wondered about.
Set and filmed in Norfolk, mostly Swaffham. Stephen Fry lives in Norfolk, so it must have been handy.
posted by Happy Dave at 12:26 PM on February 7, 2016
Set and filmed in Norfolk, mostly Swaffham. Stephen Fry lives in Norfolk, so it must have been handy.
posted by Happy Dave at 12:26 PM on February 7, 2016
The Good Life was in (or near) Pinner. A friend drove me down the street once, and you just knew it.
posted by scruss at 12:34 PM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by scruss at 12:34 PM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
Just seen they included Peaky Blinders in Brum for which I might forgive the other sins. Cannot praise that show enough, one of the better things on Brit tv in the last few years.
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 1:27 PM on February 7, 2016
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 1:27 PM on February 7, 2016
I just met someone who used to live in Portmeirion. I can't believe I'd never heard of this weird little place - modelled after a Mediterranean village, it should be so completely out of place in North Wales but still manages to be equal parts charming and trippy. At least, so I gather from the excellent Google drive slash (one hopes) walk through the village.
posted by Flashman at 1:28 PM on February 7, 2016
posted by Flashman at 1:28 PM on February 7, 2016
Hey, don't pat the Irish on the head and condescendingly correct us about what we should be pissed off about.
I'm usually not at all sensitive to this type of thing (I tell Australians "close enough" when they guess I'm English) but the usage in this map is utterly tone deaf. Have the courtesy to believe us that "Britain" and "British Isles" are really, really not neutral terms.
posted by coleboptera at 5:24 PM on February 7, 2016
I'm usually not at all sensitive to this type of thing (I tell Australians "close enough" when they guess I'm English) but the usage in this map is utterly tone deaf. Have the courtesy to believe us that "Britain" and "British Isles" are really, really not neutral terms.
posted by coleboptera at 5:24 PM on February 7, 2016
Hey, don't pat the Irish on the head and condescendingly correct us
If you can't even be bothered to look at what you're objecting to (it doesn't say what you say it says), there's really nothing else to be done.
posted by Sys Rq at 5:54 PM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
If you can't even be bothered to look at what you're objecting to (it doesn't say what you say it says), there's really nothing else to be done.
posted by Sys Rq at 5:54 PM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
Looked for The Village from "The Prisoner," then realized that while it was filmed in Wales, it was set at an undisclosed location.
This map is brilliant!
posted by bcarter3 at 6:41 PM on February 7, 2016 [2 favorites]
This map is brilliant!
posted by bcarter3 at 6:41 PM on February 7, 2016 [2 favorites]
(it doesn't say what you say it says)
Dammit - when I look at the map again it is pretty clear that it's about "British Television". I was temporarily blinded by the reactions to GallonOfAllan's earlier comment here in the thread:
'British' as in 'The British Isles' ie Britain and Ireland
Really, it's just a map. [...] for Americans, they've done a pretty spot on job of noting that Ireland != UK, but it is part of the British Isles
My people are somewhat sensitive to the term "British Isles". It's like when someone calls a Canadian an American or a dolphin a fish - some things can't be ignored and have to be called out.
posted by coleboptera at 7:31 PM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
Dammit - when I look at the map again it is pretty clear that it's about "British Television". I was temporarily blinded by the reactions to GallonOfAllan's earlier comment here in the thread:
'British' as in 'The British Isles' ie Britain and Ireland
Really, it's just a map. [...] for Americans, they've done a pretty spot on job of noting that Ireland != UK, but it is part of the British Isles
My people are somewhat sensitive to the term "British Isles". It's like when someone calls a Canadian an American or a dolphin a fish - some things can't be ignored and have to be called out.
posted by coleboptera at 7:31 PM on February 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
So where was the "Local Shop" (for local people)?
Filmed in Hadfield near Glossop. It was quite strange visiting a friend who lives in the village after binge watching the League of Gentlemen. Walking past the butchers especially. I didn't know that it was filmed there before I went, just happened to coincide my visit with my watching. They laughed when I asked at their door if this was a local house for local people.
posted by koolkat at 1:57 AM on February 8, 2016 [1 favorite]
Filmed in Hadfield near Glossop. It was quite strange visiting a friend who lives in the village after binge watching the League of Gentlemen. Walking past the butchers especially. I didn't know that it was filmed there before I went, just happened to coincide my visit with my watching. They laughed when I asked at their door if this was a local house for local people.
posted by koolkat at 1:57 AM on February 8, 2016 [1 favorite]
They laughed when I asked at their door if this was a local house for local people.
Reminds me, when I visited Inishmore, I was amazed at how much the folks there embrace being Craggy Island. I still regret not getting a "That would be an ecumenical matter" t-shirt.
posted by thetortoise at 2:13 AM on February 8, 2016
Reminds me, when I visited Inishmore, I was amazed at how much the folks there embrace being Craggy Island. I still regret not getting a "That would be an ecumenical matter" t-shirt.
posted by thetortoise at 2:13 AM on February 8, 2016
Well, now, Mrs. Wimp and I have our British Isles* tour all mapped out in advance. Lovely.
*Er, "Britain and Ireland."
posted by Mental Wimp at 1:16 PM on February 8, 2016
*Er, "Britain and Ireland."
posted by Mental Wimp at 1:16 PM on February 8, 2016
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(I gotcher Doctor Who locations in fine-grained detail right here. What it lacks in pleasing, poster-ready design, it makes up for in 1999-era WWW nostalgia.)
posted by wintersweet at 10:13 PM on February 6, 2016 [2 favorites]