Middlemarch was screened on BBC 2 in 1994 and proved to be very popular with viewers. The designers chose Stamford for their setting, because very few Georgian houses survived the World War 2 bombing of Coventry (Eliot’s intended location). The influx of film crew was exciting for Stamfordians (many of whom were recruited as extras), but equally caused some headaches due to blocked roads.
“BBC sets up in town
Historic Stamford’s TV trip back to the past starts on Monday, when BBC cameras start filming a new star-studded drama serial.
Homes and streets will stand in for George Eliot’s fictional Middlemarch – and Barn Hill’s former clinic has been transformed into a fever hospital.
But the work could trigger traffic hold-ups, with roads set to be sealed in the town centre this month and next.
As many as 70 actors, crew and support staff could be involved at any one time in filming the six-part series, whose producers plumped for Stamford because of its similarity with 1830s Coventry.
Among the stars are Sir Michael Hordern and Patrick Malahide, most recently seen in the Inspector Alleyn Mysteries.
Locations include Barn Hill, the first venue for filming, plus All Saints’ Place, King’s Mill Lane, St Mary’s Street and St George’s Square.”
Stamford Mercury, 2nd July, 1993.