A JEWEL in East Lancashire's crown has made an appearance in a new documentary series about Henry VIII and his six wives.

Hoghton Tower, a Grade 1 listed 16th-century building, was chosen as a filming location for Henry VIII and his Six Wives on channel five, presented by historians Dan Jones and Suzannah Lipscomb.

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The presenters take audiences through the web of betrayal, lust and tragedy that characterised Henry VIII six marriages, viewing the dramatic events of each union from the perspectives of both king and queen.

Scenes from the documentary were shot in the banqueting hall, the kings bedroom, the kings hall and the courtyard, where the beheadings of the king's second and fifth wives Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard take place.

Richard Roberts, head guide at Hoghton Tower, said he was delighted that the tower had been chosen as a location for filming.

He said: "I am so pleased with the fact that the tower was selected as a location for filming.

"There aren't any specific links between the king and the tower however it is a beautiful location that is very suitable for the period due to it being a Tudor manor house.

"In the programme you will be able to see the courtyards and the banqueting hall featured.

"It is a magnificent building and we have so much going on here all the time.

"It is already drawing more people to the tower and we are hoping we will have lots of visitors over the summer."

Some scenes were also shot in the ballroom, the underground passages and the Wilderness Gardens.

Each episode of the series, which began last Friday, will bring to life the experiences of Henry's queens to see what they saw, each time capturing Henry at a different stage of his life and reign.

The first clips of Hoghton Tower in the series can be seen tonight in episode two.

Commisioning editor at Channel 5 Lucy Willis said: "History programming is very important to Channel 5 and Henry VIII and His Six Wives builds on our success in the genre.

"This will be the first time that our history duo will be presenting together and Dan and Suzannah are the perfect combination to accurately bring this important period to life."

David Dickson, a Hoghton councillor, said it was brilliant that the tower had been recognised in the series.

He said: "The tower is a beautiful place and has a fascinating history.

"Any attention that it receives is brilliant because there's always plenty going on there."