stars in ITV’s new TV series “A TALE OF TWO ”

Sunday evenings on ITV West & Westcountryat 6.00pm for 6 weeks starting on Sunday 13th April.

New ITV series “A TALE OF TWO CASTLES” looks at two families and their day-to-day life as the keepers, for nearly 400 years, of two castles – Sherborne Castle in and St. Michael’s Mount in Cornwall. Filmed over ten months, this lively observation documentary series is a colourful behind the scenes portrait of 21st Century life at the two castles, following the present day activities of two very traditional homes. Although wildly different in appearance, the two castles have much common ground. There is some rare footage of events and happenings not often seen by the general public, and film of Sherborne itself with many local characters appearing in the film.

Amidst the upheaval and violent change in 17th Century , two families in favour with the then rulers of the land each became owners of a castle. The Digby family took on Sherborne from the out of favour Sir and the St. Aubyns moved into the castle atop St. Michael’s Mount.

Today, almost 400 years later, the same families are still in charge, with a team of dedicated staff to run their respective castles and surrounding estates. Alongside some special events, the series skips between the lives of the two families and their castle and estate staff as they go about their work, and at times become part of the spectacle themselves!

In the heart of rural Dorset John Wingfield Digby currently owns the 12,000 acre Sherborne Castle Estate. A “Tale of Two Castles” shows how Sherborne Castle and its grounds are kept in immaculate condition as a renowned historic property, for both the seasonal visitors who come simply to enjoy the castle and lakeside gardens, and for the many spectacular events which use its glorious landscaped setting; from dragon boat races and the country fair to the ‘Ironman’ and wine tasting.

Having inherited the family seat relatively late in life Mr John, as he’s referred to by his staff, prefers to live in his home elsewhere on the estate, rather than in the castle. The traditional farming, gardening and maintenance departments are busy all year round looking after the land and the hundreds of properties that comprise the Estate, and in more recent times, Mr Digby has created a vineyard and local stone quarries have been re-opened for commercial use.

The six part ITV1 series commences on Sunday 13th April at 6.00pm and will run for six weeks. “Tale of Two Castles” is a Footloose production for ITV West, filmed and directed by Bristol based producer Jill Randford. Viewers of the series can visit Sherborne Castle on its public open days until the end of October, daily except for Mondays and Fridays (open Bank Holiday Mondays from 11.00am to 4.30pm). Please phone or visit the castle website for further details of all castle, event, wedding and estate activity.