The Hulu series A Thousand Blows has captivated audiences with its gritty portrayal of Victorian London’s criminal underworld. Created by Steven Knight, this British drama dives into the world of illegal bare-knuckle boxing and the infamous all-female crime syndicate, the Forty Elephants. For fans curious about where this gripping series was filmed, the A Thousand Blows filming locations offer a fascinating glimpse into how the production team recreated 1880s London. At NetFilming, we explore the key locations that brought this historical drama to life, focusing on London’s historic sites and a unique studio setup.
What is A Thousand Blows About?
A Thousand Blows is a gripping British drama series created by Steven Knight, set in the gritty underworld of 1880s East End London. The show follows Hezekiah Moscow (Malachi Kirby) and Alec Munroe (Francis Lovehall), two Jamaican friends navigating the dangerous world of illegal bare-knuckle boxing. Their lives intertwine with Mary Carr (Erin Doherty), leader of the notorious all-female crime syndicate, the Forty Elephants, and Sugar Goodson (Stephen Graham), a ruthless boxer and crime boss.
The series explores themes of ambition, survival, racism, and sexism in Victorian society, blending historical accuracy with intense drama. Premiering on Hulu and Disney+ on February 21, 2025, the six-episode first season has earned a 90% Rotten Tomatoes rating for its compelling storytelling and authentic A Thousand Blows filming sites. With Season 2 already filmed, the show promises more thrilling narratives. Fans of historical dramas will find A Thousand Blows a captivating dive into a lesser-known chapter of London’s criminal past, brought to life by a stellar cast and vivid settings.
Where was A Thousand Blows filmed?
The series was filmed primarily in London, England, with key locations including The Story Works studio in Mortlake, the Thames towpath, and various cobbled streets. These sites vividly recreated the 1880s East End setting. Here are the key filming locations:
London
London, England, served as the primary filming location for A Thousand Blows. Known for its rich history and diverse architecture, the city provided an authentic backdrop for the series’ depiction of the late 19th century. The production team carefully selected areas that captured the gritty essence of the East End, where the story unfolds. London’s cobbled streets, Victorian-era buildings, and vibrant neighborhoods helped create a believable setting for the Forty Elephants and the underground boxing scene.
The city’s versatility makes it a favorite for filmmakers. Historic landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace coexist with modern structures, allowing directors to craft various time periods. For A Thousand Blows, the focus was on locations that reflected the harsh realities of Victorian life. These settings added depth to the series, making viewers feel immersed in the era’s social and economic challenges.
The Story Works Studio: Crafting Victorian London
A significant portion of A Thousand Blows was filmed at The Story Works, a state-of-the-art film and television studio in Mortlake, southwest London. This nine-hectare complex, built on the historic 22-acre site of the former Stag Brewery (also known as the Budweiser or Mortlake Brewery), became the heart of the production. The brewery’s Victorian architecture, with its smoky brickwork and leaded windows, perfectly suited the series’ aesthetic.
The production team transformed The Story Works into a detailed replica of 1880s East End London. They constructed intricate sets, including streets, docklands, and period-accurate buildings, to bring the story to life. Two sound stages housed interior and exterior scenes, designed by production designer Tom Burton to balance the era’s grit and elegance. Series producer Tom Miller noted that the crew initially acted as “building project managers” to convert the disused brewery into a functional studio, highlighting the scale of the undertaking.
The historic brewery site, established in 1487, added authenticity to the production. Its riverside location along the Thames enhanced the atmospheric quality of the sets. The Story Works is now a long-term hub for The Story Collective, the production company behind A Thousand Blows, and may host future projects, including the already-filmed second season.
River Thames, Mortlake
Another key filming location was the towpath along the River Thames in Mortlake, near The Story Works. This historic path, once used for animal and mechanical haulage, was redesigned to fit the series’ dark, moody aesthetic. The towpath appeared in several scenes, adding a rugged, waterfront feel to the show’s depiction of London’s underbelly. To maintain secrecy, the production team used scaffolding with cameras and required visitors to sign non-disclosure agreements, ensuring the set remained private during filming.
London’s Cobbled Streets and Victorian Architecture
Beyond The Story Works, the production utilized London’s iconic cobbled streets and Victorian architecture to enhance the series’ authenticity. While specific streets weren’t disclosed, the city’s historic neighborhoods provided a versatile backdrop. These locations helped depict the contrast between the seedy East End, where the Forty Elephants operated, and the wealthier West End, featured in some scenes. The detailed sets and real-world locations worked together to create a seamless portrayal of Victorian London.
The production team, guided by historian David Olusoga, an executive producer, paid close attention to historical accuracy. Costumes, props, and set designs reflected the era’s social dynamics, from the grime of the streets to the elegance of upper-class settings. This commitment to detail makes the filming locations not just backgrounds but integral parts of the storytelling.
When and How Was A Thousand Blows Filmed?
Filming for A Thousand Blows began in March 2023 and wrapped in December 2023, with Seasons 1 and 2 shot back-to-back. This efficient schedule means fans won’t wait long for the second season, expected in late 2025 or 2026. The production team faced challenges in transforming the brewery into a studio, with cast and crew wearing hard hats and high-vis vests during early setup phases. Their efforts paid off, as the sets vividly captured the era’s atmosphere.
The series premiered at the BFI London Film Festival on October 11, 2024, and debuted on Hulu and Disney+ on February 21, 2025. With a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 40 reviews, A Thousand Blows has earned praise for its compelling story and authentic visuals, much of which stems from its carefully chosen filming locations.
A Thousand Blows Behind-the-Scenes
The making of A Thousand Blows was a monumental effort, with the production team transforming London’s landscapes into a vivid 1880s setting. Filming began in March 2023 at The Story Works studio in Mortlake, where the crew converted the historic Stag Brewery into a sprawling Victorian East End set. This process was no small feat—producer Tom Miller revealed that the team initially acted as “building project managers,” wearing hard hats to prepare the site.
The A Thousand Blows filming locations, including the Thames towpath and London’s cobbled streets, required meticulous attention to detail to ensure historical accuracy. Historian David Olusoga, an executive producer, guided the team in recreating the era’s social dynamics, from costumes to set designs. The cast, including Malachi Kirby and Erin Doherty, embraced the challenging environment, immersing themselves in the gritty world of bare-knuckle boxing and crime. Filming Seasons 1 and 2 back-to-back allowed for efficiency, setting the stage for a quick Season 2 release. This behind-the-scenes dedication shines through in the series’ authentic and immersive storytelling.
A Thousand Blows Season 2: What’s Next
With Season 2 already filmed, fans can look forward to more of Hezekiah Moscow (Malachi Kirby), Mary Carr (Erin Doherty), and Sugar Goodson (Stephen Graham). The continued use of London’s iconic locations and The Story Works will likely maintain the series’ high production quality. As the show gains popularity, its filming locations may become a draw for tourists and film enthusiasts alike.
A Thousand Blows is available to stream on Hulu in the US and Disney+ internationally.
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