In July 1963, Bamburgh Castle buzzed with excitement as Hollywood filmed Becket, bringing stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton to the village.
Bamburgh: It was a warm July day in 1963, and the village was buzzing with excitement. Hollywood had rolled into town to film Becket, and it was a sight to see.
With Bamburgh Castle standing tall, the usually quiet village turned into a lively hub. Stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were staying at the local hotel, and everyone was talking about it.
Elizabeth arrived with her secretary and her little Yorkie, while Richard brought his signature charm. The streets were filled with fans eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars.
Ian Wright, a photographer, shared his memories from that summer. He dug up old stories and photos, giving us a peek into that magical time.
While the stars were busy filming, the beach nearby transformed into a medieval set. Horses and crew members hustled around, making it all come to life.
Ian remembered lugging his camera gear up a steep road when he bumped into Peter O’Toole. He didn’t realize who he was until later, but O’Toole was kind enough to help him get the best shots.
There was a real sense of camaraderie on set. Richard and Peter would joke around, their laughter echoing off the castle walls. It was a unique blend of Hollywood glamour and local charm.
For the villagers, seeing these stars in their pubs or on the beach was unforgettable. Years later, Ian met O’Toole again, and he was just as warm and engaging as he had been back then.
One touching moment Ian recalled was when a blind woman approached O’Toole, saying how much she loved Lawrence of Arabia. It brought tears to his eyes, showing his sensitive side.
As summer faded, Bamburgh returned to its peaceful self, but those who experienced it would always remember the magic of that time. The laughter, the kindness, and the sheer joy of Hollywood in their little village made 1963 a year to cherish.
