NEW FILM SHOWS THANET IN GRIP OF THE BLACK DEATH

The grizzly reality of life in Kent 800 years ago!



A remarkable film will be screened in Broadstairs on Feb 7th showing east Kent in the grip of the catastrophic plague known as the Black Death.

Set in 1348, the film tells the story of a medieval Thanet village, the people who live in it and the shocking impact the plague has on their lives.

Shot on location in Thanet, using a cast featuring many local people, the film vividly recreates the life of the period, including attitudes to women and the central role of religion.

Producer Norman Thomas said: “The film was based on extensive research into the period, but the thing that really brings it to life is the contribution of the local people.

“We explained to them what the plague would have been like and asked them to imagine what it would have meant to them, to see relatives and loved ones die, and to increasingly realise that they could do nothing about it.

“Our local “actors” really rose to the challenge and this gives rise to some truly moving moments.”

There are few written records of the impact of the Black Death on Thanet, but it is known that most of the people in the village of Acol died in the plague. The village was burnt to the ground in an attempt to stop the disease spreading.

The film also illustrates the weird and wonderful approach to health and medicine of the time. Mr Thomas said: “One of the strongest beliefs was in bleeding people to cure them. But there were many other odd ideas – for example, they thought goat’s droppings could cure gout or that wearing a stone around your neck would help cure internal bleeding.”

The film will be shown for two days only on Sunday at 5pm, on February 7 and February 28th in the Palace Cinema, Broadstairs. To book to see the film ring the Palace Cinema on 01843 865726.