We’re just three episodes into season three of TURN: Washington’s Spies on AMC, and it’s probably the most intense one yet. Once again, Colonial Williamsburg plays a bit role in the series, serving as Philadelphia. How many locations have you spotted so far?
It’s no secret I’m a giant TURN fan, and getting to spot my beloved Colonial Williamsburg in one of my favorite shows makes me so happy. And knowing that I’ve been there as they filmed the scenes makes it even sweeter when I get to see it on the big screen!
Back in November, Duke of Gloucester Street was abuzz with production crews, green screens, stars of the hit show, and lots of equipment unknown to anyone who hasn’t attended film school or been part of a production. It wasn’t my first foray into a day of filming here in the Revolutionary City, and I certainly hope it won’t be my last.
The majority of filming took place down at the Capitol, which stands in as Penn Mansion on the show. Penn Mansion is the home Benedict Arnold purchased for himself and his soon-to-be bride, Peggy Shippen. If you remember, the Shippen residence in Philadelphia is the Governor’s Palace, which was prominently featured in season two.
In the first episode of the new season, Benedict Arnold and Peggy Shippen have a conversation in a carriage (one of ours, with our horses and driver!) on their way to Penn Mansion. They pull up to the gate, where Arnold gets off and Peggy goes on her way.
In that very same episode, Peggy is seen standing by, watching a group of young boys play a game at Market Square by the Courthouse. She calls them over and asks one of them to carry a letter inside the building.
Does the background look familiar? That’s DoG Street! I won’t tell who you the letter is for, because Making History prides itself on being a spoiler-free blog and we know many of you haven’t finished seasons one and two on Netflix yet! We watched them film this scene several times, with the boy getting a great workout in by running back and forth quite a few times. There is also a beautiful camera shot panning up to Peggy’s face, make sure you pay attention for that one!
Why is Peggy hanging around the Governor’s Palace gardens? You have to watch to find out!
I am really excited about this season so far. So much has happened already! If you haven’t been able to catch an episode yet, I highly recommend you do so, even if it’s just to play our #ISpyCW game on Twitter live, as the episodes air. We have a lot of fun watching TURN and we hope you do as well.
I was also honored to be a guest of the Black Petticoat Society’s podcast to talk about TURN and Colonial Williamsburg! Click here to give it a listen.
Let us know in the comments who your favorite character is and what’s been your favorite moment to far in the series! Try not to give away any spoilers.
All photos are courtesy AMC.
When does the last season of TURN start? I haven’t been able to find any info.
We haven’t heard yet, but we’ll be talking about it as soon as we do!
JF says
I wondered where the interior of Penn Mansion was filmed. It does not seem to correspond to the interior of the Capitol building.
I am currently sitting in a hotel room, just arrived to Williamsburg. Tomorrow is my first foray into Colonial Williamsburg and I couldn’t be more excited! I’ve always wanted to visit, but during the first season of Turn it showed an ad saying part of the show is filmed there and I knew I just HAD to go–and here I am!
I hope I don’t miss anything!! I haven’t watched any eps this season of Turn, they’re sitting on my DVR, so I hope to spot locations!
Welcome, Kristine! Please let me know if you have any questions about locations. Here are the others! http://makinghistorynow.com/2015/05/fun-fact-spotting-the-revolutionary-city-in-amcs-turn/
You would imagine my surprise when I was watching the episode of TURN when Benedict Arnold informed Peggy that he has just purchased this house and noticing the buildings and streets looking awfully familiar, saying to myself,,,, wow that looks a lot like Colonial Williamsburg, the Historical City. I went straight to my computer to check the website https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/ and history.org
I am just thankful that TURN is airing now, prior to our first trip there this summer . What will be exciting is the hands on experience and historical setting, seeing how life was like then and how much has changed. I think it is very important to know how our founding fathers lived and what they sacrificed.
It will be a vacation to remember.
Can not wait
I am currently sitting in a hotel room, just arrived to Williamsburg. Tomorrow is my first foray into Colonial Williamsburg and I couldn’t be more excited! I’ve always wanted to visit, but during the first season of Turn it showed an ad saying part of the show is filmed there and I knew I just HAD to go-and here I am!
I hope I don’t miss anything!! I haven’t watched any eps this season of Turn, they’re sitting on my DVR, so I hope to spot locations!
Lol! I get such a kick out of watching ‘Turn’ and seeing Philadelphia somewhere else, without modern things cluttering things up. Viewers might be interested to know that the Shippen house is currently for sale and can indeed claim that George Washington, and friends, slept there. We actually have quite a few intact 18th Century dwellings that people can actually purchase and live in. Some are fairly modest and reasonable. Of course, it’s Philly and not as immersive as Williamsburg but no one bats an eye if you walk around in costume and Ben Franklin and Besty Ross are always lurking about. Looking forward to visiting Colonial WB soon!.
Fascinating, Suzanne! A good friend of mine is in Philly and does some re-enacting, I hope to be able to visit soon!
Love Turn! Thanks for this post!
I am also from Michigan but I have never been to Colonial Williamsburg. God willing, though, maybe we’ll make it for the first time this summer..
You definitely have to come see us, Ken! Glad you love TURN as much as I do!
I forgot what they used it for, but wasn’t the Wythe House used in Season two?
It was! It served as Benjamin Franklin’s home in Philadelphia, where Maj. John Andre stayed (and later looted).
Absolutely love TURN & spotting familiar Williamsburg places. We, in Michigan, are not right around the corner but I’m much closer due to this program every week. Hope to visit for the 1oo plus time in the fall.
So glad to hear it, Gail! Can’t wait for your visit!