BBC drama, The Guest, will bring back memories for many local viewers.
Premiering this week on BBC One and BBC One Wales, The Guest is a gripping new drama that is already grabbing attention for it what has been called its twisty storyline.
Set against the backdrop of the stunning Whitson Court, between Newport and Caldicot, the series dives into the toxic relationship between cleaner Ria, played by Gabrielle Creevy, and her enigmatic employer Fran, played by Eve Myles, formerly of Dr Who spin-off, Torchwood.
As secrets unravel and obsession takes hold, the show becomes a psychological game of cat-and-mouse, exploring themes of class, power, and opportunity and the now common drama theme of strong women.
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Fran’s home, known in the series as Maybury Court, is more than just a setting, it’s an historic Gwent Level character all in itself.
With its grand architecture, sweeping grounds, and roaming peacocks, it reflects Fran’s money and mystery. Eve Myles described it as “an oasis of otherworldliness,” perfectly suited to the show’s eerie tension.
But for locals, Maybury Court is instantly recognisable as Whitson Court, a place steeped in real-life drama and nostalgia.
Long before it became a filming location, Whitson Court was the heart of a very different kind of spectacle. In the 1960s and ’70s, it was home to Whitson Zoo, run by the somewhat eccentric Olive Maybury.
Children from across Newport would visit to see Himalayan bears, sun bears, flamingos, monkeys, and even lions. The zoo was born from Olive’s love of animals and her desire to create joy for local families.
The house itself has seen many lives. Built in the late 1700s, it sheltered French nuns fleeing persecution, Jewish refugees during WWII, and even German POWs. It was a place of safety, community, and curiosity.
Olive Maybury inherited the estate and lovingly restored it, adding ornate fireplaces and a Gothic staircase salvaged from other Welsh manor houses.
Olive passed away in 1998 and the house fell into decline.
After years of abandonment, Whitson Court was rescued in 2007 and is now undergoing careful restoration.
Its return to the screen in The Guest, a fitting tribute to its layered history, a place where stories, both real and imagined, continue to unfold.
Whitson Court remains a cherished part of Newport and Caldicot’s past and present.
Do you have pictures of Whitson Zoo? Any school trip memories from the 1960s or 70s? Fans of The Guest, please share your photos and memories of Whitson Court with other Argus readers.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source uk.news.yahoo.com ’
