Surfing the net for a bit of Poldark news this morning (I’ve become a groupie!) I chanced on a series of wonderful photos, many of which I had never seen before.
They were taken during the filming of the original series by a gifted young photographer, Ian Barnes, who was just starting out in his career.
Here’s his story and the photo slide show, published today by the Western Morning News: http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/Unique-record-set-original-BBC-cast-Poldark/story-26324743-detail/story.htmlEbony the Horse
The slide show reminded me that I had written the story of two of the photos depicted in my memoir Making Poldark. [Also available on Amazon.com]
My steed for the second series, Ebony, was supplied by the wonderful horsemaster, Ben Ford (the back of his head is visible in the photo below).
I had more riding to do in the second series, so Ebony and I saw a lot of each other. She never threw me like Dennis (my mount in the first series, an ex-Steeple chaser), but I’m sure she knew she had a novice on board.
Our most difficult day was the first shot of the second series—Ross Poldark‘s return from Holland.
In real life, I had been in London the previous day to see my then girlfriend play Cordelia at the opening night of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of King Lear, which had transferred from Stratford to the Aldwych Theatre. After the performance I caught the overnight train to Cornwall.
So I was there, fresh as a wilted daisy, at 8am on the beach at Caerhays ready to film. It was pouring with rain.
Ebony and I waited until 3:30 in the afternoon before we could even get on the beach. Neither of us was in very good shape by then. The wind was blowing the sea into a frenzy, and I had great difficulty in keeping my over-large hat on my head.
Ebony, quite sensibly, was none too keen on the conditions. She could see the waves out of the corner of her eye and thought they were coming for her.
With difficulty, trying to control my hat, my flowing cloak and the reins, I managed to get her facing the right way. The camera was mounted on the roof of a Land Rover and we were supposed to follow it at full gallop across the beach.
It should have been an invigorating experience. Instead it was a nightmare.
Ebony HATED the sound of the Land Rover and decided the SAFEST place was her horsebox—so that’s where we headed.
We passed the Land Rover with ease and I managed to stop her only a few feet from the end of the beach. Exhausted I fell off into a puddle!
I remounted. (Well, I was the hero!)
Ben, experienced in such things, placed a sister equine on the seaward side of the Land Rover track, hoping Ebony would run towards her. We tried again and Ebony rejoined her friend rather more quickly than the cameraman anticipated.
By this time, I was losing confidence and my fingers were losing their grip.
We tried once more. Ebony did an impromptu gavotte, crisscrossing the Land Rover, and then another mad gallop.
I decided she’d won the day and walked back to the coach.
Two days later we had a perfect sunny day and managed the shot in one take.
I think Ebony had worked in television before.
Poldark filming seems to attract characterful beasts. Aidan Turner’s steed Seamus (Darkie in the series and Irish, like Aidan) is enjoying his new found fame!
Robin Ellis 
What wonderful “new” photos!! Thank you for sharing the link to that article — what a find!
Robin, I remember this is one of the funniest part of the book like the section regarding the cows….But I do not think you enjoyed it at the time!
What a wonderful story, Robin, I am still laughing over here. I’ve had many a water “experience” with my horses, but never at the ocean!
Lovely story.
“I think Ebony had worked in television before.” Hah! …nice story, Robin!
Since I live in the U.S. , I still have not seen any of the new episodes of POLDARK, but I have certainly enjoyed all the reminiscing about my favorite book series and TV series of the 1970’s. Keep the pictures and stories coming, Robin. I’m one of your biggest fans!
I’d have been terrified. Horses are quite big.
Love the photos! New Poldark seems okay, but no one can replace the original actors, especially for Ross and Demelza.
Hi Robin,
Really enjoyed seeing the new ‘old’ photographs taken by Ian Barnes, thank you for sharing them.
I am sorry but I just cannot get my head round this new series of Poldark, I am looking at this stranger who is not our Ross, and someone who looks a little like him (although older) playing that nasty Reverend Halse!!!! What’s going on – LOL.
You are Captain Ross Poldark and for me there will never be another, although I watch to see you.x
Thanks, Sue–appreciate your kind remarks.
Aren’t horses grand..what a hoot for these photos to come to light. Thanks for your memories. Can’t wait to see the new Poldark on Masterpiece, am enjoying Wolf Hall in the mean time.
Dear Robin,
I am so relieved to hear that you are a POLDARK groupie . . . (because it is slightly embarrassing to be a groupie)! And we obviously are all POLDARK groupies, so . . . . now that you are one, means we are all in good company and can feel less embarrassed about it!
Loved the photos, your memories and the article by the photographer, Ian Barnes — so glad he shared all of it and it has come to us!
Still waiting patiently for June to arrive!
It’s nice to feel part of it, Nadine!
What a wonderful story.
Enjoyed this post, Robin. I can’t help but laugh at that ridiculous hat! 🙂
Hi Robin, I’m a new kid on the blog.
Lovely photographs ……… nice hat by the way !!
I have just finished reading your book ‘Making Poldark’. I loved it. So sad that the third series never came to fruition.
In 1975 I was 20 and a student nurse. I became very popular when it was discovered that I would happily swap a late shift on a Sunday for an early one. Most thought I was crazy …..especially if we had been out on the Saturday night …….but the swap was so worth it because it meant I was in front of the TV to see Poldark and not still on duty !!
Paul Curran as Judd Paynter was a joy.
I am enjoying the new Poldark very much but I do feel the original stands the test of time and you still have great screen presence Robin. Your performance as the Rev Halse was great if a little grumpy !!
It must have been a fantastic experience working with this very gifted cast. A testament to Winston Graham’s writing in his creating such believable characters as Ross and Demelza, just as captivating the second time round.
Hello Ros and thanks–glad you are enjoying the new series and fun to read about your shift swapping! Your are right about Winston’s writing–down to him in the end.
Great pictures!! What’s the story of the one of you framed in leaves? Interesting effect–and a new one for my computer screen! 🙂
Christine Mackinnon
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Hi Robin
I am a Poldark groupie and proud of it lol…. I still have my vhs tapes 📼 of when I recorded the series on the telly 😊 all those years ago!!!
I am a keen horse rider and know how temperamental horses can be, you want them to do one thing and they want to do the opposite 🐎 so was amused reading your story!
I am enjoying the new series of Poldark with Aidan and I’m glad that you are in the series, it’s a shame that Angharad is no longer with us as would have been good to see her play a part in the new series 🎬
Kind Regards
Jackie x 😃
Wonderful memories for you!x
Well once on holiday, I tried to ride a horse. The one they gave me bit me in the leg and kicked the person standing behind me in the ribs–he needed hospital treatment! I have never been on a horse since! I appreciate them at a distance..
Two Heidis now. This could get confusing! I love horses and was lucky enough to gallop across the Cornish cliffs back in the 80s. My hubby didn’t enjoy the experience quite as much as I did and, rather like Robin above, never quite felt in charge.
I bet The Rev. Halse has a very fine horse and carriage Robin!
Oh, I’m the Heidi who has never been to Cornwall and I haven’t got a horse! We once had goats but no horses.
More confusing. There’s a Heida playing Elizabeth in the new “Poldark”.:)
Great story. I enjoy being a Poldark groupie
As a child, I was always more interested in the hero’s horse than I was the hero. Captain Poldark kind of changed that 🙂 Love the “inside stories” and look forward to adding another title to my large collection of Poldark books.
I just received your fabulous enveloped filled with Poldark info!! You are right the new Poldark looks great I am even more excited about seeing the new show!! I am in need of a Poldark fix! Thanks so much for taking the time to send the articles
It won’t be long before I am home on LI and ready for our adventures. I will be home May 10th so get ready for some fun times.
Love Jo Ann
Sent from my iPhone
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Hi Robin
Tonight’s the night for New Zealand to watch the first episode of the new Poldark series. My anticipation is at fever-pitch now! Can’t wait to see how Aidan and Eleanor portray their characters – however with all due respect there will only ever be the one perfect embodiment of Ross & Demelza: yourself and Angharad.
Thank you for letting us in on your exciting endeavours with Ebony, you always seemed to have a masterly command of your steed. (I believe Aidan honed his riding skills here in NZ when filming The Hobbit). It will be wonderful to see you on our screens again, albeit as Reverend Dr Halse.
Well I’m off to check out your simple roast chicken recipe to celebrate the first episode as my skills in the kitchen are probably on a par with Prudie’s!
Very best wishes
Lana
You’ll enjoy it–and the chicken I hope!
My copy of the new edition of Making Poldark arrived yesterday. Thank you for the new information and photographs – everyone seems to have been enjoying their role and working together. I do remember thinking “why is Poldark riding on the beach instead of on the road?” when watching the opening of Poldark II. By the by, how are you and Mrs. Ellis doing with your efforts to prevent the ex-church being unsuitably sold?
We are doing OK–nothing much to report in the last few weeks. We are on the case and live in hope and action!
A “roughty-toughty” for the new Poldark on the block.
Think you could have handled Seamus, Robin? 😉
http://www.express.co.uk/news/showbiz/572893/Ross-Poldark-horse-Seamus-limelight-heartthrob-Aidan-Turner
Cheers, Phil
“Poldark” has been voted best drama series of 2015 so far! Cornish fans even have a big cardboard cut out of Aidan Turner that they carry around with them!
Sorry for late reply Robin, just found this in my E box today 🙂
Are you a skilled horse rider or did you take lessons for your work ?
Thanks for sharing. A good week to you both
Diane Isle of Wight
🍀Shawdiane https://about.me/shawdiane http://www.facebook.com/shaw.gbs http://www.facebook.com/shawdiane
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I only ride for money!
The picture you paint is quite humorous! Here you are at the edge of an ocean with only a few inches of water below you at best or sand, at the mercy of a runaway horse!! I understand feeling exhausted and hands like rubber after trying to stop this horse! It would be akin to trying to stop a car rolling down a hill! If this had happened recently the people above would be taking this all too casually and may want to rethink their comments! Since you are writing this in retrospect they can be forgiven. Really, what if…you had fallen or worse broken something or been killed?! I am amazed the horse handler/trainer allowed you to get on the horse without having spent time on it before the shoot! BBC would rethink this no doubt today and be rest assured, this scenario would never happen again. Changing gears I have a request; may I use the images of Janine Duvitski in “Blue Remembered Hills?” I think everyone would enjoy seeing Ruby Bentall’s mother on a Poldark Facebook site I belong to. We need fresh material and would be glad to have them. The comments will come into my e-mail, I can take screen shots, so yea or nay, I will know how you feel about it.
Please do!