Interestingly, in real life, St. Paul’s was undergoing repair work at the time. Director Shekhar Kapur chose to incorporate this historical detail into the film by improvising the scene.
He provided the workers with costumes and period-appropriate tools, allowing them to cut real stone that was being installed in the cathedral during that period. The workers seen in the scene are actual stonemasons and construction workers, adding authenticity to the film’s depiction of the historic event.
This behind-the-scenes decision not only enhanced the realism of the scene but also showcased Kapur’s dedication to capturing genuine historical elements, blending real craftsmanship with cinematic storytelling to bring a vivid sense of time and place to Elizabeth: The Golden Age.
