A HIT BBC period drama has returned after nearly a decade featuring a historic manor house near Chipping Sodbury.

Series two of the popular Wolf Hall, titled The Mirror and the Light, returned to TV screens last Sunday after almost ten years.

The drama follows the life of Tudor statesman Thomas Cromwell and picks up where the first series ended, with the death of Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn.

The BBC has confirmed that Horton Court will again feature in the new series, this time serving as Cromwell’s study.

The 16th-century house previously featured as the exterior of Austin Friars, Cromwell’s adult home in the first series, which aired in 2015.

Another of the filming locations in the area whcih were used for this season includes Gloucester Cathedral.

Meanwhile, it is rumoured the series may even also feature Berkeley Castle - as cast and crew were spotted filming at the site in February this year.

The six-episode series is the latest edition in the adaptation of the novel written by Dame Hilary Mantel, who died shortly before filming for series two began.

Returning is Oscar winner Sir Mark Rylance, who earned a Bafta for his role as politician and diplomat, Cromwell, and Homeland star Damian Lewis as King Henry VIII.

The series also stars Thomas Brodie-Sangster as secretary Rafe Sadler, Jonathan Pryce as Cardinal Wolsey, Kate Phillips as Jane Seymour, Lilit Lesser as Princess Mary and Claire Foy as Queen Anne.

Horton Court is owned by the National Trust and is the oldest inhabited roofed structure that the organisation cares for.

The new series, which opens in May 1536, is adapted by Academy award nominee Peter Straughan, who worked on Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and directed by Peter Kosminsky.

The second series is available to watch every Sunday either on BBC One at 9pm or on BBC iPlayer.