Film crews have transported an Essex quayside back to the Victorian times as filming for a new TV show gets underway.

The Essex Serpent, an AppleTV+ series adaptation of Sarah Perry's 2016 novel of the same name, is being filmed across the county.

Production crew have been seen in Maldon in recent days after setting up a large marquee in Promenade Park.

On Tuesday the team were seen at Hythe Quay where fishing baskets and boxes were seen as well as sand and mud covering the quayside.

It is understood filming will take place later this week.

In a post on Facebook Topsail Charters said: "Our barges are taking centre stage behind the filming props today.

"The quayside is being transformed as we speak ready for filming this Thursday.

The Essex Serpent, an AppleTV+ series adaptation of Sarah Perrys 2016 novel of the same name, is being filmed across the county. Pictures by camera club member John Guiver

The Essex Serpent, an AppleTV+ series adaptation of Sarah Perry's 2016 novel of the same name, is being filmed across the county. Pictures by camera club member John Guiver

"Who’s excited to see The Essex Serpent? I know we are...be great advertising for Maldon & our barges hopefully."

Maldon District Council confirmed filming was taking place last week.

In a statement the council said: “We are delighted that the production company has chosen the Maldon District as one of their locations for a new six-part drama.

The Essex Serpent, an AppleTV+ series adaptation of Sarah Perrys 2016 novel of the same name, is being filmed across the county. Pictures by camera club member John Guiver

The Essex Serpent, an AppleTV+ series adaptation of Sarah Perry's 2016 novel of the same name, is being filmed across the county. Pictures by camera club member John Guiver

“We have an enviable reputation for being extremely film friendly and this production follows in the footsteps of many others who have filmed here.

“They will be operating in line with the Government’s guidelines which legally permits them to undertake Covid-secure film and television production.

The Essex Serpent, an AppleTV+ series adaptation of Sarah Perrys 2016 novel of the same name, is being filmed across the county. Pictures by camera club member John Guiver

The Essex Serpent, an AppleTV+ series adaptation of Sarah Perry's 2016 novel of the same name, is being filmed across the county. Pictures by camera club member John Guiver

“They have a sizeable base on Promenade Park, and they will minimise any disruption during their filming and ensure safety can be maintained at all times.

“We would remind everyone that while this is clearly exciting, social distancing must still be maintained at all times.”

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The coach park will be closed for the duration of their stay in March but alternative parking including for Blue Badge holders is available in the park as normal.

The Essex Serpent, an AppleTV+ series adaptation of Sarah Perrys 2016 novel of the same name, is being filmed across the county. Pictures by camera club member John Guiver

The Essex Serpent, an AppleTV+ series adaptation of Sarah Perry's 2016 novel of the same name, is being filmed across the county. Pictures by camera club member John Guiver

The series follows newly widowed Cora, played by Golden Globe winner Claire Danes who, having been released from an abusive marriage, relocates from Victorian London to the small village of Aldwinter in Essex, intrigued by a local superstition that a mythical creature known as the Essex Serpent has returned to the area.

The book depicts Cora as a keen amateur naturalist with no patience for religion or superstition, who is immediately enthralled and convinced that what the local people think is a magical beast may be a previously undiscovered species.

The series will also include award-winning actor Tom Hiddleston, best known for playing Loki in various Marvel films, who will play the role of Will Ransome.

Picturesque Alresford Creek has also been used as a replacement for the fictional village of Aldwinter.