Julianne Moore period drama Mary and George filming in Norfolk

Crews for Sky's Mary & George arrived on Old Hunstanton beach yesterday and were spotted shooting today, June 9.

The new series set in the early 1600s follows the rise to power of George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham and reputed lover of King James I, and his mother Mary Villiers, Countess of Buckingham.

Mary is being played by Oscar and Bafta-winning actor Julianne Moore and George is portrayed by star of Cinderella and Red, White & Royal Blue Nicholas Galitzine.

The cast of Mary & George including Moore and Galitzine (centre) (Image: Sky)

Film crews on Hunstanton beach (Image: Chris Bishop)

Joseph Mawle started his scene in the water (Image: Chris Bishop)

It has been described by Sky as a "dangerously daring historical psychodrama".

There were around 10 trucks in the clifftop car parks and a few hundred yards of coast were closed off for filming.

Game of Thrones and Rings of Power actor Joseph Mawle was there, seen shooting a scene where he walked out of the sea.

Eyewitnesses also saw a 15ft boat, actors with swords and wooden chests holding treasure.

Crews arrived to the beach last night (Image: Chris Bishop)

Joseph Mawle filming in Hunstanton (Image: Chris Bishop)

There was a boat on the beach for filming (Image: Chris Bishop)

George Villiers was aided by his ambitious mother Mary to become the favourite of the King, who he met in 1614.

He became one of the most influential men in the country as the King's companion and advisor.

James's nickname for him was "Steenie", after St. Stephen who was said to have had "the face of an angel".

The extent to which the relationship between the men was sexual remains a subject of debate among historians.

Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine in Mary & George (Image: Sky)

There were other actors on the beach for filming (Image: Chris Bishop)

Eyewitnesses also saw actors with swords (Image: Chris Bishop)

George remained influential into the reign of James' son, Charles I, but became increasingly disliked.

He was stabbed to death by a disgruntled soldier who, such was George's unpopularity, was hailed a hero by the public.

Alongside Moore and Galitzine in the eponymous roles, Mary & George will also star Tony Curran as James I, Nicola Walker as Elizabeth Hatton, Trine Dyrholm as Queen Anne and Laurie Davidson as the Earl of Somerset.

Mary & George will be on Sky Atlantic and NOW later this year.