James Bond star Daniel Craig spotted in Lewes

Craig, who was seen shopping in the town, visited the area while his wife Rachel Weiz filmed scenes in the nearby villages of Hamsey and Offham.

Weisz, star of The Mummy films and The Hunger Games actor Sam Claflin were on location for an adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s romantic mystery novel, My Cousin Rachel.

The upcoming feature film, due to be released in 2017, will also star Games of Throne’s actor Iain Glen and Great Expectations actress Holliday Grainger.

Directed and scripted by Roger Michell, the man behind the 1999 classic romantic comedy Notting Hill, the cameras use Hamsey as a substitute for Daphne du Maurier’s beloved Cornwall.

Local farmers Justin and Susan Harmer even provided a flock of Pedigree South Down sheep to help the set appear more authentic.

The Rev’d Derek Bastide, Rector of Hamsey and Offham, told the Sussex Express how impressed he had been by the film crew.

“You would never know they had been here - they were meticulous in leaving everything exactly as they found it,” he said.

Originally released as a book in 1951, My Cousin Rachel tells the tale of a young man who plots revenge against the woman he believes murdered his cousin. However, his plans are shaken when he comes face to face with the enigmatic beauty.

The book was originally adapted for the big screen in 1952 featuring Olivia de Havilland, Richard Burton and Audrey Dalton.

For those who would like to see where some of the scenes were shot, there is a 6pm Evensong on the first Sunday of the summer months (next one on June 5) in Hamsey Church.

The Friends of Hamsey Church are also holding an Open Afternoon from 3pm on Saturday, June 18 with homemade cakes, a church tour and a history exhibition.

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