No, Market Shipborough is not a real place. It is a fictional town created for the British television series Kingdom.
The Fictional Setting of Kingdom
In the popular TV series Kingdom, starring Stephen Fry, Market Shipborough serves as the quaint, rural setting where Peter Kingdom (Fry's character) runs his legal practice. While the town itself is imaginary, its portrayal captures the essence of a traditional English market town.
Real-Life Inspiration: Swaffham, Norfolk
Although Market Shipborough is fictional, its visual inspiration comes from a genuine location in the United Kingdom. The real-life market town used for filming many of the scenes is Swaffham, Norfolk. Stephen Fry, who plays the lead character, has connections to Norfolk, as he lives in the county.
Key details about the fictional and real-world connection:
- Fictional Location: Market Shipborough
- Real-Life Filming Location: Swaffham, Norfolk
- Series Star: Stephen Fry, whose character drives a distinctive 1965 Alvis TE 21. Scenes featuring Fry driving this car were notably complicated when he was cited for speeding in May 2006.
This blend of fictional narrative within a real geographical context adds a layer of authenticity to the series, leading many to wonder about the existence of Market Shipborough.
