Monsanto under ‘state of siege’ as HBO starts filming Game of Thrones prequel

The sleepy historic village of Monsanto in the north is under a ‘state of siege’ this week as HBO gets ready for filming its much-anticipated Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon. Lusa reports that roads have started being ‘blocked’, traffic diverted and access to the castle put strictly off-limits. The ‘invasion’ has upset local shopkeepers who explain that overnight they have lost all their business…In the long term the ‘fame’ of Monsanto – given Game of Thrones’ massive success – is expected to reinforce tourism, but for these few surreal weeks (October 18 to November 13) everyday normality has vanished.