Kingsmarkham

Wexford’s investigations take place in the market town of Kingsmarkham. 

Ruth Rendell describes Kingsmarkham as “a sizeable town somewhere in the middle of Sussex”. Originally inspired by the West Sussex town of Midhurst, later novels saw the town relocated closer to Lewes and Brighton.

The series producers moved this location over the border to Hampshire where Romsey became the setting for the fictional town. Although Romsey has a similar feel to Kingsmarkham, the geography is slightly altered in the TV series. Reg and Dora’s home is located close to the police station and Mr Burden’s neat bungalow on Tabard Road is swapped for a house situated on a modern estate.