Wolf Hall

Henry VIII is desperate to end his marriage to Katherine of Aragon, but Cardinal Wolsey's efforts to persuade the pope to grant an annulment are fruitless - much to the dismay of Thomas Cromwell, a lawyer dependent on Wolsey's patronage. The king's new mistress is rumoured to be Anne Boleyn, who has sworn vengeance on Wolsey after he refused to let her marry Harry Percy, so Cromwell visits her in the hope of swaying her to the cardinal's side.

Cardinal Wolsey has been forced to move to York. Cromwell stays in London, seeking to return Wolsey to the King's favour. As Cromwell's relationship with Henry deepens there is unexpected news from the north.

With the Cardinal now dead, it falls to Thomas Cromwell to orchestrate a marriage between the King and Anne Boleyn. He has the King's favour, but is being closely watched by his enemies.

Anne gives birth to a girl, failing to produce Henry's longed for male heir. Cromwell requires the nobility and church to swear an oath acknowledging Anne as lawful Queen. But will Thomas More agree?

With Anne pregnant again and away from court, Henry begins to take notice of Jane Seymour. Anne hears of this and demands loyalty of Cromwell. But has she overplayed her cards?

The king's love for Anne Boleyn has given way to anger and distrust and he instructs Cromwell to rid him of his second Queen. Sensing her loss of favour, Anne's enemies gather.