Thomas Cromwell's patron, Cardinal Wolsey, is dismissed as Lord Chancellor and forced to flee his palace at York Place. The old noble families of England, jealous of their own right to advise the king, have long waited for this moment.

Cardinal Wolsey has been forced out of court. For Thomas Cromwell, this is only a tactical retreat as, in time, the Cardinal will regain the King's favour. Wolsey urges Cromwell to find a way to get close to Anne Boleyn.

Although he has no official title, Cromwell is relied on more and more in the running of the King's affairs. Cromwell manoeuvres a bill through Parliament acknowledging Henry rather than the Pope as head of the Church of England.

Anne gives birth to a baby girl, Elizabeth, and Henry does little to hide his disappointment. Anne is aware that her power in court rests on producing a male heir, and in her paranoia, cracks appear in her relationship with Cromwell.

The Act of Supremacy has declared Henry Supreme Head of the Church in England, but the Holy Roman Emperor, and his ambassador, Eustache Chapuys, have refused to recognise either his new title or his marriage to Anne Boleyn.

Anne accuses Cromwell of betrayal when she finds out he tried to protect Mary and not Elizabeth at a time of crisis, but Anne's power is dissolving rapidly and her enemies are gathering.