Wolf Hall

Failing to secure the annulment of the King’s marriage to Katherine of Aragon, Cardinal Wolsey is banished from Court. His hopes of returning to the King’s favour lie with the ever loyal Thomas Cromwell.

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.

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.

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.