The Pillars Of The Earth adapted for Channel 4

Coming to Channel 4 in October 2010, the adaptation of Ken Follett's best-selling novel, The Pillars Of The Earth, is an enduring love story, masterfully entwined with political turmoil.

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Who's in it?

Set against a backdrop of war, religious strife and power struggles in 12th century England, the cast includes Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, Matthew Macfadyen, Hayley Atwell, Eddie Redmayne, Donald Sutherland and Sarah Parish.

What's it about?

When a ship sinks under suspicious circumstances, drowning King Henry's sole heir, his nephew Stephen takes the throne, triggering a power struggle between Henry's daughter Maud and bastard son Gloucester, plunging the country into anarchy.

When visionary mason Tom Builder and his family search for work in the English winter they encounter tragedy on the road. Meanwhile in Kingsbridge, the monastery's idealistic new prior Philip learns a dangerous secret and becomes obligated to ambitious, sinister cleric Waleran Bigod.