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Crows

Episode 5 of 6

Historical drama. The Act of Supremacy has declared Henry supreme head of the church in England, but the Holy Roman Emperor has refused to recognise his new title.

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.

Cromwell visits Katherine. She is growing frail and tired and she longs to see her daughter Mary. Cromwell pities Katherine and tries to persuade the King to allow Chapuys to visit her, but Henry refuses - until the Emperor acknowledges Anne as his lawful wife, Henry will not make any allowances on diplomacy.

With Anne pregnant again and away from court, Henry begins to take notice of Jane Seymour. The Seymours enlist Cromwell's help in their dealings with the King.

Anne is aware that Cromwell is conspiring with the Seymours and reminds him that she made Cromwell who he is today. When Katherine dies, Anne celebrates - Katherine had always been blamed for Anne's failure to produce a male heir and Anne is now certain her pregnancy will deliver a boy.

The King takes part in a jousting tournament and is nearly killed. Cromwell becomes acutely aware that he owes his position solely to Henry and that without the King's support his enemies would destroy him. Mercifully Henry makes a full recovery but, in the shock at the news of his fall, Anne miscarries.

Henry fears that he will never have a son with Anne, convinced that she is cursed and that he was tricked into marriage by her. He wants a new wife and, as ever, Cromwell is tasked with delivering this.

9 months left to watch

1 hour

Audio described

Credits

RoleContributor
Thomas CromwellMark Rylance
King Henry VIIIDamian Lewis
Anne BoleynClaire Foy
Cardinal WolseyJonathan Pryce
Duke of NorfolkBernard Hill
Stephen GardinerMark Gatiss
Rafe SadlerThomas Brodie-Sangster
Eustache ChapuysMathieu Amalric
Katherine of AragonJoanne Whalley
Jane RochfordJessica Raine
Richard CromwellJoss Porter
Gregory CromwellTom Holland
Jane SeymourKate Phillips
Harry NorrisLuke Roberts
William BreretonAlastair Mackenzie
Thomas WriothesleyJoel MacCormack
Thomas CranmerWill Keen
Frances WestonJacob Fortune-Lloyd
George BoleynEdward Holcroft
Sir Thomas BoleynDavid Robb
Lord Chancellor AudleyTim Steed
Edward SeymourEd Speleers
Thomas SeymourIain Batchelor
Sir John SeymourPaul Ritter
Mary SheltonHannah Steele
WriterPeter Straughan
ProducerMark Pybus
DirectorPeter Kosminsky
Production CompanyCompany Pictures

Broadcasts

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A critically acclaimed cast

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