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Defiance

A rising in the north destabilises Henry's kingdom. Despite the risks to his own life, Cromwell moves to protect Lady Mary from becoming the rebels’ greatest prize.

Cromwell’s visit to Shaftesbury Abbey has undone him. His confidence in himself and in his decisions past and present has been shaken to the core, and he is no longer able to summon up the memory of his most beloved master, Cardinal Wolsey, to help him navigate the perilous shadows of Henry's court.

The court is more than usually dangerous in the autumn of 1536. A rebellion in the north country, fanned by the king’s cousin Reginald Pole with intent to force England back to Rome, is spreading south. The rebels are demanding a stop to the religious reforms of the past three years, a return to Rome and Cromwell’s head, perceiving him to be the architect of their misfortunes.

Release date:

58 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Thomas Cromwell Mark Rylance
Henry VIII Damian Lewis
Duke of Norfolk Timothy Spall
Thomas Wriothesley Harry Melling
Jane Seymour Kate Phillips
Lady Mary Lilit Lesser
Jenneke Ellie De Lange
Rafe Sadler Thomas Brodie-Sangster
Richard Cromwell Joss Porter
Jane Rochford Lydia Leonard
Richard Riche Tom Mothersdale
Edward Seymour Will Tudor
Archbishop Cranmer Will Keen
Bess Oughtred Maisie Richardson-Sellers
Gregory Cromwell Charlie Rowe
Writer Peter Straughan
Director Peter Kosminsky
Producer Lisa Osborne
Executive Producer Noëlette Buckley
Executive Producer Colin Callender
Executive Producer Peter Kosminsky
Production Company Playground Entertainment

Broadcasts