The Pillars of the Earth (2010) The Pillars of the Earth is set against a backdrop of war, religious strife and power struggles which tears lives and families apart. In that time, there rises a magnificent Cathedral in Kingsbridge. Against the backdrop, love-stories entwine: Tom, the master builder, Aliena, the noblewoman, the sadistic Lord William, Philip, the prior of Kingsbridge, Jack, the artist in stone work and Ellen, the woman from the forest who casts a curse. At once, this is a sensuous and enduring love story and an epic that shines with the fierce spirit of a passionate age. Follett masterfully weaves these stories through political turmoil of 12th century England, creating a relevant and viable world for today's audience and for generations to come.
set in 12th-century England, this eight-hour miniseries based on Ken Follett's best-seller begins when a mysterious secret disrupts the succession to the English throne and an unlikely member of King Henry's family assumes power. As battles are waged for the rightful heir, Bishop Waleran Bigod and the Hamleighs manipulate the conflict to meet their own needs. Meanwhile, a fire destroys Kingsbridge church, giving master builder Tom, son Alfred and stepson Jack the chance to fulfill diocese leader Prior Philip's lifelong dream of building a magnificent new cathedral. The bishop, though, has other ideas, creating an epic test of passion versus greed ... and ultimately revealing the long-hidden secret.