Introduction

The Pillars of the Earth is an eight-part 2010 TV miniseries, adapted from Ken Follett’s 1989 novel of the same name.

It debuted in the US on Starz and in Canada on The Movie Network/Movie Central on 23 July 2010. Its UK premiere was on Channel 4 in October 2010 at 9.00 pm.

It was followed by a sequel, World Without End, in 2012.

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Outline

The succession to the crown of England is left in doubt after the heir apparent to the throne dies in the White Ship disaster in 1120. Eighteen years later, in 1138, this lack of heir causes Henry I’s daughter, Maud, and nephew, Stephen, to compete for the throne. Church politics see Philip, a monk, elected as the new prior of Kingsbridge, which leaves him indebted to Archdeacon, and soon to be Bishop, Waleran. Lady Aliena of Shiring rejects the marriage proposal of William Hamleigh, and Tom Builder and his family are left destitute when William Hamleigh dismisses them from building his house. While in the forest, they meet Ellen and Jack, a mother and son living free in the woods. After the death of Tom’s wife, Agnes, in childbirth, and the abandoning of the newborn, the group end up at Shiring Castle just as it is attacked by the ever ambitious Hamleighs.

The Pillars of the Earth Series

You can find a full index and overview of The Pillars of the Earth here.

Production & Filming Details

• Release Date: 23 July 2010.
• Running Time: 45 minutes (without adverts), 60 minutes (with adverts), and 428 minutes (total running time).
• Rating: TV-MA.
• Country: Canada, Germany, and Hungary.
• Language: English.

YouTube Link