01E03 - Anna Regina

Now in the ascendancy where the king is concerned Thomas - to the horror of Katherine of Aragon - proposes a bill making Henry the head of the English church - which is passed by the privy council. Chancellor Thomas More passionately opposes it and tenders his resignation accusing Thomas of heresy. Thomas learns that Anne Boleyn secretly married Harry Percy - though Anne petulantly denies it - and he colludes with the duke of Norfolk to buy Percy off. Henry rewards him with high office and parades Anne in public but there are protesters including the prophetess Elizabeth Barton, who tells him his reign will be short-lived if he marries Anne. Nonetheless the marriage goes ahead and pregnant Anne declares that the birth of a son will silence her critics. A gift of an admired tapestry is a further reward for Thomas.