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.