England is gripped by war, political stirfe and treachery. And in the midst of it all a towering cathedral, a beacon of love and hope is erected. Will Philip raise again after being removed as prior? Will Aliena be able to find Jack in France? And will work continue on the cathedral after the collapse? Join us as we continuing our trip through The Pillars of the Earth. This week we recap/review episode seven "New Beginnings" of the Starz Original series The Pillars of the Earth. Set in the the 12th century The Pillars of the Earth tells the story of King Stephen's reign over England and the 19 year period of Anarchy. Pillars of the Earth Synopsis This epic tale of passion and greed begins when a mysterious secret disrupts the succession to the English crown and an unlikely member of King Henry's family takes the throne. A power struggle between Henry's daughter, Maud, and nephew, Stephen, causes England to be torn by war as battles rage for the rightful heir. Meanwhile, Bishop Waleran Bigod and the Hamleigh family manipulate the conflict to satisfy their own ruthless ambitions. Within this tumultuous setting, Prior Philip fights insurmountable obstacles to keep Kingsbridge and his dream of building a magnificent cathedral alive. The task is daunting, but master-mason Tom Builder, his gifted stepson, Jack, and noblewoman Aliena work together to achieve their dreams. And in the process, the long-hidden secret is revealed. Episode 7 "New Beginnings" As a result of his travels, Jack has learned how to fulfill Tom Builder’s dream of a cathedral filled with light. Aliena tracks Jack by following the trail of his carvings. Waleran offers Philip a new position but it means that Philip must always obey Waleran. Kingsbridge becomes prosperous again, infuriating Regan and William, who plan an attack meeting resistance from Richard, Jack and Philip. NOTE: Ken Follett has a cameo role in this episode as the merchant who tells Jack the story of his father's sailing. Topics Discussed: Episode Recap Episode Review History Lesson: What was correct and what was incorrect Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester Abbott Sugar Saint Denis Abbey Cast of Characters: Ian McShane as Waleran Bigod Donald Sutherland as Earl Bartholomew Rufus Sewell as Tom Builder Matthew Macfadyen as Prior Philip Tony Curran as King Stephen Alison Pill as Princess Maude Sarah Parish as Regan Hamleigh Robert Bathurst as Percy Hamleigh David Oakes as William Hamleigh Goetz Otto as Walter Hayley Atwell as Aliena Sam Claflin as Richard Liam Garrigan as Alfred Builder Skye Bennett as Martha Builder Gordon Pinsent as the Archbishop Eddie Redmayne as Jack Jackson Natalia Wörner as Ellen Anatole Taubman as Remigius Get your free audio book from Audible.com at: http://www.audibletrial.com/MedievalArchives You can listen to the episode below. Or download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss a single episode. The music was provided by Tim Rayburn. It is available at Magnatune.com Use the icons below to download the .mp3 audio file, subscribe directly to iTunes or subscribe to the RSS feed.

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