8 Episodes
Short on time? Here's the essentials:
In a turbulent 14th century, "World Without End" follows Caris, a determined young woman who desires to establish a hospital, and Merthin, a skilled builder. Their lives are intertwined with political upheaval, beginning with the rise of Edward III and the brutal execution of his mother's lover.
The central conflict revolves around the corrupt ambitions within Kingsbridge Priory, particularly Godwyn's relentless pursuit of power, often at the expense of others. Key turning points include the devastating collapse of the Kingsbridge bridge, Merthin's departure for Italy, and Caris being framed for murder, forcing her into a nunnery. Later, Prior Godwyn is killed by Caris amidst the chaos of the Black Death and a siege.
The season ends with Kingsbridge in ruins. Brother Thomas reveals himself as the deposed King Edward II, and a charter is produced that ends the priory's control. Caris and Merthin, having survived the devastation, choose to leave Kingsbridge together.
Season 1 of World Without End covers episodes 1-8. Here's everything that happened:
Season 1, Episode 1: Knight - Following King Edward II's defeat, Queen Isabella crowns her son, Edward III. In Kingsbridge, two boys witness Sir Thomas Langley, a knight with a secret, kill his pursuers before seeking sanctuary as a monk. Petranilla poisons Caris's mother to advance her son Godwyn. King Edward III confronts his mother and her lover, Roger Mortimer, leading to Mortimer being dragged from his bed and hanged. Sir Thomas remains within Kingsbridge Priory.
Season 1, Episode 2: King - During Kingsbridge's annual Fleece Fair, Gwenda is sold by her father for a cow, while Caris is forced into a loveless marriage with Elfric. Merthin defends Caris against her abusive husband, leading to him losing his apprenticeship. A dramatic witch trial unfolds, culminating in Kingsbridge's rickety bridge collapsing, causing numerous fatalities. Following these tragic events, Merthin departs for Italy and Caris enters the nunnery, separating their paths.
Season 1, Episode 3: Prior - Following the Kingsbridge bridge collapse, Caris tends to the wounded, advocating for a hospital. Prior Anthony's suspicious drowning clears the path for Godwyn's ruthless ambition to become Prior. Merthin wins the new bridge contract but is dismissed by Elfric, who withholds his tools. Gwenda's father, Joby, perishes. Merthin, now free, sleeps with Griselda, immediately regretting the encounter.
Season 1, Episode 4: Check - Petranilla relentlessly schemes to elevate Godwyn's power within Kingsbridge Priory. When Caris attempts to thwart Godwyn's manipulative plans, she is framed for murder and subsequently faces execution. To escape this dire fate, Caris is compelled to take vows and join the Kingsbridge nunnery. Disheartened by the town's corruption and Caris's forced commitment, Merthin departs Kingsbridge for Florence, leaving their future uncertain.
Season 1, Episode 5: Pawns - Forced into nunnery, Caris travels to France to petition King Edward III against Prior Godwyn's attempts to seize her infirmary funds. She finds herself embroiled in the Hundred Years' War, witnessing the English army surrounded and facing imminent defeat. Caris remains in France, amidst the ongoing conflict.
Season 1, Episode 6: Rook - Merthin returns to Kingsbridge after his family succumbs to the devastating Black Death, hoping to rekindle his relationship with Caris. He proposes they build a life together elsewhere, but Caris rejects his offer, prioritizing her duties as a nun and her commitment to the plague-stricken town. As the epidemic rages, Prior Godwyn abandons Kingsbridge, leaving Caris to bravely minister to the afflicted. Following Mother Cecilia's death from the plague, Caris is elected Prioress and, with Bishop Henri's support, institutes strict hygiene measures to protect the remaining nuns within the priory.
Season 1, Episode 7: Queen - Godwyn is shocked by Caris's appointment as Prior, while a peasant rebellion erupts against Lord Ralph in Kingsbridge. King Edward III's daughter, Joan, dies from the plague in Spain, prompting Queen Isabella's return from exile to mourn her granddaughter. Caris offers fair wages for farming fallow priory land, inspiring Gwenda to flee her obligations and join. Sir Ralph, learning his true parentage, brutally suppresses the peasant revolt. Ultimately, Brother Thomas reveals his identity, and a charter ending the priory's control over Kingsbridge is produced, as Caris and Merthin decide to leave Kingsbridge together.
Season 1, Episode 8: Checkmate - The King's Army besieges Kingsbridge, forcing Caris and Merthin to plan their escape. Brother Thomas dramatically reveals his true identity as King Edward II. During the brutal conflict, Petranilla poisons herself, Caris kills Godwyn, and Merthin confronts Ralph, who is ultimately slain. The episode concludes with Kingsbridge devastated.
Ben Chaplin
as Sir Thomas Langley
Blake Ritson
as Edward III
Charlotte Riley
as Caris
Nora von Waldstätten
as Gwenda
Oliver Jackson-Cohen
as Ralph
Tom Weston-Jones
as Merthin
Rupert Evans
as Godwyn
Aure Atika
as Queen Isabella
Cynthia Nixon
as Petranilla
Miranda Richardson
as Mother Cecilia
Ian Pirie
as Elfric
David Bradley
as Brother Joseph
