History's Ultimate Spies

After the death of Cardinal Wolsey in 1530, Thomas Cromwell became Henry VIII's `lap dog'. In order to do the king's bidding, he established a network of spies that steered Henry through his troubles with Rome, divorces, assassinations attempts and the establishment of a new religion. as this documentary reveals, though cunning and ambitious, none of these achievements proved sufficient to preserve his life.

As a Protestant, Queen Elizabeth I lived with the threat of assassination from Catholics throughout her reign. Thankfully, there was an army of men available to work in secret under spy master Francis Walsingham with the sole aim of protecting her. As this documentary reveals, Walsingham was able to demonstrate remarkable cunning in his role.

A profile of Robert Cecil, a formidable political operator who devised and established an extraordinary web of spies and informers designed to ensure King James I's security.

Profile of Cardinal Richelieu, who as Louis XIII's diabolical chief minister, was feared and hated thanks to his complex spy network.

The story of Zofia Potocka, the lover of Russian military leader Grigory Potemkin, who ran a successful spy network in the Russo-Turkish War of 1787-92.