1183 A.D.: King Henry II's three sons all want to inherit the throne, but he won't commit to a choice. When he allows his imprisoned wife Eleanor of Aquitaine out for a Christmas visit, they all variously plot to force him into a decision. /// Christmas 1183 is the setting for palace intrigues with Henry II of England and family.
In this Derek Jarman version of Christopher Marlowe's Elizabethan drama, in modern costumes and settings, Plantagenet king Edward II hands the power-craving nobility the perfect excuse by taking as lover besides his diplomatic wife, the French princess Isabel, not an acceptable lady at court but the ambitious Piers Gaveston, who uses his favor in bed even to wield political influence - the stage is set for a palace revolt which sends the gay pair from the throne to a terminal torture dungeon.
While drinking in the local tavern with his brothers and sister, Armus has his purse stolen. He captures the thief and discovers the pickpocket is a little girl who lives with an old woodcutter. The Greys take a liking to the child and the woodsman and invite them to their castle for Christmas even though though they must travel with Sir Thomas his investiture as a Knight of the Garter. Meanwhile Sir Ivar seeks the assistance of Baron Mullens in the search for their missing ward.
