'Masterpiece' period drama based on 'finest books of all time' streaming free

Period drama fans have been loving one series that's currently free to stream, and based on a series of beloved novels. With more than 20 books in the series, the collection of historical murder mysteries centres around a Welsh Benedictine monk in 12th century England, who helps the law by investigating and solving murders during the Anarchy.

The books were penned by Edith Pargeter under the pen-name Ellis Peters, and released between 1977 and 1994. While the series was originally developed into a radio adaptation, soon an ITV television adaptation followed - and fans have branded the episodes a "masterpiece".

Entitled Cadfael and starring Derek Jacobi, the ITV series - now free to stream on ITVX - was originally released between 1994 and 1998 and based on The Cadfael Chronicles. Starring alongside Jacobi are Emmerdale icon Mark Charnock, Star Wars actor Michael Culver and Sean Pertwee.

The series doesn't follow the books exactly, but dips into various murder mysteries - with iconic episodes featuring the death of a strangled nobleman, a young nun who has been brutally killed and a series of rebel hangings conducted by the king.

Reviews for the series have been overwhelmingly positive, with one fan branding it a "must see".

Someone else echoed: "Just discovered this excellent series on ITVX. As a person interested in medieval history I found this really believable and well researched and performed. The dull squalor of the time is captured and it is easy to believe and be transported to that era."

"Way ahead of its time, surprised there hasn't been a remake!" a third fan said.

While a fourth said: "I enjoyed watching this great medieval detective story immensely and this got me reading several of the Cadfael Chronicles. I recommend this series highly to anyone interested in detective stories, medieval life and great characters."