Yes, you love it. But are you a bit lost? Where’s Norfolk? Who’s Suffolk? Why’s everyone called Thomas? Don’t fret, here’s...

THE BBC’s adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall novels began last week and is already being hailed as a TV masterpiece. Yet while millions have praised the performances and lavish production, some have been left scratching their heads over the facts of Tudor history.

The story follows the fortunes of main character Thomas Cromwell – but some viewers have confused the blacksmith’s son, who rose to power in the court of Henry VIII, with his distant descendant Oliver Cromwell, the Civil War leader who lived a century later.

Others seem to believe that Jane Seymour – Henry’s third wife – must have some connection to the Bond girl actress of the same name.

One viewer tweeted: ‘Struggling to understand what’s going on’ and another said: ‘So far the only characters I really understand in Wolf Hall are the dogs.’

But critics say the six-part series is worth sticking with, despite its bewildering array of characters.

Noted historian Lucy Worsley admitted that even she had to concentrate. She said: ‘It’s terrific but you do have to pay attention. It makes a change. It is treating us like we are intelligent.’

Here we offer our guide to the history you need to know to understand the series. And don’t worry if you’re already hooked, we won’t give away any plotlines…