Cadfael

Set in the 12th century, the detective embarks on a mission to clear his novice, Oswin, of the charge of killing a nun whose body has been found frozen inside a block of ice. This medieval whodunit is led by Derek Jacobi.

The Virgin in the Ice is a televised programme presented as a single episode. It falls within the genre of a medieval whodunit, offering viewers a self‑contained mystery set against a historical backdrop. The format is that of a typical episode, delivering a concise narrative rather than an extended series. The story follows a detective from the twelfth century who is determined to exonerate his apprentice, Oswin. Oswin stands accused of killing a nun, whose body has been discovered encased in a block of ice. The sleuth’s investigation centres on proving Oswin’s innocence and uncovering the true circumstances behind the frozen corpse. Set firmly in the medieval period, the plot leans on the stark image of a nun’s frozen remains as the catalyst for the inquiry. The detective’s pursuit of the real culprit provides the core of the episode’s intrigue, positioning the tale firmly within the tradition of historical mystery. By concentrating on the interplay between the accused novice and the seasoned investigator, the programme delivers a compact, period‑specific puzzle that unfolds within the confines of a single broadcast.