The Second Queen of England: Anne Boleyn
The second queen of England, Anne Boleyn, ruled from 1533 until her death by beheading in 1536. Her execution marked the start of the English Reformation and was an important event in the country's history. While she had an unfortunate end, the Queen's life was a fascinating one. Here are some facts about her reign.
Henry VIII
Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII were married in 1533. Henry had recently broken away from the Roman Catholic Church and became the Supreme Head of the Church of England. He also annulled his marriage to Catherine. However, in January 1533, he married Anne. They were still legally married, and Anne was crowned Queen at Westminster Abbey six months later. The couple remained married for three years. Anne bore Henry a daughter, Elizabeth I. However, they had no sons, and Anne miscarried three times. Henry then went on to look for a new wife and fell in love with Jane Seymour.
The Affair Between Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn
The affair between Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn was a disaster. Anne Boleyn was not only unhappy with her barren womb, but her absence of a child caused many to suspect her of adultery. The rumors of adultery also coincided with Henry's new infatuation with Jane Seymour. In the end, Henry had Anne beheaded for adultery. While Anne was little mourned after her short reign, she alienated many people at the court.
Thomas Cromwell
Anne Boleyn and Thomas Cromwell were two prominent leaders during the English Reformation. In 1535, Cromwell led the English Parliament to disband all the religious houses in England. He was successful in this attempt at change, as every religious house was abolished. This left monks and nuns with little to no income, and the poor were left with nowhere to turn. This led Anne Boleyn to pursue Cromwell.
Thomas Cromwell and Anne Boleyn's relationship is very complex. Both of them are not completely trusted by the other. Anne is suspicious of Cromwell, as her father warned her not to trust him and believes that he is only working for himself.
Elizabeth Howard
Elizabeth Howard, Anne Boleyn's mother, was the eldest child of Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk. Thomas Howard was a staunch supporter of King Richard III and fought for him at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. But when Henry VIII's forces won the battle, Howard lost his title and was sent to the Tower of London, where he remained for three years. But eventually, his loyalty to the King was proven, and he was released.
Elizabeth and Anne were very close, and Elizabeth probably felt the pain of losing her cousin. She signed her letters to her "broken heart." The pain of her separation from her cousin was evident, and it was clear that she was devastated by the news. She was also kept under constant surveillance. The reign of terror at the time prevented her from escaping. At times, Elizabeth might have thought that she would never see her family again.
Margery Wentworth
Anne Boleyn and Margery Wentworth are both connected to the Seymour family. The Seymour family was notorious for their adultery, felony, and kidnapping, but the Seymours were not the only people connected to Anne Boleyn. One of Anne's relatives, Queen Jane Seymour, is buried next to King Henry VIII. The two women were related to each other through their mother and father. They were born in 1478.
Margery was a beautiful young woman. According to John Skelton, she was "shy and modest." She was married at sixteen to Sir John Seymour, a young man who had recently been remarried to a lady named Elizabeth Scrope. After the death of her husband, Margery became more involved in her children's education. Although she did not attend school, she had her eldest daughter Jane educated in the traditional manner.
George Boleyn
Anne Boleyn and her brother, George, played an important role in English politics in the early 1530s. Anne was the second wife of King Henry VIII, and her brother was a member of his Privy Council. He also served in Parliament and was appointed as a knight. George's religious beliefs helped him influence the Reformation Parliament. Anne died in 1536, leaving George in power.
King Henry VIII gave the Boleyn family their own estate, Grimston Manor, in Norfolk. Jane had been given the courtesy title of Viscountess Rochford by her marriage to George, and she was also known as Lady Rochford at Court. The family was also given the Palace of Beaulieu, which they used as their principal residence. This lavish manor was furnished with mahogany furniture, imported carpets, and hot and cold running water. It also included a chapel and tennis court, a huge collection of silverware, and a white satin canopy.
