Between the fall of Wolsey until 1536, Anne Boleyn's influence over the King was immense. An entire religious landscape, way of life and identity of a nation was changed - because of Anne Boleyn. However, many questions surrounding her life still remain unanswered and that is why we are extremely lucky to have historians such as yourself. Many thanks for all your work - Elizabeth Cumming.
Queen Anne Boleyn is an absolutely fascinating woman who was ahead of her time. I think that she was an incredibly intelligent and witty person which I think her daughter, Queen Elizabeth I inherited those qualities from her mother. She was by no means a saint. She was a real human being who had her flaws. Anne's execution was a horrific tragedy. A great miscarriage of justice indeed. Just as she captivated ol' scary Harry VIII, she is still captivating people today. ❤👑
As you mentioned she was fascinating but had her flaws too. We don’t know how much she was responsible for the way Katherine was treated. We know she asked for Mary’s forgiveness. I am not sure how well known she would have been if Elizabeth did not become a queen, or Henry did not marry six times and had not had another wife executed. All in all, she was ahead of her time and had her life cut short for trumped up charges. Cromwell paid for his part.
Given your what-if's above, Anne would still be in the history books as the catylist of the Reformation. So, not as many pages as she currently has, but she would have at least a couple of paragraphs in those Alternative History books.
I grew up believing that Anne Boleyn was actually guilty of adultery. When at a later date I became interested in Tudor History and also listening to your vlogs Claire I was truly shocked to discover that Anne was actually conspired against and set up to be removed from her position in Henry life by her enemies. Worst of all it was most certainly Henry who arranged her death sentence. So, the most incredible romance between Henry and Anne ended up in him murdering her. A shock for all of us who believe that such a love as theirs could never really end. And how could he kill or let her be killed. Also May day another great historic day of new life in the Spring time, a time that should be full of beauty and happiness and it was the day that Henry really stopped caring about her. Well I could go on for pages about why Anne is so fascinating though I do find his other wives interesting. It is also a story of women and how powerless they were at that time. So I can see why you are fascinated by Anne Boleyn. Lastly there is no portrait of her anywhere that we can honestly say is actually her, such a mysterious person is Anne Boleyn.
I know exactly the moment I became captivated by Anne Boleyn. I was about nine years old and borrowed a children’s history book from the local library. The book contained a distribution of Anne’s execution, what she wore, the words that she spoke and her calm demeanor. All very faithful to what we know of that sad event. I knew nothing about the intricacies of the injustice that she was subjected to, but I knew that she was incredibly brave and that made me admire her. I’m 63 now and I’ve never stopped reading and learning about her and her fascinating contemporaries.
I was 13 when I first became fascinated with Anne after watching the TV series "The six wives of Henry VIII" in 1970. My elder sister later took me to see the movie "Anne of a thousand days" & I have been fascinated with her since then. I liked her strength as a woman in an age where men ruled & also her intelligence. I also knew she wasn't perfect even at my young age, but that made her even more interesting. I have never had the same passion for any other era in history, it is the only the Tudors that keeps me wanting to know more.
I was fascinated by Ann back in the 80's and read everything I could find about her. I remember doing things with my Mom reciting everything I knew about her while my mother patiently listened stating that she wished I knew as much about Scottish history as this period of time, lol. Today I am fascinated by all of the wives and Tudor history, it couldn't be easy being any of his wives. It's an interesting time. And, I do know a good bit of Scots history now too! If it's history, I love it.
Somewhere in historical sources, it was reported that Anne & Cromwell had a disagreement about how the wealth from the dissolution of the monasteries was to be used. Anne wanted to use the money for schools, hospitals, etc. If so, and if Henry had agreed, it could have made a big difference in the lives of the people. Something that is not said is that, in my opinion, when Henry judiciously murdered Anne, his wife and mother of his daughter, as well as anointed queen, he opened the door for other royal executions. It is said practice makes perfect, so Henry dispatched Katherine Howard as well. But when Elizabeth I debated the morality of executing Mary Queen of Scots, Henry had paved the way. Would Charles I have been executed, had not Henry made it OK to execute monarchs by starting with his queen consort?
Anne's story IS fascinating, in so many ways. I've also had friends argue with me that she is undeserving of the attention. I think certain fiction authors, and movies, have contributed to some people's impression that Anne was a gold-digger and guilty of the charges that brought her down. They have trivialised her importance in history. I'm grateful to you for restoring her reputation, and for the scholarly, but approachable, way you do this! ❤
I am one of the many who became aware of Anne, sitting in a dark theater, watching a woman that could have lived in THAT year, being fascinated by “Anne of the Thousand Days”! Then, a few years ago, I stumbled upon a site decided to her, by a woman equally as fascinated! You have helped fuel my love of History, not only of Anne & Tudor times but coming forward, as well. Thank you, Claire.
My former mother in law and I remain good friends, in large part due to our love of Tudor history in general, and Anne Boleyn in particular. She recently went into a care home and when I visited her, she whispered that she had always thought of me like a daughter, and Anne Boleyn like a sister. I love your channel and purchased an Anne Boleyn colouring book from your website. She has trouble reading now, but can manage colouring the lovely pictures.
I have always love Anne Boleyn Since I Was a Child when I went to the Town of London I haven't been to Hever Castle but would love to go there My Favourite film is Anne of a Thousand Days
I saw Natalie Dormer’s scene of Anne’s execution portrayed by “The Tudors”. After I saw that and heard multiple times it was all false I went down a rabbit hole and fell in love with learning all things Tudor History, especially all about Anne Boleyn! Note: I have never seen a single full episode of “The Tudors”
When a person is so wrongly treated, then murdered, it makes them an enigma, a person who is pitied for the injustices done to them. Many examples are Anne Boelyn, Catherine Howard. King Henry was such a selfish brute & a tyrant, I don't understand why the Royal Family of GB still use that name. Prince Harrys given name is actually Henry. Then, there's Joan of Arc, Princess Diana, Marilyn Monroe, Natalie Wood, Sharon Tate. Betty Broderick was treated very badly. Her husband used her to get his degree then dumped her. She, however, took action. A bit of overkill. I would never condone murder, yet I can understand why she did it. Her husband dumped her for a much younger woman & together they tormented her, pushing her over the edge, turning her children against her.
I'm in the US. I started to learn about UK Monarchy and Queen Elizabeth 2nd. I wanted to educate myself. Who are these people? That brought me to learning about the Tudors. Just wanted to be informed. thanks!
Thank you for sharing this. I agree, Anne Boleyn is a fascinating character for so many reasons. I believe that she was manipulated and used as a pawn. I'd love to know how Henry would feel and react if he knew that the sex of a baby is determined by the male. It just seems like such a waste of time and life, all the mountains he moved to possess Anne like you said, just to be brought down, defiled then executed. It seems so unfair that she was deemed responsible for the demise of so many, when she wasn't supposed to be queen to begin with. She didn't hold the cards, Henry did though. I wonder if that poem, Anne Boleyn's Lament was actually written by her?
Anne was Henrys equal in temperment and temper. I read the book Anne Boleyn by Evelyn Anthony. When Anne miscarried her son she accused Henry of making love like phebel pig. That takes guts!!!!!
I love history, as a child I loved watching documentaries about kings and queens around the world. I remember watching The Tudors in 2008-2009 and I wanted to learn more about Tudor history and Anne Boleyn. She was strong, intelligent woman who didn't deserve her ending. I find all of the six wifes of Henry VIII interesting and I love learning more about them!
For me, it's the way Henry moved heaven and earth, almost, to get the woman he wanted, and then the way in which he cast her down in such a brutal, shocking fashion. After that, no one could be safe. The injustice of her undeserved fate brings me the What If thoughts....what if Henry had sent to a convent, etc. Her more recent vilification speaks more of the detractors than the woman herself, I think. She had a great influence and undoubtedly would have had far more to offer, had she been given the opportunity. I first came across Anne when I was around eight or nine, while reading Jean Plaidy's The Young Elizabeth, in which Anne is only referred to as something of a shameful secret; then later on a school trip to the local Film Theatre where we saw Anne of the Thousand Days. I was not the only schoolgirl crying as little Elizabeth toddled away at the end. Since then I've read and re-read about the real woman, who did indeed produce a great Queen. Stay vindicated, Anne, and bless you.
I'm not a huge Anne Boleyn fan, but her story is fascinating. I mean Henry VIII, Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn are a trio that will never ever be forgotten
Anne Boleyn has always been one of my favourite historical figures (her daughter is my other). I find it’s Anne’s intelligence and strength that make her so appealing. For a woman to do and be what she was and to stand up against Henry and other powerful men, especially in an age where women were only thought of as baby makers. She’s inspiring. She never backed down and she never broke even as she spoke her final words. She kept strong for herself and for her daughter. When Elizabeth says she’s a lion’s cub I’d say she was a lioness’s cub. She gave her daughter that strength and intelligence. Elizabeth may have credited Henry but she knew how to keep herself safe too.
I too am fascinated by Anne Boleyn and Tudor history. Anne is such an intriguing figure and, as you mentioned, so very different from her contemporaries. I also admire the immense bravery she demonstrated at the end of her life 💔
Anne is my middle name, and Was always captivated by stories my mom told about her "French-ness" and the myth about her 6th finger spawning a fashion of long belled sleeves. Then I saw "Anne of a Thousand Days" When I was teenager. I love hearing what we know about her, now: all the debunked myths and new information. I suppose she's a milestone by which we see the birth of the reformed church in England, even though things took a rather serpentine route there (pun intended).
I just want to say: I get the obsession. For me it's not Anne Boleyn, but Jane Grey and her sisters, Katherine and Mary. I've always loved history and I have other historical characters I like, but Jane's story felt different, it felt personal. I saw a 3 part documentary about her and it was interesting, but it didn't touch much of a cord, it was "poor girl", but that was about it. But then last year, I came across Eric Ives' book "Lady Jane Grey: A Tudor Mystery", it was supposed to be a casual read, but I was hooked from the first lines. Over 10 books later, I still find her and her sisters' story very emotional. I cry when I read about them and what was done to them, even though I've seen multiple versions of it over and over again both in history and historical fiction books. Katherine saying "Welcome death!" on her death bed is the most metal thing I've ever seen. 😀 And Jane HAS changed me: I read way more than before and I became more religious because of her (even though I'm not Anglican, I'm Eastern Orthodox). If I sound crazy... I don't know... I'll let people reading this be the judge of that, but I will say this: I'm also stunned by this emotional reaction to their stories. They struck a cord, a very deep cord inside of me. And I could try to rationalize it and explain it, try to find some rational psychological explanation, but honestly, I choose to just accept it's happening, embrace it, feel it and roll with it.
Anne being intelligent, ambitious and having her own opinions which at one time were all qualities her future husband found irresistible, made her different. Where she was raised, educated was pivotal to who she became. For Europe, not England was her home. She was under the tutelage of a brilliant Queen Claude. She was courageous and knew her mind. Those character qualities are unforgivable to insecure men and women. I find her fascinating too, Claire. I love your vast knowledge of her. Thank you for educating us on an very futuristic women, ahead of her time. We know how dangerous that can be.
She is a fascinating and divisive character and very worthy of study and discussion. However, so much about her is (educated) conjecture that I think too many pronouncements are made, or beliefs firmly held, w/o real evidence. In that respect, I think other Tudor ladies deserve equal attention and perhaps should be credited with more societal or religious change. I am most fascinated and most perturbed as to how any monarch could fall from grace so quickly - so quickly that an intelligent woman apparently did not sense danger and was not even contemplating escape or a way to reconcile with Henry. It could have happened to anyone. It happened to a politically astute player with experience in three European courts. It boggles the mind.
She gave birth firstly to a girl, which was a considerable disappointment to both Henry and Anne. She then miscarried 3 times in quick succession. One or two of the foetusses were male. That is what turned Henry against her. Exactly the same reason basicly, as why he got rid of Catherine of Aragon. Someone said after her last miscarrige: God help her, she has miscarried of her saviour. Or words to that effect.
@@emmajones8590 This is all basic knowledge - doesn't explain a downfall in 3 weeks very soon after her last miscarriage , especially when she demonstrably was carrying a boy and when that event possibly was connected to the shock of seeing the King rendered unconscious - i.e. something anyone could understand as not being 'weakness' on her part.
@@patriciapickett836 It wasn't a downfall, it was a setup. It was probably all starting, to Henry, to look too much like his first marriage regarding children. First a daughter and then the one dead child after the other. He was also a great believer in conspiracy theories don't forget. Wouldn't take much persuading that this marriage also was 'cursed' in some way.
@@emmajones8590 My last thought on this but, set-up or not (and 'yes'), she KNEW Henry, knew those around her and still either was taken completely by surprise or was so arrogant that she truly believed she was impervious to Henry's caprice and also grossly underestimated her enemies. To me, neither explanation fits sufficiently with what is known of her for Anne at least to have been able either to delay the inevitable or escape it entirely.
I agree with you. Anne Boleyn’s story is the stuff of fiction. Her story is so unbelievable, if it WAS fiction, I’m not sure we’d believe it. I’m obsessed with her story, and the stories of all the famous Tudor women. It was a wonderful time in history.
When I started listening to this I was thinking to myself here I go again with Anne. She just plain intrigued me. Then you started asking why and told your reasons. I have a lot of things the same as you. I am in the USA and I guess that you are in England. I can't say there is anyone else that interests me like her. The best was on tv a few years back they showed some people trying to get evps of her and she spoke. Only Anne would do that! Fantastic
When I was about 11-12 years old, I heard a song called, "With Her Head Tucked Underneath Her Arm." That piqued my interest in Anne and Tudor history. As time went on, I became interested in Anne's daughter Elizabeth. Both were horribly wronged by Henry VIII, but Elizabeth became a much-loved and long-reigning Queen. (Anne gets her posthumous revenge.) Both Queens were 10x smarter than Henry, IMHO. Oh, and Anne's badge is the falcon, my spirit animal. Just a few reasons why I'm fascinated by Anne Boleyn.
I agree with everything you say about Anne. She was a very complex woman ahead of her time. Her personality, style and intelligence made her stand out. 488 years on, Anne remains a fascinating character. I got hooked back in the early 1970's when my Dad took me to see the costumes from the BBC TV Series about Henry VIII and his Six wives in London. Something sparked inside me for all things Tudor. But Anne quickly became in my mind the most interesting of Henry's wives. I watched and read as much as possible about Anne (no Internet then) and am just as interested in her today. Your channel and website are excellent and enjoyable to follow.
I researched Henry VIII for an 8th grade school report. For some reason, I cant explain, Anne Boleyn caught my attention and held it. I was fascinated by the dark-haired, dark eyed echantress. I read everything I could find (which wasnt much because it was 1983). I even went to Regional with my interpretation of Anne on trial. Then I found out how Anne set the stage for the founding of the current day United States. She and Katharine Parr were two of the original feminists--in a good way. God rest her soul.
Well, I for one, am so very glad you're obsessed with Anne Boleyn!! I got into Anne when The Six Wives of Henry VIII first aired on Masterpiece Theatre on PBS in the early 70's. That year for Halloween, I decided to go as Anne for the Costume Contest at my school. Oh, did I mention that I won 2nd place--and it was at my Catholic grade school? The cheek I had at 12 yrs!!!
Henry VIII was obsessed with Anne Boleyn and he killed Cardinal Wolsey, Bishop Fisher and Sir Thomas Moore. Anne herself and the Boleyn family realised that unless she produced a healthy Prince, she would suffer a dramatic fall from grace.
I have always been fascinated with Tudor history. Anne Boleyn has always been my favorite. I feel bad for her. I too watched the 2 movies you mentioned. Plus several TV specials. Henry was a horrible person. I am glad that I picked up on your site. Enjoy every video!
I think possibly the first time I heard Anne Boleyn's name mentioned outside my mother's historical ramblings was when I lived in Minnesota during the late 1980s and early 1990s. I listened to a lot of Minnesota Public Radio during my workday in an art studio, and one of the songs that was played was "With Her Head Tucked Underneath Her Arm." I knew OF Anne Boleyn, but not the whole story, so that propelled me to the library to dig up what I could about her life, such as is known. From that point on, she ceased to be a comically wandering, wailing ghost, and became a person with feelings, with a soul, who sometimes stubbed her toe or giggled in church. And I have, since then, loved her and cheered for her whenever new things are found out about her life. Her husband (of whom I have never been particularly fond) may have tried to erase her from history, but in doing so, he made her far more memorable. I'm glad you're obsessed with Anne Boleyn, because it means I get to learn more stuff about her!
I have been fascinated with Anne since I first learned about her age 7 at school. Of course, we got told the whole witch and six fingers story, so I was glad to find out more about (the real) her as I got older. It's her strength, her dignity and her bravery that I love about her...especially in those final days...I know her speech by heart. I found myself quite emotional when I got the chance to visit her grave. I have been following your channel since it started...my favourite videos are definitely the "what did Anne look like?" I personally don't think we can blame Anne (fully) for the deaths of Moore, Fisher, etc. After all, Henry didn't have to execute them...and their crime seems more to do with not recognising Henry as head of the church more than recognising Anne. Like you I find all the wives interesting, with Anne, Anne of Cleeves and Katherine Parr being my favourites. I always feel that in the end Anne had the last laugh as her daughter was one of our most successful monarchs and her bloodline is still within our Royal Family today (through Mary Boleyn). Just to end, the Rose 🌹 portrait is my favourite. Thanks for the videos Claire I find I am always learning something new. 🩷
I have shifting “obsessions” in history but always come back to Henry and his wives …I totally understand, just wish I could write a book haha keep up the great work!
Keep up the great work you do, Claire. Don’t worry about the naysayers. They are misinformed or jealous, and hopefully if they listen to your videos they will become more enlightened about the enigma that Anne was and presented.
Anne Boleyn was a strong woman and smart . I was about 13 when I read about her. I felt bad about her death. As I grew older I was fascinated by her life, I think today Anne would be a force to be reckoned with!
I know you don't believe in past lives ( I asked a few years back). But I believe, after you described in another video, having a dream in which you were at her execution and were upset, knowing she was innocent - that you lived at that time, very close to the situation.
Claire, I have never been a huge fan of Anne Boleyn, but when I started to read your blog and view this channel, I became far more interested. Thank you!
❤ I've been watching your channel for about 4 or 5 years and im also fascinated with Tudor history and i agree, even after all these years Anne still fascinates.
Yes, I do find her interesting. For all the reasons you mentioned. Though, I do often ponder on her having received the lion's share of the blame for having all the power in her relationship with Henry, without anyone for centuries ever cluing into how illogical and nonsensical that was. Henry was the king of a country - she was an unmarried woman in a time when woman were barely given human status - but she was to blame for seducing him? It's the utter delusion in that which makes me shake my head.
This started when I was little and studied Tudor times at junior school. Was also taken to Gainsborough old hall with this school and loved the dramas at the time. The Gainsborough old hall saw us kids taking part in a mock Tudor banquet, loved it.
I like Anne Boleyn and Catherine of Aragon, they are feminist icons to me,, they have more personality than the other 4 wives, I utterly hate how Anne Boleyn is still portrayed as a glorified prostitute to this day
I’d be interested in hearing more about Anne, her personal faith, and the reformation. How much do we know about when and how she came to know about the reformed teachings, and whether she favoured them before the issue of her marriage? I know Claire said we can never tell what she felt, but it would be interesting to go over the sources we do have and what we can be reasonably confident about.
I love Tudor history, but I'm one of those who can't get the hold of Anne Boleyn over the Brit imagination. Of all the great and brave Tudor women there were. I'm probably too practical to see any real romance. She played her cards to achieve what she wanted and then didn't know how to play the queen and wife roles. She unleashed the despot until then kept in check by Queen Catherine and Rome. With her ambition came the destruction of the monasteries and Catholic support systems, and the population suffered terribly. No honour or grandness, but centuries later still haunts millions.
I find Anne’s life very interesting. She was educated and very intelligent. As you said her rise in court was very quick but her fall was very fast. I think another thing that makes her interesting is her daughter Elizabeth I. Anne’s daughter (who many said was illegitimate) became a great monarch. You have to wonder how much Elizabeth must have thought about her mother. Henry was so worried about a male heir but his female heir through Anne became one of England’s greatest Monarchs.
Thanks so much for changing my opinion on Anne Boleyn. I used to think she was just a selfish home wrecker but since I’ve watched your videos I now see another side of her.
I admire Anne for all the reasons you stated. I have gotten lots of hate and name calling because of my admiration for Anne. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. Thank you Claire. I have learned a lot about Anne Boleyn, my favorite wife, and Tudor history. Read every book you recommend. Anne Boleyn is one of the most influential woman in women’s history.
Well that’s a lovely top! It’s like a watercolor painting. I am fascinated by history. I feel sorry for all of the women in Henry’s life. But he too was a man of that time.
Thanks again Claire. I suppose the movie Anne Of A Thousand Days was my first introduction to this topic. At the time I remember thinking it was odd that she was being played by a French actress.
Yes, Genevieve Bujold - French Canadian? Anyway, she was actually first choice for the role of Captain Janeway in Star Trek Voyager. That might have been interesting!
Anne Boleyn is a fascinating person & time will never dim historians' interest in her. The entire Boleyn family is extremely intriguing. I've always been interested in her story, though not to the point of writing books about her & her family, but definitely interested enough to voraciously read those books. A couple of years ago, while tracing my father's family tree more in depth, I was delighted to discover that this enigmatic woman was my many times great-auntie. I am directly descended from Mary Boleyn through her grand daughter Anne Knowles (daughter of Catherine Carey), who married Sir Thomas West, Baron De La Warr.
Also, I would love for you to do a series on the descendants of the Boleyns. Their descendants are the British royal family & include scientists, explorers, statesmen & more (as I am sure you already know). My direct ancestors (Anne Knowles' sons) were among the earliest founding fathers of the United States, the first governors of the US state of Virginia & the US state of Delaware is named in their honor.
One of the first books that sparked my interest in Tudor history was the Reader's Digest abridged version of "My Enemy the Queen." And there was another Reader's Digest version of a novel about Henry and Katherine of Aragon, I don't remember the name of it now. Then I read a biography of Lady Jane Grey in 5th grade. That was it, I was on my way. After that I spent lots of time in the public library in the adult non-fiction section, reading biographies of everyone who interested me, which was heavily Tudor but also included earlier kings and queens and side shoots like Marie Antoinette. I'm 56 and I'm still just as interested. I fully understand why you find Anne Boleyn and the Tudors so fascinating!
I admit - my interest in Anne Boleyn started when I was a teenager after watching "The Tudors" tv series. As I'm not British myself, before that, I didn't know much of Henry VIII's queens and reign. Since then I read some books (not all ofc ;)) and watched docummenteries - and from this little knowladge that I gained, Anne Boleyn strickes me as a "one of the kind" person, especially in comparison to women back then. Funny thing is that her personage made me so interested in British history, that made me delve deeper into it :D
I have never liked Anne, nor any of the Tudors. I'm a fervent Ricardian and believe he did a lot of good for the country in his short reign. If he'd had more time, he could have done much more. He cared for the common people much more than any of the sovereigns who came later,. Not until the 20th century did anyone come near to what he did to benefit the country as a whole. The Tudors had no valid claim on the crown except, as I saw in another RUclips video recently, his claim was conquest -- same as William of Normandy, 'cognomine bastardus.' That said, I've always thought Henry's treatment of all his wives was brutal. He was a narcissist and they don't care about anyone but themselves. His treatment of his first Katherine was brutal in the extreme. Of course, he learned it from his father who was equally brutal in his treatment of Katherine between the time of Arthur's death and his own. It was common to blame women for childbearing problems at that time and he was probably not much different from other men in the same position. The problem was that he had the power to do something about it. What we know now about Henry, Katherine, and childbearing in general leads me to believe it was more his problem than hers. But he was positively vicious to Katherine after she had been so faithful and supportive to him for so very many years. She didn't deserve the treatment she got from either of the Henrys. Enter Anne, the shiny new object. I doubt Henry actually loved her. He was obsessed with that which he could not possess so he moved heaven and earth to gratify himself. He unjustly killed a lot of people along the way. When Anne failed to provide him with the son he was obsessed with, she lost her hold on him. I doubt he had even a second's thought or remorse about killing her. Because of the controversy he had stirred up by trying to have his marriage to Katherine annulled, he wasn't about to go down that road again. I find the ultimate irony in that he had his marriage to her formally annulled before her execution. Given that, she could not possibly have committed adultery (and I don't believe she ever did) because she was never married to him. That's what annulment means, by definition. But Henry had to be absolutely certain that no one could ever question the legitimacy of any children he would have with Jane, so Anne had to go. I think Anne had no idea he would go so far as to kill her. She was self-confident to the point of arrogance and would never have imagined he would do that. She made her own bed. I don't have much sympathy for her because of that, but I do think she got a raw deal and certainly, she got no due process (guaranteed by the Magna Carta) and definitely no justice.
There is no evidence to know who might have done away with them. Richard is certainly a suspect. But Margaret Beaufort stood to benefit on behalf of her son, and she was certainly ruthless enough to have done them in. Likewise, Buckingham had an interest in their being gone. Or they might have died from any of the fatal diseases that were so prevalent in those days. We'll never know, so there's a lot of speculation possible. My money is on Margaret Beaufort -- the Tudors as a family practiced judicial murder in spades. Anne is only one such victim, the boys could be others. @@emmajones8590
So am I. We're both direct descendants of Sir Robert le Vavasour and his daughter Maud, whose first marriage to Theobald Walter founded the Butler family, from which her grandmother descended.
Between the fall of Wolsey until 1536, Anne Boleyn's influence over the King was immense. An entire religious landscape, way of life and identity of a nation was changed - because of Anne Boleyn. However, many questions surrounding her life still remain unanswered and that is why we are extremely lucky to have historians such as yourself. Many thanks for all your work - Elizabeth Cumming.
Queen Anne Boleyn is an absolutely fascinating woman who was ahead of her time. I think that she was an incredibly intelligent and witty person which I think her daughter, Queen Elizabeth I inherited those qualities from her mother. She was by no means a saint. She was a real human being who had her flaws. Anne's execution was a horrific tragedy. A great miscarriage of justice indeed. Just as she captivated ol' scary Harry VIII, she is still captivating people today. ❤👑
As you mentioned she was fascinating but had her flaws too. We don’t know how much she was responsible for the way Katherine was treated. We know she asked for Mary’s forgiveness. I am not sure how well known she would have been if Elizabeth did not become a queen, or Henry did not marry six times and had not had another wife executed. All in all, she was ahead of her time and had her life cut short for trumped up charges. Cromwell paid for his part.
Given your what-if's above, Anne would still be in the history books as the catylist of the Reformation. So, not as many pages as she currently has, but she would have at least a couple of paragraphs in those Alternative History books.
I grew up believing that Anne Boleyn was actually guilty of adultery. When at a later date I became interested in Tudor History and also listening to your vlogs Claire I was truly shocked to discover that Anne was actually conspired against and set up to be removed from her position in Henry life by her enemies. Worst of all it was most certainly Henry who arranged her death sentence. So, the most incredible romance between Henry and Anne ended up in him murdering her. A shock for all of us who believe that such a love as theirs could never really end. And how could he kill or let her be killed. Also May day another great historic day of new life in the Spring time, a time that should be full of beauty and happiness and it was the day that Henry really stopped caring about her. Well I could go on for pages about why Anne is so fascinating though I do find his other wives interesting. It is also a story of women and how powerless they were at that time. So I can see why you are fascinated by Anne Boleyn. Lastly there is no portrait of her anywhere that we can honestly say is actually her, such a mysterious person is Anne Boleyn.
I know exactly the moment I became captivated by Anne Boleyn. I was about nine years old and borrowed a children’s history book from the local library. The book contained a distribution of Anne’s execution, what she wore, the words that she spoke and her calm demeanor. All very faithful to what we know of that sad event. I knew nothing about the intricacies of the injustice that she was subjected to, but I knew that she was incredibly brave and that made me admire her. I’m 63 now and I’ve never stopped reading and learning about her and her fascinating contemporaries.
I was 13 when I first became fascinated with Anne after watching the TV series "The six wives of Henry VIII" in 1970. My elder sister later took me to see the movie "Anne of a thousand days" & I have been fascinated with her since then. I liked her strength as a woman in an age where men ruled & also her intelligence. I also knew she wasn't perfect even at my young age, but that made her even more interesting. I have never had the same passion for any other era in history, it is the only the Tudors that keeps me wanting to know more.
My story exactly! Same age too😊
Same!
I was fascinated by Ann back in the 80's and read everything I could find about her. I remember doing things with my Mom reciting everything I knew about her while my mother patiently listened stating that she wished I knew as much about Scottish history as this period of time, lol. Today I am fascinated by all of the wives and Tudor history, it couldn't be easy being any of his wives. It's an interesting time. And, I do know a good bit of Scots history now too! If it's history, I love it.
What I find so interesting about Anne is how much we are finding out about her now.
I love Tudor history
Somewhere in historical sources, it was reported that Anne & Cromwell had a disagreement about how the wealth from the dissolution of the monasteries was to be used. Anne wanted to use the money for schools, hospitals, etc. If so, and if Henry had agreed, it could have made a big difference in the lives of the people.
Something that is not said is that, in my opinion, when Henry judiciously murdered Anne, his wife and mother of his daughter, as well as anointed queen, he opened the door for other royal executions. It is said practice makes perfect, so Henry dispatched Katherine Howard as well. But when Elizabeth I debated the morality of executing Mary Queen of Scots, Henry had paved the way. Would Charles I have been executed, had not Henry made it OK to execute monarchs by starting with his queen consort?
Logical arguments. I think you said it best when you stated the naysayers give Anne too much credit for her power as a 16th century woman. Indeed!
Anne's story IS fascinating, in so many ways. I've also had friends argue with me that she is undeserving of the attention. I think certain fiction authors, and movies, have contributed to some people's impression that Anne was a gold-digger and guilty of the charges that brought her down. They have trivialised her importance in history. I'm grateful to you for restoring her reputation, and for the scholarly, but approachable, way you do this! ❤
I am one of the many who became aware of Anne, sitting in a dark theater, watching a woman that could have lived in THAT year, being fascinated by “Anne of the Thousand Days”! Then, a few years ago, I stumbled upon a site decided to her, by a woman equally as fascinated! You have helped fuel my love of History, not only of Anne & Tudor times but coming forward, as well. Thank you, Claire.
My former mother in law and I remain good friends, in large part due to our love of Tudor history in general, and Anne Boleyn in particular. She recently went into a care home and when I visited her, she whispered that she had always thought of me like a daughter, and Anne Boleyn like a sister. I love your channel and purchased an Anne Boleyn colouring book from your website. She has trouble reading now, but can manage colouring the lovely pictures.
I have always love Anne Boleyn Since I Was a Child when I went to the Town of London
I haven't been to Hever Castle but would love to go there
My Favourite film is Anne of a Thousand Days
Thank-you for the behind the seine look at Queen Anne Boleyn.
I saw Natalie Dormer’s scene of Anne’s execution portrayed by “The Tudors”. After I saw that and heard multiple times it was all false I went down a rabbit hole and fell in love with learning all things Tudor History, especially all about Anne Boleyn!
Note: I have never seen a single full episode of “The Tudors”
Neither have I!
Poor Anne boleyn
How do you think Anne would have gotten along with Catherine Parr? I imagine they might have had some interesting discussions.
When a person is so wrongly treated, then murdered, it makes them an enigma, a person who is pitied for the injustices done to them.
Many examples are Anne Boelyn, Catherine Howard. King Henry was such a selfish brute & a tyrant, I don't understand why the Royal Family of GB still use that name. Prince Harrys given name is actually Henry.
Then, there's Joan of Arc, Princess Diana, Marilyn Monroe, Natalie Wood, Sharon Tate.
Betty Broderick was treated very badly. Her husband used her to get his degree then dumped her. She, however, took action. A bit of overkill. I would never condone murder, yet I can understand why she did it. Her husband dumped her for a much younger woman & together they tormented her, pushing her over the edge, turning her children against her.
I'm so glad you brought up Betty Broderick. She was treated so so terribly and then she snapped. She has a fascinating story.
I'm in the US. I started to learn about UK Monarchy and Queen Elizabeth 2nd. I wanted to educate myself. Who are these people? That brought me to learning about the Tudors. Just wanted to be informed. thanks!
Thank you for sharing this. I agree, Anne Boleyn is a fascinating character for so many reasons. I believe that she was manipulated and used as a pawn. I'd love to know how Henry would feel and react if he knew that the sex of a baby is determined by the male. It just seems like such a waste of time and life, all the mountains he moved to possess Anne like you said, just to be brought down, defiled then executed. It seems so unfair that she was deemed responsible for the demise of so many, when she wasn't supposed to be queen to begin with. She didn't hold the cards, Henry did though. I wonder if that poem, Anne Boleyn's Lament was actually written by her?
Anne was Henrys equal in temperment and temper. I read the book Anne Boleyn by Evelyn Anthony. When Anne miscarried her son she accused Henry of making love like phebel pig. That takes guts!!!!!
I love history, as a child I loved watching documentaries about kings and queens around the world. I remember watching The Tudors in 2008-2009 and I wanted to learn more about Tudor history and Anne Boleyn. She was strong, intelligent woman who didn't deserve her ending. I find all of the six wifes of Henry VIII interesting and I love learning more about them!
For me, it's the way Henry moved heaven and earth, almost, to get the woman he wanted, and then the way in which he cast her down in such a brutal, shocking fashion. After that, no one could be safe. The injustice of her undeserved fate brings me the What If thoughts....what if Henry had sent to a convent, etc. Her more recent vilification speaks more of the detractors than the woman herself, I think. She had a great influence and undoubtedly would have had far more to offer, had she been given the opportunity. I first came across Anne when I was around eight or nine, while reading Jean Plaidy's The Young Elizabeth, in which Anne is only referred to as something of a shameful secret; then later on a school trip to the local Film Theatre where we saw Anne of the Thousand Days. I was not the only schoolgirl crying as little Elizabeth toddled away at the end. Since then I've read and re-read about the real woman, who did indeed produce a great Queen. Stay vindicated, Anne, and bless you.
I'm not a huge Anne Boleyn fan, but her story is fascinating. I mean Henry VIII, Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn are a trio that will never ever be forgotten
Anne Boleyn has always been one of my favourite historical figures (her daughter is my other). I find it’s Anne’s intelligence and strength that make her so appealing. For a woman to do and be what she was and to stand up against Henry and other powerful men, especially in an age where women were only thought of as baby makers. She’s inspiring. She never backed down and she never broke even as she spoke her final words. She kept strong for herself and for her daughter. When Elizabeth says she’s a lion’s cub I’d say she was a lioness’s cub. She gave her daughter that strength and intelligence. Elizabeth may have credited Henry but she knew how to keep herself safe too.
I too am fascinated by Anne Boleyn and Tudor history. Anne is such an intriguing figure and, as you mentioned, so very different from her contemporaries. I also admire the immense bravery she demonstrated at the end of her life 💔
Anne is my middle name, and Was always captivated by stories my mom told about her "French-ness" and the myth about her 6th finger spawning a fashion of long belled sleeves. Then I saw "Anne of a Thousand Days" When I was teenager. I love hearing what we know about her, now: all the debunked myths and new information. I suppose she's a milestone by which we see the birth of the reformed church in England, even though things took a rather serpentine route there (pun intended).
Thank you for long your passion and work on this most fascinating Tudor Queen. She is the best 😊
I just want to say: I get the obsession. For me it's not Anne Boleyn, but Jane Grey and her sisters, Katherine and Mary. I've always loved history and I have other historical characters I like, but Jane's story felt different, it felt personal. I saw a 3 part documentary about her and it was interesting, but it didn't touch much of a cord, it was "poor girl", but that was about it. But then last year, I came across Eric Ives' book "Lady Jane Grey: A Tudor Mystery", it was supposed to be a casual read, but I was hooked from the first lines. Over 10 books later, I still find her and her sisters' story very emotional. I cry when I read about them and what was done to them, even though I've seen multiple versions of it over and over again both in history and historical fiction books. Katherine saying "Welcome death!" on her death bed is the most metal thing I've ever seen. 😀
And Jane HAS changed me: I read way more than before and I became more religious because of her (even though I'm not Anglican, I'm Eastern Orthodox). If I sound crazy... I don't know... I'll let people reading this be the judge of that, but I will say this: I'm also stunned by this emotional reaction to their stories. They struck a cord, a very deep cord inside of me. And I could try to rationalize it and explain it, try to find some rational psychological explanation, but honestly, I choose to just accept it's happening, embrace it, feel it and roll with it.
Her sister Mary is my ancestor.
Mary does have descendants, yes. Which one are you? 😊
Claire, I think you need to do an updated video on your doll collection for new members😍they are STUNNING!
Enduring or Endearing?
Anne being intelligent, ambitious and having her own opinions which at one time were all qualities her future husband found irresistible, made her different. Where she was raised, educated was pivotal to who she became. For Europe, not England was her home. She was under the tutelage of a brilliant Queen Claude.
She was courageous and knew her mind.
Those character qualities are unforgivable to insecure men and women.
I find her fascinating too, Claire. I love your vast knowledge of her.
Thank you for educating us on an very futuristic women, ahead of her time.
We know how dangerous that can be.
Thank you
She is a fascinating and divisive character and very worthy of study and discussion. However, so much about her is (educated) conjecture that I think too many pronouncements are made, or beliefs firmly held, w/o real evidence. In that respect, I think other Tudor ladies deserve equal attention and perhaps should be credited with more societal or religious change. I am most fascinated and most perturbed as to how any monarch could fall from grace so quickly - so quickly that an intelligent woman apparently did not sense danger and was not even contemplating escape or a way to reconcile with Henry. It could have happened to anyone. It happened to a politically astute player with experience in three European courts. It boggles the mind.
She gave birth firstly to a girl, which was a considerable disappointment to both Henry and Anne.
She then miscarried 3 times in quick succession. One or two of the foetusses were male.
That is what turned Henry against her.
Exactly the same reason basicly, as why he got rid of Catherine of Aragon.
Someone said after her last miscarrige: God help her, she has miscarried of her saviour. Or words to that effect.
@@emmajones8590 This is all basic knowledge - doesn't explain a downfall in 3 weeks very soon after her last miscarriage , especially when she demonstrably was carrying a boy and when that event possibly was connected to the shock of seeing the King rendered unconscious - i.e. something anyone could understand as not being 'weakness' on her part.
@@patriciapickett836 It wasn't a downfall, it was a setup.
It was probably all starting, to Henry, to look too much like his first marriage regarding children.
First a daughter and then the one dead child after the other.
He was also a great believer in conspiracy theories don't forget.
Wouldn't take much persuading that this marriage also was 'cursed' in some way.
@@emmajones8590 My last thought on this but, set-up or not (and 'yes'), she KNEW Henry, knew those around her and still either was taken completely by surprise or was so arrogant that she truly believed she was impervious to Henry's caprice and also grossly underestimated her enemies. To me, neither explanation fits sufficiently with what is known of her for Anne at least to have been able either to delay the inevitable or escape it entirely.
I agree with you. Anne Boleyn’s story is the stuff of fiction. Her story is so unbelievable, if it WAS fiction, I’m not sure we’d believe it. I’m obsessed with her story, and the stories of all the famous Tudor women. It was a wonderful time in history.
When I started listening to this I was thinking to myself here I go again with Anne. She just plain intrigued me. Then you started asking why and told your reasons. I have a lot of things the same as you. I am in the USA and I guess that you are in England. I can't say there is anyone else that interests me like her. The best was on tv a few years back they showed some people trying to get evps of her and she spoke. Only Anne would do that! Fantastic
Claire, I think that your videos are fascinating. You are fascinating! ✨
When I was about 11-12 years old, I heard a song called, "With Her Head Tucked Underneath Her Arm." That piqued my interest in Anne and Tudor history. As time went on, I became interested in Anne's daughter Elizabeth. Both were horribly wronged by Henry VIII, but Elizabeth became a much-loved and long-reigning Queen. (Anne gets her posthumous revenge.) Both Queens were 10x smarter than Henry, IMHO. Oh, and Anne's badge is the falcon, my spirit animal. Just a few reasons why I'm fascinated by Anne Boleyn.
I agree with everything you say about Anne. She was a very complex woman ahead of her time. Her personality, style and intelligence made her stand out. 488 years on, Anne remains a fascinating character. I got hooked back in the early 1970's when my Dad took me to see the costumes from the BBC TV Series about Henry VIII and his Six wives in London. Something sparked inside me for all things Tudor. But Anne quickly became in my mind the most interesting of Henry's wives. I watched and read as much as possible about Anne (no Internet then) and am just as interested in her today. Your channel and website are excellent and enjoyable to follow.
I researched Henry VIII for an 8th grade school report. For some reason, I cant explain, Anne Boleyn caught my attention and held it. I was fascinated by the dark-haired, dark eyed echantress. I read everything I could find (which wasnt much because it was 1983). I even went to Regional with my interpretation of Anne on trial. Then I found out how Anne set the stage for the founding of the current day United States. She and Katharine Parr were two of the original feminists--in a good way. God rest her soul.
Well, I for one, am so very glad you're obsessed with Anne Boleyn!!
I got into Anne when The Six Wives of Henry VIII first aired on Masterpiece Theatre on PBS in the early 70's. That year for Halloween, I decided to go as Anne for the Costume Contest at my school. Oh, did I mention that I won 2nd place--and it was at my Catholic grade school? The cheek I had at 12 yrs!!!
I’m fascinated with Elizabeth I, thusly, her mother, as well. I love all things Tudor! I do need a time travel machine!
I like Katherine, Anne and other Tudors. Because of the
their collective stories .Facts and fictional accounts. I find interesting .
Henry VIII was obsessed with Anne Boleyn and he killed Cardinal Wolsey, Bishop Fisher and Sir Thomas Moore. Anne herself and the Boleyn family realised that unless she produced a healthy Prince, she would suffer a dramatic fall from grace.
I have always been fascinated with Tudor history. Anne Boleyn has always been my favorite. I feel bad for her. I too watched the 2 movies you mentioned. Plus several TV specials. Henry was a horrible person. I am glad that I picked up on your site. Enjoy every video!
I think possibly the first time I heard Anne Boleyn's name mentioned outside my mother's historical ramblings was when I lived in Minnesota during the late 1980s and early 1990s. I listened to a lot of Minnesota Public Radio during my workday in an art studio, and one of the songs that was played was "With Her Head Tucked Underneath Her Arm." I knew OF Anne Boleyn, but not the whole story, so that propelled me to the library to dig up what I could about her life, such as is known. From that point on, she ceased to be a comically wandering, wailing ghost, and became a person with feelings, with a soul, who sometimes stubbed her toe or giggled in church. And I have, since then, loved her and cheered for her whenever new things are found out about her life. Her husband (of whom I have never been particularly fond) may have tried to erase her from history, but in doing so, he made her far more memorable.
I'm glad you're obsessed with Anne Boleyn, because it means I get to learn more stuff about her!
I have been fascinated with Anne since I first learned about her age 7 at school. Of course, we got told the whole witch and six fingers story, so I was glad to find out more about (the real) her as I got older. It's her strength, her dignity and her bravery that I love about her...especially in those final days...I know her speech by heart. I found myself quite emotional when I got the chance to visit her grave.
I have been following your channel since it started...my favourite videos are definitely the "what did Anne look like?"
I personally don't think we can blame Anne (fully) for the deaths of Moore, Fisher, etc. After all, Henry didn't have to execute them...and their crime seems more to do with not recognising Henry as head of the church more than recognising Anne.
Like you I find all the wives interesting, with Anne, Anne of Cleeves and Katherine Parr being my favourites.
I always feel that in the end Anne had the last laugh as her daughter was one of our most successful monarchs and her bloodline is still within our Royal Family today (through Mary Boleyn).
Just to end, the Rose 🌹 portrait is my favourite. Thanks for the videos Claire I find I am always learning something new. 🩷
I have shifting “obsessions” in history but always come back to Henry and his wives …I totally understand, just wish I could write a book haha keep up the great work!
Keep up the great work you do, Claire. Don’t worry about the naysayers. They are misinformed or jealous, and hopefully if they listen to your videos they will become more enlightened about the enigma that Anne was and presented.
Anne Boleyn was a strong woman and smart . I was about 13 when I read about her. I felt bad about her death. As I grew older I was fascinated by her life, I think today Anne would be a force to be reckoned with!
I know you don't believe in past lives ( I asked a few years back). But I believe, after you described in another video, having a dream in which you were at her execution and were upset, knowing she was innocent - that you lived at that time, very close to the situation.
Claire, I have never been a huge fan of Anne Boleyn, but when I started to read your blog and view this channel, I became far more interested. Thank you!
❤ I've been watching your channel for about 4 or 5 years and im also fascinated with Tudor history and i agree, even after all these years Anne still fascinates.
Yes, I do find her interesting. For all the reasons you mentioned. Though, I do often ponder on her having received the lion's share of the blame for having all the power in her relationship with Henry, without anyone for centuries ever cluing into how illogical and nonsensical that was. Henry was the king of a country - she was an unmarried woman in a time when woman were barely given human status - but she was to blame for seducing him? It's the utter delusion in that which makes me shake my head.
This started when I was little and studied Tudor times at junior school. Was also taken to Gainsborough old hall with this school and loved the dramas at the time. The Gainsborough old hall saw us kids taking part in a mock Tudor banquet, loved it.
I like Anne Boleyn and Catherine of Aragon, they are feminist icons to me,, they have more personality than the other 4 wives, I utterly hate how Anne Boleyn is still portrayed as a glorified prostitute to this day
I’d be interested in hearing more about Anne, her personal faith, and the reformation. How much do we know about when and how she came to know about the reformed teachings, and whether she favoured them before the issue of her marriage? I know Claire said we can never tell what she felt, but it would be interesting to go over the sources we do have and what we can be reasonably confident about.
Solidly in the camp that she receives far too much renown -
Thank you Claire 🐱
I love Tudor history, but I'm one of those who can't get the hold of Anne Boleyn over the Brit imagination. Of all the great and brave Tudor women there were. I'm probably too practical to see any real romance. She played her cards to achieve what she wanted and then didn't know how to play the queen and wife roles. She unleashed the despot until then kept in check by Queen Catherine and Rome. With her ambition came the destruction of the monasteries and Catholic support systems, and the population suffered terribly. No honour or grandness, but centuries later still haunts millions.
Not only the British imagination, Alex. Americans love her, and I’ve seen quite a few silly American women claim to be her descendants, not kidding.
I find Anne’s life very interesting. She was educated and very intelligent. As you said her rise in court was very quick but her fall was very fast. I think another thing that makes her interesting is her daughter Elizabeth I. Anne’s daughter (who many said was illegitimate) became a great monarch. You have to wonder how much Elizabeth must have thought about her mother. Henry was so worried about a male heir but his female heir through Anne became one of England’s greatest Monarchs.
Thanks so much for changing my opinion on Anne Boleyn. I used to think she was just a selfish home wrecker but since I’ve watched your videos I now see another side of her.
I am obsessed and think in some ways she was ahead of her time
I admire Anne for all the reasons you stated. I have gotten lots of hate and name calling because of my admiration for Anne. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. Thank you Claire. I have learned a lot about Anne Boleyn, my favorite wife, and Tudor history. Read every book you recommend. Anne Boleyn is one of the most influential woman in women’s history.
Well that’s a lovely top! It’s like a watercolor painting. I am fascinated by history. I feel sorry for all of the women in Henry’s life. But he too was a man of that time.
Really interesting
Thanks.
Thanks again Claire. I suppose the movie Anne Of A Thousand Days was my first introduction to this topic. At the time I remember thinking it was odd that she was being played by a French actress.
Yes, Genevieve Bujold - French Canadian? Anyway, she was actually first choice for the role of Captain Janeway in Star Trek Voyager. That might have been interesting!
Anne of a Thousand Days ...Still one of the best films about Anne Boleyn
Anne Boleyn is a fascinating person & time will never dim historians' interest in her. The entire Boleyn family is extremely intriguing. I've always been interested in her story, though not to the point of writing books about her & her family, but definitely interested enough to voraciously read those books. A couple of years ago, while tracing my father's family tree more in depth, I was delighted to discover that this enigmatic woman was my many times great-auntie. I am directly descended from Mary Boleyn through her grand daughter Anne Knowles (daughter of Catherine Carey), who married Sir Thomas West, Baron De La Warr.
Also, I would love for you to do a series on the descendants of the Boleyns. Their descendants are the British royal family & include scientists, explorers, statesmen & more (as I am sure you already know). My direct ancestors (Anne Knowles' sons) were among the earliest founding fathers of the United States, the first governors of the US state of Virginia & the US state of Delaware is named in their honor.
@@joiedevivre2005sorry, who was Anne Knowles?
One of the first books that sparked my interest in Tudor history was the Reader's Digest abridged version of "My Enemy the Queen." And there was another Reader's Digest version of a novel about Henry and Katherine of Aragon, I don't remember the name of it now. Then I read a biography of Lady Jane Grey in 5th grade. That was it, I was on my way. After that I spent lots of time in the public library in the adult non-fiction section, reading biographies of everyone who interested me, which was heavily Tudor but also included earlier kings and queens and side shoots like Marie Antoinette. I'm 56 and I'm still just as interested. I fully understand why you find Anne Boleyn and the Tudors so fascinating!
All decisions were Henry's
I admit - my interest in Anne Boleyn started when I was a teenager after watching "The Tudors" tv series. As I'm not British myself, before that, I didn't know much of Henry VIII's queens and reign. Since then I read some books (not all ofc ;)) and watched docummenteries - and from this little knowladge that I gained, Anne Boleyn strickes me as a "one of the kind" person, especially in comparison to women back then. Funny thing is that her personage made me so interested in British history, that made me delve deeper into it :D
I have never liked Anne, nor any of the Tudors. I'm a fervent Ricardian and believe he did a lot of good for the country in his short reign. If he'd had more time, he could have done much more. He cared for the common people much more than any of the sovereigns who came later,. Not until the 20th century did anyone come near to what he did to benefit the country as a whole. The Tudors had no valid claim on the crown except, as I saw in another RUclips video recently, his claim was conquest -- same as William of Normandy, 'cognomine bastardus.'
That said, I've always thought Henry's treatment of all his wives was brutal. He was a narcissist and they don't care about anyone but themselves. His treatment of his first Katherine was brutal in the extreme. Of course, he learned it from his father who was equally brutal in his treatment of Katherine between the time of Arthur's death and his own.
It was common to blame women for childbearing problems at that time and he was probably not much different from other men in the same position. The problem was that he had the power to do something about it. What we know now about Henry, Katherine, and childbearing in general leads me to believe it was more his problem than hers. But he was positively vicious to Katherine after she had been so faithful and supportive to him for so very many years. She didn't deserve the treatment she got from either of the Henrys.
Enter Anne, the shiny new object. I doubt Henry actually loved her. He was obsessed with that which he could not possess so he moved heaven and earth to gratify himself. He unjustly killed a lot of people along the way.
When Anne failed to provide him with the son he was obsessed with, she lost her hold on him. I doubt he had even a second's thought or remorse about killing her. Because of the controversy he had stirred up by trying to have his marriage to Katherine annulled, he wasn't about to go down that road again. I find the ultimate irony in that he had his marriage to her formally annulled before her execution. Given that, she could not possibly have committed adultery (and I don't believe she ever did) because she was never married to him. That's what annulment means, by definition. But Henry had to be absolutely certain that no one could ever question the legitimacy of any children he would have with Jane, so Anne had to go.
I think Anne had no idea he would go so far as to kill her. She was self-confident to the point of arrogance and would never have imagined he would do that. She made her own bed. I don't have much sympathy for her because of that, but I do think she got a raw deal and certainly, she got no due process (guaranteed by the Magna Carta) and definitely no justice.
You are a fan of Richard III.
What do you think of the Princes in the Tower?
There is no evidence to know who might have done away with them. Richard is certainly a suspect. But Margaret Beaufort stood to benefit on behalf of her son, and she was certainly ruthless enough to have done them in. Likewise, Buckingham had an interest in their being gone. Or they might have died from any of the fatal diseases that were so prevalent in those days. We'll never know, so there's a lot of speculation possible.
My money is on Margaret Beaufort -- the Tudors as a family practiced judicial murder in spades. Anne is only one such victim, the boys could be others. @@emmajones8590
And I’m distantly related to her
So am I. We're both direct descendants of Sir Robert le Vavasour and his daughter Maud, whose first marriage to Theobald Walter founded the Butler family, from which her grandmother descended.
I'm interest from a genealogy perspective as she may be a distant relative on my Dad's side of the Family Tree.
Any details you can share?
@@suebursztynski2530 I have to look at my Family Tree on the Howard Family Line.
@@patmccoy8758 okay. Let us know! 🙂
@@suebursztynski2530 There are also allied families such as Dorsey and Arundel.
A member of the Arundel Family married the sister of Katherine Howard.
She got what she dealt out.
Did she kill anyone? Which executions do you hold her responsible for?
That’s harsh.
She cheated on Queen Catherine with Henry, so she just might cheat on Henry too get a male heir too save her neck
Stop reading Phillipa Gregory as historical fact, please.