Anne Boleyn

Tragic Hero: Anne Boleyn
1501-1536
Anne Boleyn, the second wife to King Henry VIII is described as “a key figure in political and religious upheaval”. Anne’s actions within the English court, her determination as queen, her marriage to Henry VIII and her infamous downfall ultimately demonstrate the characteristics of a tragic hero.

Anne was the daughter of Thomas Boleyn, a courtier and diplomat and Lady Elizabeth Howard, the daughter of the Duke of Norfolk. During her younger years, Anne served as a lady-in-waiting for Archduchess Margret in the Netherlands, Queen Claude of France and Queen Mary in the French court, who was Henry VIII’s younger sister. To gain the position as a favourite of King Henry VIII, the ambitious Thomas Boleyn sent Anne away during her childhood- ultimately gaining him secure position within the English court. The only way for noble women to advance in the social hierarchy was through a position in the court.

In 1522, Anne was selected to be Catherine of Aragon’s lady-in-waiting, who was Henry VII’s first wife. She was well-liked among the people due to her physical beauty and refined manners. Once Anne had caught Henry VIII’s eye, she was sent gifts and presents, similar to her sister Mary, who was once the King’s mistress. Other than gifts, the King bestowed titles on Anne’s father and her brother, the Earl of Wiltshire and the Royal Privy Chamber. Thus the Boleyn family was quickly gaining power within the English court.

Disappointed and tired of his marriage with Catherine of Argon, since she had not produced a male heir, Henry VIII wished to annul his marriage, stating that it was “invalid in the eyes of
God”. However, the Pope would not grant Henry’s request- Charles V was the Holy Emperor at the time, and was also Catherine’s nephew. If the Pope had allowed the annulment, there would be issues with Charles V and Spanish.

Henry VIII broke from the Catholic church in January 1533 after Anne became pregnant with his child. With the passing of the Act of Supremacy, Henry VIII was now the head of the church in England. Anne was crowned the new Queen of England and had a daughter, Elizabeth in September 1533. To secure her position as Queen, all Anne had to do was produce a male heir for the King. Unfortunately, two miscarriages prevented her from having any other children and this caused Henry to think his marriage was cursed by God. Needing a male heir and feeling frustrated, Henry took Jane Seymour, one of Anne’s ladies-in-waiting as his mistress and planned how to end his second marriage.

Anne was accused on adultery and witchcraft on May 2nd 1536. Her brother, Lord Rochford, William Brereton, Sir Henry Norris, Sir Francis Weston and Mark Smeaton were arrested as well. Anne’s trial was presided over by her uncle, The Duke of Norfolk- who secured a conviction, which was the outcome desired by King Henry VIII. Anne was imprisoned in the Tower of London to await for her execution.

Anne was beheaded by a French swordsman on the 19th of May- it was the first public execution of a Queen of England. Although there was a lack of sufficient evidence, methods were used such as torture to have victims confess to crimes they did not commit.

Despite her tragic and unfair downfall, Anne Boleyn was a key figure within the English Parliament, causing her to still be remembered today as an influential, strong-willed, gifted and proud woman who changed religion and politics forever.