Anne Boleyn

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Anne Boleyn, the epitome of greed and the struggle for power, inspired a revolution in 16th century England that changed its religious and political face forever. What began as a love affair defined England's future as the lone Protestant country in Europe.

Anne’s birth date is not exactly known neither is her birth place. She was said to be insignificant and unimportant to record such dates and places. Finally her name was soon recorded because as a daughter to a somewhat noble family, she had to take her place as a lady in waiting because it was a tradition for most noble Tudor families. Anne Boleyn and her sister Mary were both sent to France in their early teens to finish their education as ladies in waiting at the French court. During her early years in France Anne Boleyn acquired the sophistication and elegance of the French court. She also acquired her taste for beautiful and elegant clothes. Anne Boleyn returned to England after 7 years in France where she was also taught music, dance and poetry. Anne Boleyn took up a position and joined her sister Mary Boleyn at the English royal court as lady-in-waiting to Queen Katharine of Aragon. In 1525, King Henry VIII had an affair with her married sister, Mary Boleyn. It was a short affair during which time Henry's attention was drawn towards Anne Boleyn. On March 4 1526, Mary Boleyn gave birth to a son, named Henry, he was widely assumed to be the son of King Henry VIII although was not acknowledged as such. Although Henry diverted his attention to Anne Boleyn, she did not in love with Henry VIII as fast as he did with her. Anne had seen how her sister Mary had given into the King and been quickly discarded (“Tudor” 2). Anne had no intention of making this mistake. She made it c...

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...he other four beheaded. Two days later, Anne was also beheaded (“Boleyn” n.pg.). She was beheaded by a skilled man, brought over from France (“Queen” 3). As she was brought to the square, she made a speech to the crowd watching:

After being blindfolded and kneeling at the block, she repeated several times, “To Jesus Christ I commend my soul; Lord Jesus receive my soul” (Lofts 178-179).

Anne Boleyn is probably the most historically significant of all the six wives of King Henry VIII. She lived the roller coaster life all of King Henry VIII’s women lived. She pushed her way to the top of the social ladder not knowing what the future held for her, enjoying it all the while. Then it all came crashing down when she could not bear a male heir, being punished by death. Anne Boleyn will always be known as the most memorable and controversial of Henry VIII’s wives.

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