On this day in 1539, Thomas Boleyn – father of Mary, Anne, and George Boleyn – died.

Who Was Thomas Boleyn?

Born in 1477, Thomas Boleyn was a skilled courtier and diplomat, serving both Henry VII and Henry VIII. His career flourished under Henry VIII, thanks in part to his sharp political mind and fluency in French, which made him a valuable asset in foreign affairs.

Through his marriage to Elizabeth Howard, he fathered three surviving children – Mary, Anne, and George. While much of his legacy is tied to Anne’s marriage to Henry VIII, Thomas was a prominent figure in his own right, holding titles such as Lord Privy Seal and serving as an ambassador to France.

His Rise and Fall

His work in France earned him great favour, and he steadily rose through the ranks, securing titles, land, and influence. Contrary to the idea that his success hinged on Mary and Anne’s respective relationships with the king, Thomas had already built a strong position at court long before Henry became interested in either of his daughters. He had been knighted in 1509, became a trusted diplomat, and held key roles in royal service. His marriage to Elizabeth Howard, a member of one of England’s most powerful noble families, further cemented his status.

Despite his own achievements, however, Thomas Boleyn’s greatest advancement came during Anne’s relationship with Henry. As Anne’s influence grew, so did his power. By 1529, he had been made Earl of Wiltshire and Ormond, and he was appointed Lord Privy Seal in 1530.

However, the Boleyn family influence crumbled as swiftly as it had risen. In 1536, Anne and George were executed for incest and treason, leaving Thomas in a precarious position. While he distanced himself from his disgraced children, he never recovered politically. He lost his role as Lord Privy Seal in 1536 and retreated to Hever Castle, where he spent his final years.

Did Thomas Betray His Children?

One of the most debated aspects of Thomas Boleyn’s life is whether he abandoned Anne and George during their downfall. Unlike his wife, Elizabeth, who largely disappeared from court life, Thomas continued serving Henry VIII even after their executions. Some believe he did so out of self-preservation, while others argue he had little power to intervene on his children’s behalf. For what it is worth, I do not believe Thomas Boleyn abandoned his children, nor do I believe he forced either Mary or Anne into a relationship with Henry.