On this day in 1536, two more men were caught in the storm surrounding Anne Boleyn.

As the dramatic downfall of Queen Anne Boleyn accelerated, the 4th of May 1536 marked another dark and decisive day. Two more men were arrested and sent to the Tower of London: Sir Francis Weston and Sir William Brereton. Both were members of Henry VIII’s court, and both would soon be caught in the deadly web of accusations surrounding the Queen.

The Arrest of Francis Weston

Weston’s arrest may have been triggered by Anne’s own conversations while imprisoned. According to reports sent to Thomas Cromwell, Anne had scolded Weston for pursuing her cousin, Mary Shelton, instead of paying attention to his wife. Weston allegedly replied that he loved someone even more – Anne herself.

This sort of banter was typical of the courtly love traditions popular at the Tudor court: exaggerated compliments, teasing, and playful flirtation were expected between courtiers and high-ranking women. But in the charged atmosphere of early May 1536, even light-hearted exchanges could be twisted into evidence of treason.

The Arrest of William Brereton

Brereton’s arrest has long puzzled historians. He wasn’t particularly close to Anne, and his name doesn’t appear in most accounts of her inner circle. He did, however, hold considerable power in Chesire and North Wales, and had made enemies along the way. Some believe his downfall had more to do with political convenience than romantic scandal; his removal may have suited Cromwell’s agenda.

The Web Thickens

By the end of the 4th of May 1536, five men stood accused of adultery with the Queen – Mark Smeaton, Henry Norris, George Boleyn, Francis Weston, and William Brereton. All were imprisoned in the Tower, and there would be more joining them tomorrow…

Anne Boleyn, Queen of England, was now surrounded by the wreckage of her household, her friends, and her family. The machinery of her destruction was running at full speed.

In less than two weeks, the trials would begin.