On this day in 1526, Henry VIII displayed his affection for Anne Boleyn in public for the very first time – right in the middle of a jousting tournament.

According to the chronicler Edward Hall, Henry rode out in cloth of gold and silver “richely embraudered, with a mannes harte in a presse, with flames about it, and in letters were written, Declare ie nos, in Englishe, Declare I dare not.”

His jousting team, led by the Marquis of Exeter, wore green velvet and crimson satin, embroidered with burning hearts. Above these hearts, a lady’s hand emerged from a cloud, watering them with silver droplets. 

This was more than just an extravagant display of chivalry; it was a clear signal to the court that Henry’s affections had shifted. Though still married to Katherine of Aragon, Henry was making it known that Anne Boleyn now held his heart.

The Shrovetide jousts were a major event in the Tudor court, where knights displayed their strength, skill, and devotion to their chosen lady. For Henry, this was not only a moment to impress Anne but also a calculated performance of courtly love – a tradition in which a nobleman declared his admiration for a seemingly unattainable woman. However, unlike other noblewomen who had caught Henry’s eye, Anne refused to become his mistress, insisting that she would settle for nothing less than marriage.

What may have begun as a playful pursuit soon escalated into an obsession, leading Henry to seek an annulment from Katherine and ultimately break with the Catholic Church to make Anne his wife.

Seven years after this dramatic declaration of love, Henry and Anne finally married in secret at Whitehall Palace. But what began as a love story filled with passion and longing would end in tragedy – with Anne’s execution on charges of treason, adultery, and incest.

Did Henry truly love Anne, or was she simply a challenge he was determined to win?

You can read more about their wedding here.