Anne Boleyn. Her name echoes through history, captivating and dividing opinions for over 500 years. Nearly everyone recognises her name and knows her tale – or at least the version history has handed down. But how many can truly answer the question: Who was Anne Boleyn?

Most people might respond by saying she was the second wife of the infamous Tudor King, Henry VIII. While that is true, it barely scratches the surface of her character. Anne Boleyn was arguably one of the most influential figures – male or female – of the 16th century. Reducing her to “Henry’s second wife” overlooks the depth of her impact and her role in shaping English history.

Her story, however, remains inextricably tied to Henry’s. Without their marriage, would Anne have left such an indelible mark on history? Perhaps she would have been remembered as the Countess of Northumberland, married to Henry Percy (had that been a viable option). She would certainly have a less controversial legacy had that been the course of her life. But controversy is, inevitably, what defines much of her legacy. Anne’s tragic end – executed as an anointed queen – was simply unprecedented and cemented her place in history as a symbol of both ambition and injustice.

In many ways, Anne’s memory has been shaped, perhaps even overshadowed, by Henry’s story. He was the one who raised her to power and the one who took it away. We, however, have the power to rewrite the narrative. To look beyond Henry. To look beyond his story. To give Anne a voice of her own. To tell her story.