Most historians agree that we know surprisingly little about Anne Boleyn. While we are familiar with the narrative of her life – she was the second wife of Henry VIII, wrongly accused of treason, and the first anointed queen of England to be executed – the finer details remain elusive. We have little insight into her thoughts, feelings, or even her appearance. Astonishingly, we do not even know the year of her birth. For someone so famous, Anne remains frustratingly enigmatic.

Considering this, it is not shocking that we know even less about her siblings, Mary and George Boleyn.

As I mentioned, Anne’s birth year is debated, with most historians favouring either 1501 or 1507. I lean towards the earlier date of 1501 (you can read more about this here). If we accept 1501 as Anne’s birth year, it is likely that Mary was the eldest sibling, with Anne in the middle and George as the youngest.

Frustratingly, like much of Anne’s life, her relationship with her siblings is poorly documented. Today’s blog post focuses on the most controversial Boleyn siblings: Anne and George. Next week, I will examine Anne’s relationship with her sister, Mary.

What Do We Know About Anne and George’s Relationship?

We know Anne and George spent their early childhood together at Hever Castle until Anne departed for the Netherlands in 1513. They would have reunited briefly at the Field of Cloth of Gold in 1520, and again more permanently in 1522 when Anne returned to England.

By all accounts, the two shared a close bond, brought together by their similar beliefs and interests, particularly their shared support for religious reform. Tragically, their closeness was weaponised against them in 1536 when they were both accused of incest, a charge that led to George’s execution on the 17th of May, and Anne’s on the 19th that same month.

But were they guilty?

I could simply say no and end the blog post here, but that would be unprofessional. We shall explore this preposterous accusation properly.

Were Anne and George Boleyn Guilty of Incest?

Historians today overwhelmingly agree that Anne and George were innocent of all charges, including the scandalous incest claim. So where did the incest accusation come from, and was it actually believed in the 16th century?

The incest charge is outlined in the Middlesex Indictment, which states:

“Also, the Queen, 2 Nov. 27 Hen. VIII. and several times before and after, at Westminster, procured and incited her own natural brother, George Boleyn lord Rochford, gentleman of the privy chamber, to violate her, alluring him with her tongue in the said George’s mouth, and the said George’s tongue in hers, and also with kisses, presents, and jewels; whereby he, despising the commands of God, and all human laws, 5 Nov. 27 Hen. VIII., violated and carnally knew the said Queen, his own sister, at Westminster; which he also did on divers other days before and after at the same place, sometimes by his own procurement and sometimes by the Queen’s”¹

The language here – “tongues,” “kisses,” and “violate” – is strikingly lurid, designed to shock. It becomes clear by reading this extract taken from the Middlesex Indictment that the accusations were forged specifically to vilify Anne and George, painting them guilty in the court of public opinion before the trial even began.

However, George’s eloquent defence at his trial reportedly impressed many; he spoke “so well that several of those present wagered 10 to 1 that he would be acquitted.”² This optimism was, of course, misplaced. The trials were mere formalities; Anne and George’s fates were sealed.

Despite the damning indictment, there is no contemporary evidence to suggest any inappropriate relationship between Anne and George. No rumours existed before their arrests, and their close bond – formed through shared ideals, mutual respect, and familial affection – was entirely typical for siblings.

Evidence of Their Bond

One poignant example of their closeness comes from George’s written dedication to Anne in his translation of two religious texts, The Pistellis and Gospelles and The Ecclesiaste. He addressed Anne as her “most loving and friendly brother,”³ and wrote:

“To the honourable lady, the Lady Marchioness of Pembroke, her most loving and friendly brother sends greetings.

Our friendly dealings, with so divers and sundry benefits, besides the perpetual bond of blood, have so often bound me, Madam, inwardly to love you, daily to praise you, and continually to serve you, that in every of them I must perforce become your debtor for want of power, but nothing of my good will. And were it not that by your experience your gentleness is daily proved, your meek fashion often times put in use, I might well despair in myself, studying to acquit your deserts towards me, or embolden myself with so poor a thing to present to you. But, knowing these perfectly to reign in you with more, I have been so bold to send unto you, not jewels or gold, whereof you have plenty, not pearl or rich stones, whereof you have enough, but a rude translation of a well-willer, a good matter meanly handled, most humbly desiring you with favour to weigh the weakness of my dull wit, and patiently to pardon where any fault is, always considering that by your commandment I have adventured to do this, without the which it had not been in me to have performed it. But that hath had power to make me pass at all times I shall be ready to obey, praying him on whom the book treats to grant you many good years to his pleasure and shortly to increase in heart’s ease with honour.”⁴

This dedication highlights their shared religious convictions and the depth of George’s affection for Anne. It also offers a glimpse into George’s witty, charming personality – traits Anne was also known for. When George playfully reminded Anne that she was the one who requested the translation and thus could not complain about any mistakes, it is a delightful reminder of their sibling dynamic.

My Thoughts

I firmly believe that Anne and George were innocent. The incest charge was a calculated move, designed to destroy the Boleyn name for good and ensure their downfall. Accusations of incest carried the weight of the ultimate sin, making it impossible for Anne and George to escape condemnation in the eyes of the 16th century – it was an act of pure evil. The innocent Boleyn siblings were to die and intended to be remembered as traitors. Little did Henry know, they would have quite the opposite legacy.

Instead of being remembered as incestuous traitors, Anne and George have left a legacy of resilience and courage, known by most for their wit, bravery, and religious ambition.

What do you think? Could such pious siblings truly be guilty of the crimes they were accused of?

1. National Archives Catalogue Reference KB 8/9, f. 10r. ↩︎
2. ‘Henry VIII: January 1536, 16-20’, in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 10, January-June 1536. Edited by James Gairdner( London, 1887), British History Online, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol10/pp38-47. ↩︎
3. George Boleyn’s cipher and his dedication to Anne, MS 6561, fol. iv. MS 6561, fol. 2r. (British Library). ↩︎
4. IBID ↩︎