Today’s blog post is going to be a short one – I have had such a hectic week and unfortunately just have not had much time to write. Things will be back to normal next week, I promise!
On Friday, I will also share a dissertation update with you all. I am thrilled to announce that my initial dissertation proposal has been approved, so I can finally reveal my topic and research aims. Be sure to check back on Friday for all the details!
For now, I bring you five facts about Anne Boleyn that you might not know.
Her Early Life Was Spent Abroad
Anne Boleyn spent much of her youth away from England, growing up in the courts of the Netherlands and France. She served as a lady-in-waiting to powerful women like Archduchess Margaret of Austria and Queen Claude of France. Would you like a blog post about Anne’s time with Margaret of Austria and Queen Claude? Let me know in the comments below!
These courts were centres of culture, refinement, and learning, exposing Anne to a world of sophisticated education in languages, music, and courtly manners. Her time in France, in particular, had a profound influence on her personality and appeal. French court life emphasised wit, charm, and elegance, all of which Anne cultivated. It is no wonder that when she returned to England, she stood out for her poise and Parisian flair – qualities that would captivate Henry VIII.
I will explore her transformative years in France in more detail in a future blog post!
She Was Not Henry VIII’s Only Boleyn Girl
Before falling for Anne, Henry VIII had a relationship with her sister, Mary. While the details of the affair are sparse, its occurrence is well-documented. When Henry was accused of “meddling” with both Anne’s mother and sister, he replied with “never the mother,” confirming his involvement with Mary.
It is uncertain how Mary felt about Anne’s relationship with Henry or her rise to power as queen. Some sources suggest there was tension between the sisters, while others propose Mary supported Anne despite her own earlier fall from Henry’s attention. You can read more about their relationship here.
Anne Had a Passion for Religious Reform
Anne Boleyn was deeply influenced by reformist ideas and had a genuine passion for advancing them. She strongly supported the translation of the Bible into English, believing that everyone, regardless of rank, should have access to God’s word.
Anne often gifted Henry religious texts, including works by reformist thinkers like William Tyndale, hoping to inspire him to embrace her vision for a reformed church. Her encouragement of Protestant scholars and advisors helped shape the religious landscape of England. Anne’s roe in promoting reform was not just political – it was deeply personal, rooted in her own beliefs.
I plan to discuss this aspect of Anne’s legacy in more detail in next Wednesday’s blog post, so stay tuned for that!
She Was a Talented Musician
Anne was skilled at playing various musical instruments, including the lute and virginals. She was also known to be an excellent singer and dancer, with contemporaries comparing her voice that of a siren.
Music would have been more than a pastime for Anne – it would have acted as a means of showcasing her charm and sophistication in a court where such talents were expected of noblewomen.
Anne Boleyn Had a Pet Dog
Anne owned a lapdog named Purkoy, likely named after the French word “Pourquoi” (why), due to his inquisitive expression or head tilt.
While Anne likely had other dogs for hunting, Purkoy was clearly a favourite. When Purkoy tragically fell to his death, her ladies were too afraid to break the news, leaving Henry to deliver it himself.
That is all for today – I apologise for the short post once again. Thank you, as always, for reading and supporting me. I promise the longer blog posts will return next week!
