The Downfall of Anne Boleyn

Born in 1507, Anne Boleyn was a talented, cultured, young English girl, who was educated in the courts of Europe. When Mary, sister of Henry VIII, married the king of France, Anne was included in her retinue. Besides becoming fluent in both English and French, Anne was a skilled dancer, musician and fashion designer.

Then, as now, blond, fair-skinned young ladies in Europe were considered the most attractive. Anne was neither. She had dark skin, dark eyes and long black hair. She had a large mole on her neck and was rumoured to have an extra finger on one hand. She could be caring and sympathetic, but also vengeful and ruthless.

When Anne returned to the English court in 1521, her elder sister Mary was mistress of King Henry VIII. The king's wife, Katherine of Aragon was then barren, having had one surviving child, a daughter.

In the English court, Anne attracted many suitors, among them Henry Percy, the Duke of Northumberland, and Sir Thomas Wyatt, a famous poet, who was also her cousin. However, she seemed to have little interest in romantic affairs unless they could further her personal ambition.

Around 1526, Anne attracted the interest of the king himself. However, she refused to become his mistress as her sister had done; Anne was determined to be queen or nothing.

Henry had been trying for years to obtain an annulment to his marriage from his first wife, Katherine. He was extremely anxious to have a son to carry on his lineage. Katherine had only given him a daughter, and could have no more children.

The Pope refused to grant Henry an annulment. The king decided to break England's ties with the Vatican, and start his own church. He declared himself Supreme Head of the Church of England and granted his own annulment. Katherine was imprisoned in the Tower of London, where she eventually died.

Finally, in 1533, Anne gave in to Henry, and she became pregnant. Henry was forced to do something in case the baby was his long-desired son. He married Anne secretly, even though he was still technically married to Katherine. Preparations began for an elaborate ceremony during which Anne would be anointed and crowned as queen of England.