Anne Boleyn

Anne Boleyn (* between 1501 and 1508 in Blicking, Norfolk, † 19 May 1936) was the second of the six wives of Henry VIII of England. She was Queen of England from 1533 to 1536.

Family

Her parents were Thomas Boleyn and Elizabeth Howard, who got married in 1501. Thomas Boleyn's ancestors were rich merchants. He served for the King because of his perfect French and Latin. Apart from that he was a Gentleman of the Bedchamber under Henry VIII. Anne's mother had aristocratic ancestors among them Edward I of England and his second wife Margaret of France. The Duke of Norfolk was Anne's maternal grandfather and her uncle was married to a sister of Elizabeth of York. Anne had two sibling - Mary and George.

Early Life

Anne Boleyn spent the first part of her childhood in Blicking. Some years later the family moved to Hever Castle. The three children were taught French by Mademoiselle Semmonet and Anne's French was decribed as very fluent. Later she met Thomas Wyatt, who was the eldest son of one of the neighbouring families. Her father did not agree on a marriage, because he had higher plans for Anne.