Anne Boleyn is one of the most famous queens in English history and one of the most mysterious - until now. Based on almost four decades of academic research, this new volume seeks to answer the big questions about her life. When was she born? Why was she executed? By seeking to put Anne's life in the context of European politics, it offers a new perspective on why her courtship with Henry VIII lasted so long and on the real reasons the Emperor opposed her marriage.
New material includes information about why Anne was sent as a child to Malines, Jane Seymour's role in Anne's fall and the identity of the Lady Wingfield whose deathbed testimony played such a key role in Anne's trial.
Fully indexed and footnoted, the book contains a variety of reference material including an analysis of the infamous "Spanish brief", listings of Anne's property portfolio and a series of family relationship charts. For the first time ever, an attempt has been made to recreate her wedding and coronation services.
The most comprehensive book on Anne since Ives' 1986 biography, this volume is destined to become the definitive reference work on this pivotal period of English history.
Margaret Bolton is a historian specialising in the Reformation period. Her work has been published in a number of learned journals.