Book of Sir Thomas Wyatt

Speculation about Wyatt’s relationship with Anne Boleyn has gone on since Elizabeth’s reign, with numerous autobiographical references proposed in his writing. In fact, Wyatt refers to Anne in only four genuine poems. 

The clearest is ‘If waker care, if sudden pale colour’, written after he had fallen for Elizabeth Darell, whom he calls Phyllis: ‘If thou ask whom, sure since I did refrain Brunet that set my wealth in such a roar The unfeigned cheer of Phyllis hath the place That Brunet had: she hath and ever shall.’ That Anne was Brunet is clear because the correction shows that Wyatt originally wrote ‘Her that did set our country in a roar’. 

This does indicate that he had been one of Anne’s suitors. The other genuine poems suggest that on Wyatt’s side his feelings went beyond the flirtatious game of courtly love but were not reciprocated by Anne. Already married but separated from his wife, Wyatt had nothing to offer.

Anne Boleyn’s Book of Hours

Henry and the court regularly attended Mass in the royal chapel, sometimes more than once a day. 

The King often used the time before the consecration to transact business but this manuscript shows him using a book of prayers to send a flirtatious message to Anne Boleyn instead. He wrote in French: ‘If you remember my love in your prayers as strongly as I adore you, I shall hardly be forgotten, for I am yours. Henry R. forever.’ Presenting himself as lovesick, he wrote his note on a page depicting the man of sorrows. 

Anne replied with a couplet in English: ‘By daily proof you shall me find To be to you both loving and kind.’ And, with deliberate enticement, she chose to write her message below a miniature of the Annunciation, the angel telling the Virgin Mary that she would have a son.

(Source: needsmoretudors)

thewivesofhenryviii:

[pictured: engraving depicting Queen Anne Boleyn’s beheading with husband Henry VIII to the left and subsequent third wife Jane Seymour to the right; the latter two did not attend in actuality, however; c. 17th century by J.T. de Bry] 

On 14 May 1536, Henry and Anne’s marriage was declared “dissolved” by Thomas Cranmer, shortly thereafter Anne was sentenced to death for her charges of incest (with her brother, George, whom along with four other men was executed three days later), adultery, and witchcraft. Despite her death sentence and being imprisoned in the Tower of London, it is reported Anne’s previous optimism stayed to her final days. Anthony Kingston, the Constable of the Tower, wrote that Anne, learning that little pain would be involved in her execution, exclaimed, “I heard the execution was very good. And I have only a little neck,” after which she wrapped her hands around it and laughed heartily. 

On 19 May 1536, Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, is beheaded at White Tower. Anne Boleyn, the Queen of England, was dead.