Who was Anne Boleyn?
Anne Boleyn was the second wife of King Henry VIII and the mother of Queen Elizabeth I. Henry broke with the Catholic Church to marry her, but she was executed in 1536 on charges that historians widely consider false.
Anne was born around 1501 into a noble English family. She spent part of her youth at the courts of the Netherlands and France, where she became educated and sophisticated.
Henry VIII fell in love with Anne while still married to Catherine of Aragon. When the Pope refused to annul his first marriage, Henry broke with Rome, creating the Church of England.
Queen and downfall
Anne married Henry in 1533 and was crowned queen. Later that year, she gave birth to Elizabeth. However, she did not produce a male heir, and Henry's affection faded.
In 1536, Anne was accused of adultery, incest and treason. She was tried and found guilty, and was beheaded at the Tower of London on 19 May 1536.
Her daughter, Elizabeth I, went on to become one of England's most famous monarchs.
Anne Boleyn's story has been told in many books, plays, films and television series. She is buried in the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula at the Tower of London.