THE WIVES OF HENRY VIII

Overview

Our appetite for Anne Boleyn is insatiable - she is one of England’s most infamous queens, and her story has been retold throughout the centuries in literary works and fictional interpretations on the small and large screen, all of which attest to her enduring appeal. 

Yet through these retellings, myths and misconceptions have blended with
the evidence, losing sight of the historical Anne. She has become a polarizing figure, her reputation dictated by the religious and gendered issues of the ages. For some, she was a victim and pawn of her ambitious family; whilst for others, she was a calculating schemer who would stop at nothing to wear the crown.

In this lecture, join Dr Lauren Mackay to go beyond the stereotypes of Anne’s maligned character to discover a complex and compelling woman. A re-examination of key events in Anne's life is considered - including her lineage, family, and sophisticated European upbringing, which ultimately set her apart at the Tudor court - along with Henry’s tireless pursuit, Anne's turbulent and ultimately short-lived reign, shocking downfall and execution, and her enduring legacy.