Introduction
Anne Boleyn was the second wife of King Henry VIII and the mother of Queen Elizabeth I. She was a controversial figure in English history, having been accused of adultery and treason, which led to her execution. One of the most debated topics about Anne Boleyn is her age at the time of her death. In this article, we will explore the different theories and evidence surrounding the age of Anne Boleyn at the time of her death.
Early Life
Anne Boleyn was born in 1501 or 1507, depending on the source. Her parents were Sir Thomas Boleyn, a diplomat, and Lady Elizabeth Howard, daughter of the Duke of Norfolk. Anne was one of five siblings, including her older sister Mary and her younger brother George.
Marriage to Henry VIII
In 1533, Anne Boleyn became the second wife of King Henry VIII. She was crowned queen in June of that year, but her marriage to Henry was not a happy one. Anne failed to produce a male heir, which was a major disappointment for Henry, who was desperate for a son to succeed him.
Accusations of Adultery and Treason
In 1536, Anne Boleyn was accused of adultery and treason, along with her brother George and several other men. The charges were based on flimsy evidence and were likely politically motivated. Anne was found guilty and sentenced to death.
Age at Death
The exact age of Anne Boleyn at the time of her death is a matter of debate. Some sources claim that she was born in 1501, which would make her 35 years old at the time of her execution. Others believe that she was born in 1507, which would make her only 29 years old.
Evidence for 1501
There is some evidence to suggest that Anne Boleyn was born in 1501. For example, in a letter written by Anne to Henry VIII in 1536, she refers to herself as being "in the thirtieth year of my age". If we assume that the letter was written in 1536, then this would mean that Anne was born in 1506 or 1507. However, some historians believe that the letter was actually written in 1534, which would support the theory that Anne was born in 1501.
Evidence for 1507
Other historians believe that Anne Boleyn was born in 1507. One piece of evidence for this theory is a letter written by Anne's father, Sir Thomas Boleyn, in 1513. In the letter, he refers to Anne as being "seven years old", which would mean that she was born in 1506 or 1507. Additionally, the age of 35 at the time of Anne's death was considered old for the time period, which suggests that she may have been born in 1507 rather than 1501.
Conclusion
The age of Anne Boleyn at the time of her death is still a subject of debate among historians. While there is evidence to support both the 1501 and 1507 theories, it is impossible to say for certain which is correct. Regardless of her exact age, Anne Boleyn remains a fascinating and controversial figure in English history.