Sunday, December 11, 2011

Anne Boleyn & Her Mother, Elizabeth Boleyn

Often, we hear of the relationship between Anne Boleyn and her Father, Thomas.  We saw their relationship in the "The Tudors" Series, and the film, "The Other Boleyn Girl".  However, much is not discussed or illustrated in the movies about the relationship between Anne Boleyn and her Mother, Elizabeth Boleyn, Countess of Wiltshire.  According to Wikipedia, Anne had a close relationship with her mother, Elizabeth. Elizabeth had been in charge of her children's early education including, Anne's.  Elizabeth Boleyn had taught Anne music and religion, as well as arithmetic, embroidery, the family genealogy, good manners, household management, reading, and writing.

In 1525, Henry VIII fell in love with Anne, and Elizabeth B. became her protective chaperone. She accompanied Anne to Court, since Anne was attempting to avoid a sexual relationship with the King.  Elizabeth travelled with Anne to view York Place after the fall of the Boleyn family's great political opponent, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey — an intrigue which had given Anne her first real taste of political power. Anne was crowned Queen four years later.
Elizabeth B. remained in her daughter's household throughout her time as queen consort.
Tradition has it that Anne's daughter, Elizabeth I was named after her maternal grandmother, Elizabeth Boleyn. However, it is more likely that she was named after Henry's mother, Elizabeth of York, although we cannot rule out the possibility that she was named after both Grandmothers.

Unfortunately, after Anne was executed, Elizabeth Boleyn died two years later.  


For further reading, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Boleyn,_Countess_of_Wiltshire

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