George Boleyn: Anne Boleyn's Brilliant Brother

Explore the compelling life and tragic downfall of George Boleyn, Lord Rochford, in the third instalment of my "Anne Boleyn Week" special series.
Join me as I delve into the intriguing story of George Boleyn, the brother of Queen Anne Boleyn and a pivotal figure in the court of Henry VIII. Discover his early years, marked by a privileged upbringing and a prestigious education that prepared him for a life of diplomacy and service to the crown.
Uncover George's rise to prominence at court, highlighted by his keen intellect, linguistic skills, and close friendship with the king. From diplomatic missions to parliament, George played a crucial role in shaping Henry VIII's policies and navigating the complex religious landscape of the English Reformation.
However, as political tides shifted and Anne Boleyn's influence waned, George was tangled in a web of intrigue and betrayal. Witness the shocking accusations levelled against him during the events of spring 1536, including the scandalous charge of incest with his own sister, the queen.
Follow George's courageous defence in court, marked by eloquence and defiance in the face of overwhelming odds. Despite his spirited efforts, George was condemned to death and met his tragic end at the scaffold.
Join me as I unravel the complex dynamics of power and loyalty at Henry VIII's court, where ambition and betrayal often walked hand in hand. Discover the human story behind the historical drama, exploring the untold facets of George Boleyn's life and legacy.
Don't miss this gripping episode that sheds light on one of the most captivating figures of Tudor history. Subscribe now and journey with us through the tumultuous events of 16th-century England.
Subscribe today and join us as we uncover the untold stories of Anne Boleyn and her tragic entourage.
I’ll be back tomorrow to tell you about another victim of the events of spring 1536. If you want to know more about Anne Boleyn, I invite you to register to get instant access to two events I ran in the past: The Fall of Anne Boleyn and Anne Boleyn, the Woman who Changed England. There are so many expert talks to enjoy, and you can find out more at claireridgway.com/.
#anneboleyn #henryviii #toweroflondon #anneboleynweek #georgeboleyn

[@elanabethfariss117]

It’s so hard for me to wrap my mind around Henry moving heaven and earth to possess Anne. He would go to the same great lengths to make sure that she was out of the way no matter what the cost. Henry had a lot of blood on his hands. Thanks Claire ❤

[@caracunningham9210]

Thank you for filling in the missing pieces on those who were executed along with Anne Boleyn to further King Henry's agenda to have a male heir. I have always been fascinated with the Tudors and those within their orbit.

[@cristianne3040]

So much I didn't know about George. It was horrible what Cromwell did to Anne, George and the other innocent men. Thanks for this information Claire 😀

[@thehistory_student]

Another interesting video! I enjoyed learning more about George Boleyn, his life and career at Court. But what a tragic end he had, Anne must have been utterly devastated when she heard of his death. Terrible 😢

[@Shane-Flanagan]

Thanks v much Claire 🌹 Wow, I didn't know George had attended and served at Court so early. Quite the career. Goes to show that he had worked hard for promotion rather than being handed high positions without good cause. A brilliant multi talented man indeed. Who knows what else he could've achieved had his life not been so cruelly cut short or if times were different. George so often gets misrepresented/portrayed negatively time and time again. Slanderous really but you should be commended Claire for the way you have championed George with your work showing him as he truly was. We need to see better representation onscreen etc and that goes for his wife Jane and his father Thomas too 😊🌹

[@alancumming6407]

Claire, just wanted to mention how much I enjoyed the biography written by yourself and Claire Cherry. I spent the whole of Boxing Day completely engrossed. It is such an important work - long overdue. Many thanks for this broadcast.

[@RogieVixen]

I love George and I have your book on him 🙌🏻 Anne of the Thousand Days portrayal of him is still the best one to date (though the actor from the documentary The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family I really liked too). TOBG is to blame for so many terrible character assassinations which make my eye twitch. Another great video from you! I always appreciate how much attention you give to the men who were killed in May too because a lot of the time they get ignored, like a footnote, or forgotten. Thanks again Claire x

[@wendychavez5348]

I do need to get a copy of your book on George Boleyn! Thanks for reminding me.

[@wednesdayschild3627]

George Boleyn tells you why the downfall all happened. George read that thing about Henry's impotence out loud at his trial. Henry wanted Norris to marry his leftovers. I think Jane Boleyn talked. She ends up as a lady in waiting to Jane Seymour. Jane Boleyn overheard the gossip about Henry's inability.

[@alison71182]

This does make sense. You can imagine that Henry would have seen it as a huge betrayal if his wife and closest friends were laughing behind his back.

[@cherrytraveller5915]

Jane didn’t hear gossip. Anne spoke to her directly about it

[@Grace-tc1lq]

I wonder why George would have read aloud about King Henry’s impotence. He would have to know he would pay for that.

[@girlsrule722]

Thank you❤❤❤❤❤

[@miladyblue5077]

Cromwell would probably have thought of getting rid of George Boleyn to keep a rival from forming an alliance to take him out, but I wonder if HENRY could have been afraid of the same thing? After all, the Wars of the Roses was not that far in the past, and there were numerous conspiracies, counter conspiracies, counter-counter conspiracies... you get the point. The Boleyns had powerful connections, which could have bitten Henry right in his largish heinie. I have always found it a singular irony that many of the suck ups who helped bring down - I call them the Sacrificial Six, Anne, George, Henry (Norris), William, Mark and Francis - were themselves eventually minus their own heads, victims of conspiracies almost as tawdry as that which brought down Anne and those innocent men.

[@eveywrens]

It's a shame George Boleyn's poetry didn't survive. It seems that Henry VIII and the Boleyns' enemies were determined to erase all traces of Anne and George.

[@brenmanock]

Thank you Claire for your diligence in investigating this subject for our benefit. It's very compelling and I appreciate the in depth research which you have undertaken. From the west coast of the USA. Cheers!

[@sixeses]

Thanks Claire. If Henry the 8th had died from his jousting accident the Elizabethan age could have started in 1536 and Elizabeth would have reigned longer than Victoria.

[@valkyriesardo278]

Try and say something even more idiotic. Elizabeth I was born in 1533. Had her father died when she was only 3, it is most likely she would have been murdered young and never crowned.

[@christinestudley3982]

Hi Claire, I read your book on George, it was excellent. ❤

[@darlenefarmer5921]

I have your book on George B but have yet to read it. Thank you. 😊 Currently, I am listening to DISSOLUTION on KZbin via BBC. It's in audio book format but it sounds like a play. Interesting! I now have a new author to add to my long list of favorite authors. Thanks for your book recommendation!

[@marypagones6073]

As much as I love the Wolf Hall trilogy as fiction, it boils my blood to think of the injustice of the judicial murder of Anne Boleyn and the men who were executed, all by the machinations of Henry and the real Cromwell. What a tremendous loss of promise and talent.

[@jol4342]

Thank you Claire. It's amazing how these innocent men faced beheading with such dignity. Cromwell was portrayed as quite a nice man in Wolf Hall (a good production), but he was really quite an evil plotter for King Henry VIII, wasn't he?

[@jackietowner7169]

Such a young age to start at university. I have your book on George, really interesting. These videos you do really bring these people to life for me, just the job for a Tudor fan who has been obsessed with this period since a child. Started off with the Victoria Holt/Georgette Heyer books. Hooked ever since and so pleased us Tudor "Nuts" have people like you to do such fabulous research to give us the Real story. Well done Claire.

[@pamelamorgan7354]

Thank you for another excellent video!

[@philcrawford7760]

I recommend Eric Ives Anne boleyn book what I read so far it is very good

[@philcrawford7760]

I feel sorry for Anne

[@pollydolly9723]

Thanks Claire!

[@--enyo--]

I wonder what, if anything, Elizabeth I thought of her uncle. Although I imagine this is lost to history, if she thought of him at all. Actually that makes me wonder: Did Elizabeth I have much of a relationship with any of her mother’s family?

[@katherinecollins4685]

Very interesting

[@user-yi7mg5ig6l]

This is SO interesting!

[@leticiagarcia9025]

Did Anne’s uncle always hated her or he started to hate her when she started to court the King? This trial was a travesty.

[@carolrondou6161]

I don't think he hated her. He saw Anne (and Catherine) as a way to gain power and control the King. He was an opertunist whose only loyalty was to himself. He served poor Catherine up to Henry on a silver platter.

[@leticiagarcia9025]

@@carolrondou6161 It’s been reported that he did hate her. Yes, he was an opportunist.

[@Shane-Flanagan]

​@@leticiagarcia9025At first they were probably allies but when he saw Anne was no shrinking violet and that he couldn't control her they probably butted heads. Norfolk was a piece of work and wasn't going to help Anne when she needed help. A self server I'd imagine

[@leticiagarcia9025]

@@Shane-Flanagan Thanks Shane

[@cherrytraveller5915]

Nah he was into saving his own skin. He did the same with Katherine as well. His loyalty was to his place

[@carag2567]

Damn it I was wrong!

[@wednesdayschild3627]

Why does Thomas Duke of Norfolk call Anne the ruin of her family? Norfolk was a survivor. He is said to be nasty. I think Norfolk saw that Tyndale Bible gave king Henry the ammo to be a tyrant, because he had no one to answer to.

[@PumpkinBecki]

I'm looking forward to William Brereton's story, as I'm about to play his wife Elizabeth in an event at West Horsley Place taking place in 1533 :) xx

[@MJ-Fangirl-]

Reminder: tomorrow is the 488th anniversary of George’s arrest!

[@nancyhilliard1634]

It is so sad that Anne her brother and those other innocent men were put to death was a plot by that nasty Henry VIII

[@philcrawford7760]

Claire what's the best George boleyn book

[@connie-dianaattanayake15]

Hers & Clare Cherry's bio as she says in the video. I've read it and it is fab 👍

[@philcrawford7760]

I have to get the one Claire did then I will have them both

[@doloresl.2150]

What are some explanations for the Boylen children's birthdays not being recorded?

[@cherrytraveller5915]

They were bad at recording dates and they weren’t that important

[@doloresl.2150]

@@cherrytraveller5915 maybe another: the Gregorian calendar started in 1582, but the UK didn't join until 1752 (from what I just searched).

[@SyIe12]

👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@Modguy61]

George Boleyn & his lady, Jane Parker are both IMHO tragic victims of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn's turbulent relationship. I think the couple has been much maligned by historians in the past!

[@msrainbowbrite]

Where did the allegations that George was gay come from?

[@JaneEasterbrook-bn3ux]

From Retha Warnicke's terrible biog of Anne Boleyn in 1989.

[@cherrytraveller5915]

It was a hit job. There is no evidence at all