ANNE BOLEYN’S EXECUTION OUTFIT | How to dress for death in Tudor England | Six wives documentary

[@HistoryCalling]

Which on-screen depiction of Anne Boleyn's final outfit do you like best? Let me know below.

[@tudortalks]

My favourite is Natalie Portmans outfit in The Other Boleyn Girl, as much as I don’t like that film, I love the costumes! Merle Oberon is a close second.

[@jacquitebbutt9446]

In my opinion, I think Anne went to her death dressed like the queen of England, hence the Gable hood. She was declaring her English heritage not her french ways which she was famous for.

[@HistoryCalling]

@@jacquitebbutt9446 I think so too.

[@HistoryCalling]

@@tudortalks Same here 🙂

[@MorbySA]

I quite enjoy the "Six Wives of Henry VIII" with Dorothy Tutin as Anne Boleyn. I thought she did a good job, and the blindfold was present.

[@naomiskilling1093]

It is kinda terrifying that this was such a common occurance for the upper classes that an entire ettiquette developed around dressing for your own execution. I honestly believed the red underskirt was a thing and probably worn for the same reason as Mary Queen of Scots, it seemed like Anne to make a final declaration of her innocence by wearing a colour to signify martyrdom even if she was a follower of early Protestantism.

[@Sadimal]

The whole point was to make a statement on the execution block. Anne's choice of clothing was to state that she was a queen and a martyr for the English people. Mary was making the statement that she was a martyr for her people.

[@AmidalaEmma]

I thought the video said Anne wasn’t wearing red?

[@HistoryCalling]

While I don't think she had a red underskirt myself, we can certainly agree to disagree :-)

[@redmi9834]

@@Sadimal I would be making my statement by not wearing a smile.

[@peterbilt-bo1vy]

What do mean "even if she was a follower of early Protestantism?"

[@FlowerGemsGirl]

I completely agree with your choice. The short cape and hood was what stuck out in my mind as the most authentic looking (it was inline with the wealth and status of Anne) and it fit in with other cast members clothing styles. From what I read of Anne, she was not into tons of flashy looks, but seemed more on the side of “tasteful and elegant” clothes to showcase the beauty of the woman that wore them. I always liked Anne’s story cause she seemed to have a strong backbone, that Elizabeth I inherited, and a keen mind. It felt like she got the worst smear campaign than any of Henry’s wives, but it was her child that became one of England’s greatest monarchs. If they only had Natalie Portman portray more of Anne’s strength on the scaffold, her performance would have been stellar. She played a strong Anne up to the death scene but then her Anne fell apart sobbing. Still don’t quite figure what the director was thinking when he had Natalie act like that.🤔

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I've often wondered why they chose to go in that direction in The Other Boleyn Girl (as regards Anne's demeanour). I felt it did the real woman an injustice.

[@dead2802]

The Best acting, clothing, fashion, portrayal wasnt that movie. Though good was Very innacurate. Her true personality, the portrayal of the times was in the movie Anne Of The Thousand Days! Richard Burton and Genevieve Bujold. Filmed on locations.

[@dead2802]

​@@HistoryCalling Dont know how accurate this is, but Alot of older books, historians stated that at many executions of nobility, a loyal servant/lady in waiting would procure an opiate (maybe like laudinum) but for sure an opiate. And even the usual bottle in which it in was described. A Wooden bottle with a cork lid. But it was not only for calming the person, but also to show dignity, appear to meet death unafraid (representing their status) and to give dignity and calmness to give their speech and forgive the king/queen/executioner for killing them and to compliment them for being a Right gentle monarch. ( not my words).

[@marjoriejohnston3038]

I can never get my head around the fact that people accepted the fate of getting their head chopped off. Life in the hereafter must have been a comforting belief.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, it was a very different mindset to what modern people have in many cases. Then again, there was nothing they could do but accept their fate. They had no way to escape. Even modern execution victims can be eerily calm I suppose.

[@lilymarinovic1644]

Given the state of medicine not to mention politics, life probably would have been nasty brutish and short for many, so death may genuinely have been welcomed by some for that reason.

[@FlowerGemsGirl]

I think Anne was even quoted saying something about her neck being so short, she was sorry the executioner would not have as much room to strike! Talk about a woman with guts!😮

[@redmi9834]

I do not remember who it was but one of noblemen about to be beheaded fought like a tiger on the scaffold and had to be held down.

[@redmi9834]

@@HistoryCalling I think those to be executed today by lethal injection are offered or given something like a pre-med like they do to patients about to have surgery.

[@a.e.6130]

The courage and emotional strength every one had then. I think about it sometimes if I’m having a bad day. It makes me realize my life is pretty easy.

[@HistoryCalling]

I know. I can't wrap my brain around it either, but Anne's bravery was really something else (and the same is true for many other, less famous execution victims).

[@margaretlouise6200]

True, we will probably never have to face a beheading sword after being falsely accused of adultery and incest by a psychopathic husband who happens to be king. Whew, that was a close one.

[@serendpity3478]

Sophie Scholl was a 19 year old girl guillotined by the Nazis. She was a native Berliner who was not Jewish her family was Lutheran. She & her brother were part of a group of students opposed to the war & to the crimes of their fascist leaders.They published a news sheet, telling the truths of how battles were really going & what atrocities being committed in the name of the German people. Then distributed them through letterboxes all over Berlin, at great personal risk. She was given a show trial & guillotined. Her last words were thus: "It is such a splendid sunny day, and I have to go. But how many have to die on the battlefield in these days, how many young, promising lives. What does my death matter if by our acts thousands are warned and alerted?"

[@ns-wz1mx]

anne is so captivating 😻 despite the inaccuracies in the tudor series it was one of my first times seeing a portrayal of anne and it got me hooked🙌🏻 so it to holds a special place in my heart 😂

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I have a soft spot for that show too. :-)

[@ns-wz1mx]

@@HistoryCalling it’s so hard not too!!😅

[@margaretlouise6200]

The portrayal of Henry was interesting. Good looking dude, not fat and 20 years younger than Henry actually was. In the beginning of the Tudors, Henry was portrayed as around 25 or so, when he had already been married to Catherine for almost that long. But I guess no one wanted to see another bloated middle aged Henry, not to mention such a person cavorting in all those hot love scenes which would have been ridiculous....as they no doubt were in reality. I read that Anne said Henry had neither the ability nor the skill to pleaseth a woman. Clearly she should have kept her opinions to herself.

[@raumaanking]

This is just based on genes I think both Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard would have had long lives in my opinion based on the fact that the Boleyn and Howard’s has good genes and most died in their 50s and 60s so if Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard got their divorce and were never killed their could have been a possibility of them two dying in their 50s or 60s dont you agree

[@HistoryCalling]

Quite possibly, yes.

[@shelleydaly1726]

Women that were constantly pregnant or giving birth had a much higher mortality rate. Men outlived women for this reason. It’s likely like Jane Seymour they may not have lived into old age

[@raumaanking]

@@shelleydaly1726 oh but could they have outlived Henry the 8 when he dies in 1547 could Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard still be alive or when Edward the 6 died in 1553 could they outlived him or what would happen to them during Mary’s reign in your thoughts and opinions

[@shelleydaly1726]

@@raumaanking in theory for sure most of the women, if not all of the women associated with the king would have lived longer lives if they had not been married to him. If Anne had not been executed she would have been harder to get rid of, ultimately meaning Edward may not have been born. Henry was hard on wives, as one fine lady once said ‘I would marry him if only I had two heads’. Taking into account that there were many illnesses doing the rounds, medical care was rudimentary and childbirth was life threatening, living to 40 was an accomplishment

[@raumaanking]

@@shelleydaly1726 oh do you think in your opinion if Lady Jane Grey or Mary queen of Scots were never killed or one of them and if one or another were both still alive during in 1603 could one of them be the new queen of England and say for example is it possible if Lady Jane Grey was alive during 1603 and she became the new queen of England and just like Elizabeth the 1 if she did not have kids is it possible when Lady Jane Grey dies the crown could potentially be passed to the Stewart and is it possible that if Mary queen of Scot’s was not queen of England in 1603 she could have had a shot at being queen of England if Lady Jane Grey also died childless what is your opinion could Lady Jane Grey or Mary queen of Scots one of these two ladies could have been queen of England in 1603 in your opinion thanks

[@redemptivepete]

Just a quick word in praise of the Genevive Bujold performance. For me a frenchwoman playing the part added authenticity given her time at the French court. Indeed her frenchness made her stand out at court and set her on the path she followed. There are many fascinating clues about this contradictory woman in the accounts of her final weeks not just her choice of clothing for her execution.

[@stephencarrillo5905]

I'm partial to the Bujold performance as well. 👍

[@HistoryCalling]

I love Bujold's performance too and I thought her accent might actually have given it a nice little authentic twist, as I wouldn't be surprised at all if Anne's English did become a little affected after so many years in France. Bujold might be French-Canadian though (not that it really matters)?

[@katjack2780]

@@HistoryCalling Yes, she is French-Canadian. And actually, the French -Canadian language/accent is probably closer to the French spoken in the 1600's (the time of the first French settlers), so maybe nearer to the Tudor times than current mainland French. Similar to the case of American English supposedly being closer to 1600's English. But I think that applies more to the Appalachian accent or parts of Virginia. Bujold's performance and costume are my favorites but I'd have to agree that Natalie Portman's outfit was probably the most accurate.

[@janejones166]

She's my favourite 😄

[@gonefishing167]

She’s always been my favourite as well. Dorn good movie. 👵👵🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@leticiagarcia9025]

Yes, the Other Boleyn Girl did a fantastic job with costume designs. Anne of the Thousand Days is my favorite movie. The Tudors and Reign were my guilty pleasures. On Reign I knew it was going to be a work of fiction. I stayed up to watch the funeral. I was thinking of Anne Boleyn. The Royal Family are descendants of Anne Boleyn through Mary Boleyn’s children. William and Harry have it in spades through their mother and father. It’s interesting. Thank you and have a great weekend. 😊

[@HistoryCalling]

I was thinking about what an awkward time the funeral was at for people in North America and places like Australia too. I'm sure there were a lot of people suffering sleep deprivation to watch it.

[@leticiagarcia9025]

@@HistoryCalling It was our way of honoring her remarkable life.

[@Monica-le9oi]

@@HistoryCalling I’m in 🇺🇸 and I was up at 0445 to be ready with tea and watched the funeral all day long.

[@dianetheisen8664]

@@Monica-le9oi Me, too.

[@FlowerGemsGirl]

I recorded as much as I could! I couldn’t watch it and then go into work with puffy eyes from crying. It felt more emotional for me cause my 50th birthday was just 2 days later. It felt like the end of an era in more ways than one! 😊

[@susangavaghan]

I agree. Natalie Portman's outfit was overall more accurate, but I loved the dress worn by Clare Foy. I suppose different shows enjoy having different interpretations of Anne's execution outfit. I also agree that white was completely the wrong choice for Helena Bonham Carter.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, Foy's dress was still very good in many respects and that show in general had excellent costumes.

[@lilymarinovic1644]

It's a sad indictment on the society that so many people (of all classes) were executed that there was an "etiquette" about what clothing was appropriate to wear.

[@dianetheisen8664]

Not only that, but what was said before being executed. You had to be careful of what you said because anything you said could be held against your still living relatives.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yup, I agree. It was such a common occurrence though that that etiquette had time to form.

[@ulrikjensen6841]

Anne's death sentence was a murder of justice - that's why it is abolished in many modern countries. It cannot be regretted and become undone. SHAME ON YOU, HENRY TUDOR! You deserved your own miserable death in your bed.

[@namaschu2126]

Poor Anne. Hard to believe that Anne still had to think about her clothes

[@HistoryCalling]

Perhaps it gave her a slight distraction though?

[@MissHeird]

She should have just said forget what I shall wear, I shall go to my death naked as a newborn babe...😁😁

[@Shane-Flanagan]

Well she was a fashionista. May as well go out with a bang

[@margaretlouise6200]

The alternatives were pretty grim.

[@vikkigary8597]

So funny you mentioned The Tudors being a guilty pleasure. I am re watching that series for the millionth time.

[@HistoryCalling]

It honestly is more historically accurate that a lot of people realise, particularly after the 1st season (which had some of the biggest deviations from reality).

[@JalaKamal]

They realized that there was no coffin prepare for her. They took a sparrow’s chest and put her body in it. As it was too short, her head enfolded in a white napkin was placed under her arm. I reckon she must have been stripped the outer garment because the small space. The English hood, the mantle, shoes and the skirt, forepart, bodice, and fur cuffs must have been returned to the Royal wardrobe since they belong to the crown. Perhaps she was buried only with her chemise and her corset. She would’t have been wearing a farthingale and a bum roll, knowing that she was going to be stripped of clothes. And with all that stuff on, she couldn’t fit in the chest. She was a proud woman and a Queen of England, she was not allow to be humiliated in her last moments. God bless her soul.

[@Bus_Driver_Jay]

Such an amazing video, as always! I’m genuinely so glad I found you, Dr Ms History! ❤ ‘If you could choose what you’d wear to your execution, what would you wear?’ My wife had a long detailed description. I said failing a chainmail scarf, I’d wear an elephant costume. I want to be remembered haha. Funny to think that her death clothing would have similar buzz to what Kate Middleton wore when marrying the new Prince of Wales, though I imagine with less ‘bookies’ taking wagers. I must say I’m quite partial to the Helena version, for showing the view of her innocence, though my favourite is the Natalie Dormer version. Like your fine self, I do love the Tudors.

[@HistoryCalling]

You would indeed be remembered for the elephant costume (and maybe it would even save your life). It would just be a question of where to get one from your prison cell though 😄 🐘

[@susannecurtis9724]

I love the idea of a chainmail scarf and elephant costume!!! you would be remembered for sure!!!

[@Bus_Driver_Jay]

Thank you both. I must admit I've no idea how to get an elephant costume OUTSIDE of prison, but I can be a creative bugger haha. 😂

[@annmoore6678]

My favorite AB was Claire Foy. Regardless of the accuracy of her costume, she was just a marvelous Anne Boleyn. And how fitting that you posted this topic on the day we lost the very great Hillary Mantel. I so enjoy your studies of clothing as a form of communication. Your meticulous examination of the sources ensures that your posts are of the highest quality. It's also a lot of fun when you go to popular culture to contrast our contemporary interpretations of historical events with what the best evidence reveals about what really happened. I hope you love your new job and keep it up for many years to come!

[@HistoryCalling]

I liked Foy's performance, but sometimes I thought her Anne was just a little too spiky. It would have been nice too to see some of her better qualities too, to make it clearer why Henry fell in love with her. It was so sad about Hillary Mantel. I couldn't believe it when I heard. It just seemed to come out of nowhere. :-( I'm very glad you enjoyed the video though.

[@Shane-Flanagan]

​@@HistoryCalling Agreed but I think Wolf Hall was from Thomas Cromwell's perspective, how he viewed events and people around him including Anne. She came across spikey as you say a good portion of the time, not in a good light. That's maybe how Thomas viewed her

[@joykoski7111]

Informative and interesting as usual. Thank you. Earlier today I was watching a video discussing (criticizing?) the royals attire while attending the late Queen's funeral. There was a short etiquette lesson on what to wear to a "Formal Funeral" . Who knew such a dress category existed? Your video sheds a whole new light on that topic.

[@dianetheisen8664]

I'm not at all surprised. As stated in this video there were certain materials and colors worn on the day of your execution. There were, and probably still are, rules for what color and fur you were allowed to wear if you were of noble blood. Hence, Royal Purple, Royal Blue were for Royalty only.

[@annmoore6678]

Re dressing for death: it was reported that Queen Elizabeth II was buried wearing only her simple wedding band and pearl earrings for jewelry (no information about her clothing). Like everything else about her obsequies, I'm sure this very practical woman planned it that way. Having lived through the war and saved ration coupons for her wedding dress, she wouldn't have wanted fabulous gems to be buried with her.

[@HistoryCalling]

There's a whole sub-section to do with what jewellery is appropriate to wear for royal mourning too. There are rules for everything I think.

[@redmi9834]

@@HistoryCalling If you are interested in etiquette for dress and mourning for royal funerals you might like to look at the the Chinese did it. I read in one book that at the time of the death of an Emperor there was a two year mourning period when it was very much frowned upon for any of the court to have a baby.

[@jldisme]

As always, I really enjoyed your video. Please if you could make the sound level a bit louder, that would be great. Thanks!

[@simon112]

Natalie portman costume seems to be very close to what Queen Ann would of worn, Thank you HC as always.

[@HistoryCalling]

I think so too and thank you :-)

[@edithfisher4098]

Very interesting video. So glad I found your videos. I am from U.S.A. but have always loved England's history.

[@HistoryCalling]

Hi Edith. Thank you so much and greetings from across the pond 😁

[@dianetheisen8664]

Edith Fisher: Me, too

[@lauriealexander5857]

Your videos are part of the reason I love history. Well done. Thank you. Reasearched well. Your so humble too.❤❤❤

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Laurie. :-)

[@dianamaes7076]

Always remember the facts are in the pudding.

[@M.M.D.]

It always amazes me how many were put to death in these times, when just surviving and living were difficult enough with all the disease and filthy conditions.

[@margaretlouise6200]

Henry is supposed to have executed 10,000 people. But then, Pontius Pilate is supposed to have crucified 20,000, so it's all relative.

[@jamesmackey2120]

Thank you HC for another interesting and informative video. I did like the Wolf Hall series including their depiction of the execution scene. Thanks again and I look forward to next Fridays’ instalment.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks James. Something else Tudory next week too! 🙂

[@jamesmackey2120]

@@HistoryCalling Looking forward to it already. 👍🏻

[@dead2802]

I was So pleasantly suprised to wake-up to this video. As a small girl I fell in love w A Boleyn. Found every book, movie, documentery about her I could. I probably now still have 7 to 9 books/novels/histories about her. Years ago, my fav movie, Anne of the Thousand Days, is still loved. Unfortunately, I have never found anyone else not only interested about her, but even knowing her name. So despite what I have learned, there r Many questions, inacuracies, and just blanks about her life including fashions which I know from veiwing but why, what, how, when, frm dressing to jewelry. I Am only disappointed that its been 2 years and will probably never have a reply or comment read so I can finally get facts, opinions, truth or fiction from the only people I have ever run into that share an interest in the lady and her life and times. Still, I'll state facts, rumors, truths, etc, and ask for facts, opinions, and anything anyone wants to share! If anyone does, please know I look 4ward to it and it will be read with great interest. I hope to learn so much more than the very little I know. Thank You. And thanks for such a great video. 😅😅❤❤❤

[@Kari_B61ex]

I would tend to agree that the third account was true - I think she would want/need to be blindfolded and would wear dark clothing. I don't for one second think Anne would want to wear any jewels during her execution. Thinking about Wolf Hall, I'm paying my respects to Hilary Mantell... RIP.

[@monicacall7532]

I’m with you. Re: Hilary Mantel. I’m gutted by her death. She almost single-handedly changed how history looks at Thomas Cromwell, and it was thanks to her that the most recent biographies about him and histories about Henry VIII and his court are much more nuanced. Cromwell will always look like Mark Rylance to me! Clare Foy’s portrayal of AB was my favorite, although Genevieve Bujold is a very close second place. The other performers didn’t really inhabit the role of Anne in my opinion.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I just heard about Hillary Mantel a few hours ago and couldn't believe it. She's such a loss to historical fiction. She really was the best out there I think. It's terribly sad for her family and friends too. 😢

[@dianetheisen8664]

@@HistoryCalling OMG‼️. I have the Wolf Hall book series. I was unaware 'til now that Ms Mantel passed away❗️Do you know if she'd been sick ❓️ I am so sorry. She will be missed.

[@annmoore6678]

@@dianetheisen8664 Her biography reports very severe endometriosis requiring surgery at a young age, followed by lifelong medication that altered her appearance. At the last, she had a stroke; I wonder if her years of ill health contributed to that.

[@redmi9834]

I read that she distributed her jewels to her maids and those of her friends who had supported her.

[@examplelife1567]

Still binge watching!!!❤

[@HistoryCalling]

THANK YOU AGAIN for being so generous. Enjoy the binge :-)

[@Danny30011980]

I love the square neckline, also on the back when you can see the dent/line on the skin between the shoulder blades going down the spine. And black is a nice colour too. I have some sort of medieval type dress in that kind of style and have worn it few times on Halloween dressing up as AB. I clouding an extra styrofoam wig-holder head

[@Shane-Flanagan]

Yeah I love the fashion worn during the reign of Henry Viii and those prior. The Elizabethan era not so much. Too over the top and frilly

[@Sassenach4life]

Omg great watch!!! Anything to do with Anne Boleyn intrigued me! She is the one person I would love to meet, living or dead! I think I would have to say Natalie Dormer was my fav! Sorry my opinion is a bit biased because I just love that show and I loved her as Anne! But I was kinda take aback when you said her outfit wasn’t accurate! I was like ahhh man! I can’t ignore historical inaccuracy, it drives me banana sandwich! So I will say Natalie Portman is my other new fav! I like them both lol, although I’ve only seen pieces of The Other Boleyn girl, I’ve just heard of how historically inaccurate it was and question whether I want to see it or not!

[@HistoryCalling]

You can just look up the execution scene from TOBG online if you don't want to commit to the whole movie, but do want to see NP's performance in that moment. It's really sad though of course.

[@lfgifu296]

What are your (HC’s) views on Anne Boleyn? Your channel made me realise that she’s not as nice as is often portrayed- mainly regarding her treatment of Kathryn of Aragon and Mary-. Though I admire her braveness and think her fate was completely undeserved, can’t say I like her much… Above all, Henry was the main villain in the story, but Anne isn’t so innocent as many like to think. I would, however, love to hear your opinion on what I said (also please everyone don’t hate on me for disliking Anne, she was innocent of her charges and unjustly killed, I’m just saying her other actions were not good, though I’m sure she did many good things).

[@HistoryCalling]

I agree with your summation of her. I always find her fascinating to study, but I don't think I would have got along with her if I'd met her (in fact I think I probably would have liked Catherine Parr the best). Like you, I can see her many good qualities, but also the bad and the way she treated Catherine and Mary was appalling.

[@lfgifu296]

@@HistoryCalling For some reason I ceased to see your response sooner! But thanks, it’s always good to discuss these quite controversial topics. Good week for you.

[@vernon2542]

Great video never really thought about what I would wear to my execution. I have never really seen any of the movies or tv shows so I can't really say which one was more period.

[@dianetheisen8664]

In those days, clothes really made a statement. From portraits, to coronations and, apparently, executions.

[@HistoryCalling]

And hopefully you (and the rest of us) never will have to think about it! :-)

[@ardiffley-zipkin9539]

Well presented and documented. Another great video.

[@tweetledd4709]

Not sure how I missed this one! I loved “The Tudors” and, forgive me, “Wolf Hall” (Claire Foy sparked my husband’s joining me in Tudor fascination) Thank you so much for feeding my hunger for history!

[@Moebian73]

Thank you again for another video. Watchin it now. :) Have a good weekend. :)

[@Moebian73]

Wolf Hall & Anne Of The Thousand Days I need to watch, the others I've seen. The Tudors is my guilty pleasure too. I don't announce it to the world I liked it, but I did. Reign was o.k. Don't know why I watched it until the end. It was too...modernesque. The music put me off. When I see a show/movie of that era, I'd like it to have music like it came from that era. Like in Elizabeth, that had a good score. Reign had teenage pop songs, it just felt weird. I did like the opening credits song though.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. I was away at a friend's wedding (thus my very tardy reply), so I did have a good weekend :-)

[@Moebian73]

@@HistoryCalling No problem. Today was very heartbreaking. Last month I received a dachshund from a rescue group. He was rescued from Hurricane Ida last year, and before that he had been mistreated. Alfie, his name, & I bonded very quickly, but he did not want anybody near me. So much so he leaped at a family member living here and attacked one member twice yesterday. So I had to give him back to the rescue group. They then told me I was Alfie's second to last chance. So if the next home he's in gives him up, they'll euthanize him. He's on prozac for his past mistreated years, it was very sad to see him go. All I can think about now is wishing illwill on the person who mistreated him long ago. He should get the punishment not the dog. The dog was a great dog to me, but I had to give him up for the safety of the others in my home, & it hurt. :(

[@michellebruce5092]

Great history on Anne Boleyn I enjoyed it 👍😀. Your history videos are always enjoyable and relaxing have a great day see you next video

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Michelle. See you next time. :-)

[@mackss9468]

Fantastic video, as always!

[@HistoryCalling]

Why thank you 😀

[@DatBeautifulNightmare]

She was apparently given the clothes in the Tower as they hardly allowed her to pack once arrested. Other than the clothes she stood up in, her daughter Elizabeth the first paid for her own mothers incarceration.

[@naomiskilling1093]

How could a 3 year old toddler pay for someone to be locked in the Tower? It was Henry who paid any expenses she would have incurred during her stay there the same way he paid for new clothes for Margaret Countess of Salisbury later in his reign.

[@micaelagauthier4964]

@@naomiskilling1093 the money was taken by Henry from Elizabeth's household budget, probably.

[@HistoryCalling]

I know it's hard to fathom, but I believe Hazel is correct about the money being taken from Elizabeth's household allowance. I don't have the book next to me at the moment, but I think David Starkey mentioned it. Henry didn't have much in he way of morals when it came to that sort of thing. ☹️

[@dianetheisen8664]

@@HistoryCalling I never heard that, but, I can believe it.

[@DatBeautifulNightmare]

@@naomiskilling1093 with the money the crown gave her for her household. Once Elizabeth the 1st was declared a bastard her household was expanded and monies considered owed were paid.

[@keiththorpe9571]

Anne Boleyn: "Whatever am I going to wear for my execution?" Lady's maid: "Might I suggest something stain-resistant..."

[@HistoryCalling]

Oh, you're so bad 😲 (though I bet you someone had the job of trying to wash the blood out of that dress for reuse. I don't evny them).

[@redmi9834]

Well you don't want the red of your blood to clash with the colour of you dress. Might I suggest white which as a symbol of your innocence against the king's charges against you or green as the liturgical colour of the hope in a future life? I am sure my Queen that you would want your execution done in best possible taste.

[@elisabethhopson5639]

Thanks for this thought provoking video. I think if I was being beheaded ( er...!) I would wear the most comfortable things I could find. Making a statement with my clothes, beyond innocence, would be a bit late. It must have been terrifying with so many people baying for her blood. Surely, if she was upright when beheaded, the dress must have been absolutely covered in blood and probably not worth trying to wash. Who would want to wear it afterwards? Not a great harbinger of luck. Thanks HC, another great video.

[@HistoryCalling]

I wonder too about who might rewear it as you're correct that it must have been in a bad way. However the fabric could have been cut up either for souvenirs or relics, or sown into new garments, so the exact dress might not have been reused as it was when Anne had it.

[@elisabethhopson5639]

@@HistoryCalling That suggests that some people might have considered Anne as a martyr. I have not heard this before, but could see that it may have happened and been very hushed up.

[@redmi9834]

Fabrics did not wash well in those days. In the winter months one of the pastimes was "turning clothes". They would unpick the seams and turn the dress inside out and add a few new decorations.

[@redmi9834]

@@HistoryCalling In the days before dry cleaning many fabrics were not suitable to be scrubbed and washed. The rich could throw them away or give them to their maids. The less rich and poor reinvented them.

[@redmi9834]

@@elisabethhopson5639 Catholics at that time would not as seen her as a martyr for the faith. She would have been seen more of a victim of a mad axman king desperate to father a legitimate son.

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

What did George wear to his execution? And I'd love your analysis of the Queen of Scots' wardrobe at her execution.

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

*sigh. Just after I typed that, you mentioned it and the video you already made.

[@HistoryCalling]

Haha, not to worry. That's always the way of it. Regarding George, I'd need to check the original sources and even then, I don't know if they mentioned his outfit.

[@wynndwolfsong]

Did Anne get much choice in what she wore to the scaffold? I've always gotten the impression she was packed off to the Tower with very few of her belongings. Much of her wardrobe would have been garments owned by the Crown and handed off to Jane and others as determined at the Crown's whim. A lot of the rest would have been sold to pay for Anne's care in the tower as Henry did not take much care of that to the point I've seen a few sources showing the cost for the executioner was taken out of Elizabeth's maintenance budget and then she was frantically making arrangements for the care of Elizabeth because Anne certainly knew Henry wouldn't take care of her. Might some things like the hood not have been her style because they were hastily obtained or borrowed because for all Henry cared Anne could have gone to the scaffold in her shift or what she was arrested in and that would have fit with his sort of petty retaliation.

[@theresareynolds3133]

If I remember right, it was George Bolyne's wife Jane that got George and Anne executed by telling King Henry that the brother and sister had an incestuous relationship, later Jane herself was executed. If I remember right, there was no actual proof of the relationship other than Jane's word.

[@kaliwindx7287]

This was very interesting But then I think that is true of all your videos. Thank you so much for creating these videos and sharing them.

[@HistoryCalling]

Why thank you :-)

[@phoebenorth2759]

I like that you are mentioning things that I did not know before ♥️♥️♥️🤗🤗

[@donnicholas7552]

Very interesting video! I'm thankful Anne had a competent executioner and she didn't suffer. It would make sense she wouldn't wear any jewelry around her neck and to have a blindfold too.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, a good executioner was the one mercy Henry gave her and the man did his job very well it has to be said. Hopefully she felt little or nothing.

[@redmi9834]

@@HistoryCalling I think it must have been as quick as the guillotine.

[@onagaali2024]

I actually have The Other Boleyn Girl with Natalie Portman, The Tudors with Natalie Dormer, and The Private Life of Henry VIII with Merle Oberon and I must say Natalie Portman's I'd say I have to agree with you on.

[@daidrivejil4950]

I really love your channel. You are my favorite historian. Keep up the great work.

[@lisapop5219]

17:14 that's supposed to be Anne Boleyn? Can someone please explain this casting choice to me because it doesn't seem to make any sense for a historical English person. You can also clearly see "Anne" is wearing jewelry on the left & not the right. Jewelry was brought up several times in this video but skipped over here, instead focusing only on the hood & gown

[@becca7327]

Wow. I never thought about the dress being "repurposed." I figured it would be tossed. That's definitely interesting.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you :-)

[@marypagones6073]

I understand your argument, but I feel that Anne of a Thousand Days conveys Anne's fear and weariness so perfectly in the stripped-down outfit, it feels more "emotionally" true--her bearing and bravery is that of a queen, even though she's been left with nothing (hence the omission of the historically accurate ermine, wearing the cap even before the block). Brilliant video, as always! I love the woodblock illustrations most of all.

[@od1452]

I have wondered about this for a long time as it seems to me a person who had the means and time would give it some thought. but had no way to guess which is the best description of her dress. (And for other famous executions ) I think Portman was very good in her portrayal but I don't know how accurate it was. I did think the brother love scene made an unbelievable idea seem possible and could explain how the rumors started. . Off topic .. I thought the young gal ( Sorry don't know her name. ) who's portrayal of Catherine Howard was maybe too easy did a pretty intense execution scene.... although I'm pretty sure Catherine was the first to die. And her bare feet I thought unlikely historically , although I don't know. .. but it was an interesting touch. Sadly I've long known historical accuracy and film making are pretty much strangers. Thanks for another interesting video.

[@debbylou5729]

I’m always amazed at the number or so called intellectuals or experts don’t know the difference between entertainment and storytelling and documentaries

[@HistoryCalling]

Tamzin Merchant in The Tudors and yes, Katherine did die first and I'm sure she was wearing shoes, or the lack of them would have been commented on. She made me cry in the scene too, even thought she was given the very inaccurate line about wanting to be the wife of Culpepper to say. My videos on the executions of Anne and Katherine have a lot more detail, including what we know about their demeanours and speeches.

[@debbylou5729]

@@HistoryCalling I’m sorry, I haven’t taken the time to,see your video of Katherine is why I’m asking this. Did she really run from the guards, crying? It seemed so odd and,Myers’s, she was so young!

[@ProudKansan08]

I read that right before shooting of Wolf Hall, all the costumes got destroyed. I watched the show and couldn't figure out how poor and plain the costumes were for the women, ESPECIALLY for Anne Boleyn who was supposed to be a fashion plate and icon and the HEADDRESSES!!! OMG!! Then I read that they had to scramble for what they could make and find after the costumes were destroyed. There is a book called "Phoenix Rising: A Novel of Anne Boleyn", that I bought a few years ago for my Kindle, where Anne describes her outfit for her execution. She said she had chosen a new Italian color called Panerzzo, a muted violet hue. She said purple was the color of royalty and yet the color was muted due to her stripped titles taken from her. She also said she wore a crimson kirtle for the blood to be shed and for the color of love, as it will be eternally remembered. Anyway, thought it was interesting. I had read for years that she did wear a crimson kirtle under her dress, but, I didn't realize that it was the color of Catholic martyrdom. I just love your presentations and I love your voice. Whenever I get stressed out, I try to find one of your programs to listen to your voice as it calms me.

[@dianetheisen8664]

I love reading everbody's comments. I agree with almost all of them. Yeah, I know, it doesn't matter what I think. I'm just happy knowing there are a lot of history buffs out there. Having said that, I'm more concerned with Anne's state of mind than her choice of dress. I'd be hysterical, for instance. That poor innocent woman.

[@HistoryCalling]

She did become hysterical sometimes in the fortnight beforehand, but she seems to have made her peace with her fate by the day of her death. She also hadn't slept, so she must have been physically exhausted.

[@Osarah96]

Feather pen *dips intp ink barrel* Comes out clean Human: (must be writing with invisible ink) ✨👀

[@caseyslove]

Secret letters were inked in wax then treated to be read.

[@Osarah96]

@@caseysloveI sure need to look that up to see if it's true

[@Peaches_H_Nyce]

"Clothes to die in," such a heavy sentence

[@heathermanning5368]

I can’t imagine how scary that must have been and to be so young as well! 😢💔🙏

[@patriciatoomingtheplantpar2558]

Well that answered my question, I was wondering if she was buried in what she died in? Then you answered it, thanks... that was a bizarre era to be living in.

[@dianetheisen8664]

Strangely enough that never crossed my mind -- until now. I was always thinking how Anne was betrayed and framed.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. As I said, we'll never know for certain, but my personal opinion is that the dress was probably removed.

[@patriciatoomingtheplantpar2558]

@@dianetheisen8664 Yes, true, I've watched many many videos on her and a few books so I'm kind of passed that and more into the small details that fill in the grout spaces to complete the picture. Her clothing and why, then what happened to them, until now never crossed my mind. I've seen the type of clothes mentioned, never knew about the thought around the choice she made or considered what happened to the clothes afterwards, I just assumed they tossed her body into the box soiled, damaged and all. Never considered it would be used as payment to the executioner 😖

[@rickjensen2717]

Very interesting. I was wondering if hoods worn in the Germanic states, Italy and Spain were similar to the French design?

[@HistoryCalling]

I don't know about Italy or Spain, but based on Anne of Cleves' hood, I think the Germanic states were very different.

[@Marian_Grubacki23]

In Italy and Spain women didn't wear hoods. They show their hair.

[@brandyb2931]

Ya know, when they have actors of a different race play historical characters to be inclusive, it drives me nuts. They wouldn't dare use Brad Pitt to play Nelson Mandela or Kate Moss to play Harriet Tubman, nor should they, it would be a slap in the face to both of those people, so why would you have a black actress play Anne Boleyn? They did the same thing with historical characters in Mary Queen of Scots. I'm not trying to be a jerk, it just irks me.

[@HistoryCalling]

I understand your position. As someone who is quite uptight about historical accuracy (hardly surprising given my profession and background), I prefer accurate casting for real figures too in cases where we have some idea of what they looked like. I'm still not over the fact that Jonathan Rhys-Meyers didn't dye his hair red to play Henry VIII for instance and I find it ridiculous when we see a white guy playing Jesus. I take no issue with colour blind casting for fiction though, even if it's set in the past (I'm thinking of something like Bridgeton). It'll be interesting to see how the current trend plays out. I wonder if non historically accurate casting will become more popular and stay that way, or if it will turn out to be a trend that lasts for say 10 years and then fades? Only time will tell I suppose.

[@margaretlouise6200]

We have Jada Smith's Black Cleopatra and Black Pharaohs and a Black Anne Boleyn. All are woke RIDICULOUS. Tell it like it is....They call it cultural appropriation but only if the perp is white. Blacks are allowed to culturally appropriate anything they want but it only shows ignorance.

[@Thefinerthings74]

How do you feel when they have white people play Egyptians?!🤦🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️​@@HistoryCalling

[@pezlover1974]

@Thefinerthings74 Cleopatra wasn’t black. As for the others they would’ve been tanned brown, not traditionally black. Not that the afrocentriats will accept that…

[@Thefinerthings74]

@@pezlover1974 i don't know that

[@kazoolibra7322]

THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL seems best....I am still loving your videos, HC...you have had an interesting assortment lately

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. I wish more people appreciated variety.

[@redmi9834]

The other Boleyn girl gave him a son. But it illigitimate

[@raumaanking]

What’s your opinion on Henry Cavill work on the tudors

[@HistoryCalling]

I thought he was very good. He made me root for Brandon despite me knowing what the real man was like.

[@nickyphoenix2470]

Turner Smith was really silly choice 🙄🙄🙄

[@aliceingoryland]

I hope history teachers use your videos as teaching tools

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. I'd be flattered if they did :-)

[@rickynieves3144]

In the Tudor period, didn't red also represent innocence/purity? I may be mistaken about that...🤔

[@KatyWilson-df1qw]

Hi i love love love ur show 💗!!!im a history buff i suppose i just love finding out how our ancestors lived played eat slept u name it my fav period is definitely the war's of the roses second to that is ny first love an initial introduction to the tudors the man himself henry vill however after learn all about him for many years i then fell deeply in love with the cusons war an then all the people involved i do ancient history also bt have no one to talk to about it all no one i knw enjoys history so ur my only friend in that sens an all the community on here how sad of me bt i love history

[@johnathonfessler]

I love watching historycalling's KZbin channel

[@makenziekate1523]

Can you do Catherine Howard's execution outfit?

[@HistoryCalling]

There's unfortunately so little info. on that that I couldn't make a video on it. The best I can offer is the video I already have on her execution. Sorry :-(

[@hayley8715]

Can't get enough of Ann Boelyn and the Tudors! For me there is not enough!

[@hayley8715]

Can anyone tell me if Reign is any good? I've started a couple of times but didn't continue past episode 1.

[@margaretlouise6200]

Reign seems to me to be sort of history for high schoolers. It's fairly shallow with clothing that is far more in tune with now than then.

[@savagedarksider5934]

Great job with the video History Calling. I have two questions: 1. Did you know about Sir Roland De Velville ? He's the illegitimate son of Henry the 7th ? 2. Will you make A video on the Red Barn event ?

[@kittye8340]

There is only speculation that he is the illegitimate child of Henry VII. It is not confirmed as fact.

[@savagedarksider5934]

@@kittye8340 I personally think he is.

[@kittye8340]

But you are right that probably he was an illegitimate child. However, it is also possible he just adopted a child (even if it is less likely).

[@kittye8340]

Because Henry basically brought back this boy of unknown parentage.

[@kittye8340]

@@savagedarksider5934 It is surely possible. But Henry VII loved Elizabeth of York very deeply and I would find it odd that he just cheated on her. There is no contemporary sources naming him a bastard, that I'm aware of. Just mentioning that Henry brought home this boy of unknown parentage. Now, adoption was uncommon but not unheard of. So most likely he was an illegitimate son, but as I said before, he could just be an adopted child. There hasn't been a consensus among historians yet either. So it's very fascinating.

[@Sabrinajaine]

I would be too terrified about my imminent death to worry about what I'd be wearing!

[@HistoryCalling]

I think I'd be the same, but it was a whole other mindset in the 16th century.

[@redmi9834]

I bet you would not be wearing a smile. Me neither.

[@Disco1000]

Wonderful, thank you!💐

[@HistoryCalling]

You're very welcome :-)

[@KateSannicksLerner]

I so agree with your opinion - TOBG did the best. You forgot to mention that not only was her dress black, but the material was damask. I wish she'd worn the blindfold, too; she's a good enough actress to have pulled it off!

[@annmoore6678]

Dear H.C., For perfectly understandable reasons of time and space, you did not get into the operatic interpretation of Anne Boleyn in Donizetti's opera. Anna Netrebko's Anna Bolena for the Metropolitan Opera, shown live in HD all over the world, was unforgettable (I'd love to look at the costumes now, after your analysis). Too bad the singer Anna has put herself on the wrong side of history, so we won't be hearing her glorious voice for awhile, at least not at the Met.

[@HistoryCalling]

Oh I'm not familiar with that opera actually. I must look it up.

[@cierakitty]

Not going to lie....my knees would have been jelly...my nerves shattered...and I may have even soiled myself...knowing what was about to happen. Fear would have overtaken me, as also any thoughts I might have had. A speech ? Mine would have been a mass of blubbering.

[@dead2802]

I would have played so sick days b4, to where carrying me out 3/4 dead (ruining the entire spectacle) that only by giving me calming and reviving medications would have saved the show. Thus. Saving the little I got. Then 2 days b4? BOOP! Excuse for early sleep to rest up for the show. Down the hatch w/some royal wine. Then draw the curtains so I can sleep. 10 hrs later. Hasta la Execution!

[@dead2802]

Bet 2 doses of whatever royal opiates they had were justttt a little to potent! 😢😊

[@stephencarrillo5905]

Another home run, HC! 👏👏

[@HistoryCalling]

THANK YOU Stephen for your continuing generosity (and the kind words too) 😁

[@Tlyna1952]

AI think Natalie Portman's outfit was closed but I couldn't stand her portrayal on the scaffold. She was shaking and teary with a quivering voice. Not the way Anne was reported to have been. I preferred Genevieve Bujold and Natalie Dormer in the role. The soundtrack to Anne of the Thousand Days is still one of my favorites.

[@alisonridout]

I agree with you on Natalie Portman. This is how I would imagine the death scene. Alison

[@raumaanking]

What’s interesting is that so many Marvel actors have worked on the other Boleyn Girl and are in the film

[@dianetheisen8664]

Really ❓️Hmmm.....that is interesting.

[@raumaanking]

@@dianetheisen8664 yeah Natalie Portman Scarlett Johanson Eric bana and Benedict Cumberbatch

[@beth7935]

@@raumaanking Haha, well spotted!

[@raumaanking]

@@beth7935 yeah lol 😂

[@monmothma3358]

I'm not sure if watching a video on _execution fashion_ is the best idea right before sleep. Guess I'm about to find out...

[@agatha6999]

I like how you go out of the way to mention the really unreliable sources to avoid any of us from believing them given the more unreliable sources seem to be the more popular ones in the internet

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, the unreliable ones tend to be the ones with the most outlandish stories and I think that's why they're popular internet fodder.

[@sueamos3860]

Very interesting thank you

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Sue 😁

[@johnathonfessler]

and I am subscribe to the history calling newsletter

[@tonyk1584]

A little known fact is that under her dress she was sporting a (Grateful) Dead-Head tee shirt. 😒

[@patrickhair2808]

My favorite Anne Boleyn is Natalie Dormer. She really made me believe and care about Anne. Even her speech at the end betrays her innocence. Because guilty people don't speak in that manner or choice of words.

[@raumaanking]

I wanted to know did any of the executioners that killed Anne Boleyn Cathrine Howard and Lady Jane Grey pick up their heads and shown to the crowd or not

[@HistoryCalling]

Not with Anne or Katherine. Possibly with Jane, but I can't remember right now.

[@margaretlouise6200]

How strange that you comment on the clothing of the Turner-Smith production without commenting on her most basic dress...her birthday suit, which was entirely the wrong color. If we are concerned with inauthentic, this would be the pinnacle.

[@magicpearl3060]

It’s acc so sad as a society all we care about is looks and even when we die

[@pascalswager9100]

Oooo I'm going to watch "Tudors" again!

[@HistoryCalling]

Enjoy :-)

[@nathanfisher1826]

Great job thanks

[@HistoryCalling]

No problem 👍

[@robinlmorgan1]

Not a word about Dorothy Tutin, which in my mind will always be the best!

[@beastieber5028]

Hello to history calling from Bea

[@HistoryCalling]

Hi Bea 😁

[@anne-marie2972]

It is horrible to think her feelings before execution 😢.

A black actress playing a white historical character is inaccurate. In this example, whatever they chose to dress the fake Anne Boleyn is irrelevant since accuracy was not a goal there. Totally ridiculous. What would people think if a white actor would play Nelson Mandela in a movie about his life? It’s just the same. Totally ridiculous.

[@astridhannestad8323]

So the more fitted sleeves and smaller skirt is in line with the Tudor era, it’s just more like what commoners would wear. So the silhouette is right, and maybe Anne just chose to wear her lounging about dress, but I don’t find it likely. Or her wardrobe had been so scaled back that it was all she had. And I too like Natalie portmans outfit the best

[@bevinboulder5039]

Jeez Louise! Anne Boleyn dies on screen more often than Sean Bean! Seriously, I don't really feel qualified to have an opinion on this because I've only seen one of these dramas, Anne of the Thousand Days and that was years ago. I will confess to not watching The Tudors after seeing a picture of Johnathan Rhys Meyers in character with short dark hair. I figured that a show that couldn't get the main character's hair color and style right wasn't likely to be very historically accurate. Don't hate me. 🥴

[@HistoryCalling]

No hate here Bev. I'm still not over the fact that he didn't go red as well. :-) Apparently the producers didn't even want the blonde Natalie Dormer to go brunette, but she insisted. I don't know if that story's true or not, but if it is then good on her.

[@ruthcleland5499]

You forget to mention that in most instants most of Henry's wives belongings went to the next Queen with the exception of Anne of Cleves who's belongings nobody wanted including her, since she replaced all her belongings upon her divorce from Henry.

[@melenatorr]

Here is the full 1933 "Private Life of Henry VIII": kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHLPkpV6eNCUrbs It's as much conscious satire and fantasy as it is history, if not more. But the writers and director know that very well; Laughton is impressive, and Oberon makes a lovely impression as Anne Boleyn. Not quite accurate ending for her, but respectful. The highlight of this version of Henry and his wives is actually the section with Laughton's wife (ex-wife then?) Elsa Lanchester as clever Anne of Cleves.

[@savagedarksider5934]

Imagine, going through all that work to marry this womam just to cast her aside. I wonder what would Henry the seventh would think.

[@HistoryCalling]

Interesting question. H7 was so different to his son. He married one woman, stuck with her and I can't even think of any mistresses off the top of my head. He might have understood H8's predicament in needing a son, or he might have believed the Aragon marriage was valid. It's hard to say.

[@savagedarksider5934]

@@HistoryCalling I'm sure H7 probably had some mistresses before marrying Elizabeth of York.

[@redmi9834]

His father Henry VII was a devout Catholic and devoted to wife Elizabeth of York even though it was a a marriage of convenience. He would have been shocked at his son breaking with his faith and his repudiation of his wife Queen Catherine.

[@debbylou5729]

I’m kinda surprised not more is made of her wearing of the gabled English hood. It was most likely to gain traction with the english

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I think it was. The fact that one of the viewers mentioned it though suggests that it did make at least some impact though.

[@redmi9834]

Fashion moved on to the French style of headrests for women at court. Did you know that the codpiece fell out of fashion when Queen Elizabeth I expressed a dislike of them being worn at court. Perhaps it was too much 'in her face" of something that she had vowed nevertheless to ever open up and experiance of.

[@raumaanking]

Don’t Helena Bonbam-Carter and Clair foy look a like I always thought they looked so much a like

[@spookycat8556]

And they played sisters in The Crown.