Jane Boleyn: Multifaceted Tudor Woman

Today we re-explore the multifaceted role of Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford at Tudor court.
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Credits:
Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Dr. James Taffe
Edited by: Rebecca Larson
Voice Over: David Black
Music: Ketsa, Alexander Nakarada, and Winnie the Moog

[@curiousman1672]

To me, Jane B. has always seemed like a real player. Wheeling and dealing around the palace. Charming and clever.

[@ActorSongwriter0626]

WHEN IS HE GOING TO RELEASE THE AUDIOBOOK VERSION!!!??? I'VE BEEN WAITING...😂

[@gonefishing167]

Really good , really good. Yes, I do agree with the writer. A writer studies his subject, learns all he can and then imparts his knowledge. You can’t say that he doesn’t know ‘because he’s not a woman’. If you have done the same amount of study and come to a different conclusion, then - fine - but unless you’ve studied. No. He’s not being insulting to women but you are by having narrow minded views. Just my opinion folks. 🙏🙏🙏🙏👵🇦🇺

[@franm.8343]

Excellent, thank you.

[@cathryncampbell8555]

Re: Elizabeth of York -- many people believed that Elizabeth had a better claim to the throne than Henry. As a result,Henry deliberately kept Elizabeth short of funds so that any gifts/favours came either from him or from his mother, Margaret Beaufort.

[@doriamurriola7188]

He was truly despicable

[@SKILLIUSCAESAR]

Where else would they have come from? He took land away or something? I’m not sure I understand how this would work or diminish threat from her claim.

[@cindygrubbs5856]

Thank you!

[@flowerfaeri]

Jane is a fascinating woman. I don't necessarily think she was unpleasant or evil. She lived in difficult times. There is so much speculation about her role in the Boleyns' downfall and whether or not she cared for her husband. She did offer him comfort when he was condemned but was it a deception on her part as a spy for Cromwell? What would she gain by having George executed anyway? She lost her status and her properties as a result. It definitely points to some deal with Cromwell and he was executed the same day that Henry married the unfortunate Catherine Howard. With Cromwell dead, did Jane, no longer required to do Cromwell's bidding, just want to see the young queen happy? Or did she arrange meetings between Queen Catherine and Culpepper out of spite for the king over the death of her husband? I actually see her as a weak and frightened woman who learned how to survive, until her role in Catherine's downfall. Maybe the young, vivacious queen bullied her into cooperating. Catherine wasn't innocent either (but did not deserve her fate of course). Jane had a mental breakdown or feigned one when she was condemned. She truly is an interesting character. I've read the novel The Raven's Widow by Adrienne Dillard, and the non-fiction historical exploration of her life by Julia Fox, both of which are sympathetic to Jane. I look forward to reading James' book as well for another point of view.

[@wednesdayschild3627]

The king had wants, not needs. I need this book.😅

[@alisonridout]

Really enjoyed this especially as I'm reading a fiction novel about Jane at the moment called The Tudor Wife by Emily Purdy

[@helenorgarycrevonis2022]

Excellent interview. Thank you. Could the author provide additional information to your Qs after the session?

[@graphiquejack]

Jane was certainly involved in the Kathryn Howard affair. As for Anne and George’s downfall, we don’t really know a lot. Perhaps she was still loyal to Anne but saw the writing on the wall and was threatened or pressured to provide some ‘evidence’ against them. The only evidence we have that George and Jane didn’t get along is an assumption that’s the case because George may have been a ladies’ man (or even possibly bisexual) and they had no children. For all we know, maybe their marriage was reasonably happy or at least cordial. Arranged marriages were a mixed bag and I think people just had to try to make it work for the most part. I don’t think Anne would have trusted Jane with a plot to get rid of a mistress of Henry’s if she felt Jane was hated by her brother.

[@animallover6645]

I think it might have to do with Jane's father, he was a important figure in the tudor court.

[@animallover6645]

Also as a woman myself, I can believe we can be vindictive just saying, so can men too.