March 12 - The death of Thomas Boleyn, father of Anne Boleyn

[@robinpinkham9398]

I appreciate this more realistic and sympathetic view of Thomas Boleyn. My thoughts have been how awful for a father to lose 2 children and still have to serve the king. I did not care for the character portrayal in the Tudor series. Bravo!

[@annwilliams6438]

It seems that Anne's uncle was the real driver behind pushing the girls in front of Henry. He was certainly more than happy to take Anne down, being one of the most vitriolic accusers of her and her brother. And he certainly did nicely out of all of his nieces...

[@robinpinkham9398]

@@annwilliams6438 agreed!!

[@iamagoogler3324]

The Tudors series depicted Thomas Boleyn as a cartoon villain. (And the character was atrociously overacted, to make sure we got the point.)

[@jillniemczynski5517]

Thank you Claire. Such a sad ending for the Boleyns. Being so close to the king was such a gamble.

[@chrisbrown8640]

" Circa regnum tonat ! "

[@SunflowerSpotlight]

Blessing and a curse!

@@SunflowerSpotlight Yes I agree. You profited handsomely from associating with the crown but it could also be deadly...

[@redleaf1344]

Thank you for painting a human picture of Thomas Boleyn. I don’t like it when historical characters are either vilified or made out to be absolute saints.

[@dmgib5239]

People who say Thomas Boleyn was weak and spineless for continuing to serve the king are forgetting something. Even though 2 of his children were dead, he still had his granddaughter Elizabeth to consider. I think he knew that if he continued to show loyalty it would help Elizabeth's future prospects.

[@leanie9660]

His own children, while preparing for their bloody deaths, praised the king (in order to save their families).

[@leanie9660]

@ Anne still had her parents (with their inheritance), her uncle- the Duke, her sister (and those children), and, of course, Elizabeth.

@@leanie9660 Maybe. But wasn't her uncle the Duke on the jury that gave her the death sentence. And she had banished her sister from court years before for getting married without her permission. So I'm not quite sure she was really concerned about those people when she was fighting for her life. I think she hoped maybe just to save her brother and for her to be retired to a convent; which as I said was very common in those days and a man is allowed to marry again after his wife was retired to a convent. Henry originally proposed this option to Catherine but she refused.

[@iloveyourunclebob]

@ Neelia is talking about George and Anne's last speeches right before their deaths. George was already dead when Anne gave hers. It was very common to give a last speech praising the king, regardless of your guilt or innocence, to save any living family members. Even though her uncle and father both were forced to vote against them, that would not stop them from being brutally murdered by the king. Not to mention her sister and her niece and nephew. While I also believe Henry would have not actually harmed his own daughter, I definitely could see him banishing her. And this would have most likely guaranteed her never being put back in the succession or even welcomed at court. Mary suffered a lot because of Catherine's stubbornness. Elizabeth was ostracized for years and Anne was nice before her beheading.

[@pollydolly9723]

It has always been (and remains) very difficult for parents to predict what is best for their children.

[@maryvance8149]

I look forward to your videos everyday. Love the bells and your pets popping up. I feel like I’m sitting across from you!!

[@amzlakezxxx3048]

Thomas Boleyn is always portrayed as ‘bad’ and ‘power hungry’ and I think this is really unfair. Real historians don’t portray people as good or bad, they were just people who did good or bad things and can’t be compared with today’s standards. That’s why I like watching you’re videos Claire; you’re very unbiased and realistic in your approach. Thank you.

[@Annie.C.61]

The bells are wonderful! And it is also lovely to have a better insight into the lives of these people and know that some of them were not so wicked after all. My daughter went to Hever Castle last year and had a wonderful time there but she was still under the impression that Thomas Boleyn was this greedy man and awful father. However, I told her a few weeks ago that if she goes again she can pay her respects with a full heart to this man who suffered such loss and who has been wrongfully shamed by fiction. She was so pleased :) Thank you so much for these videos, Claire, I'm learning so much from you.

[@daniellehardenberg2745]

Thank you for humanising people like Thomas, Anne and Mary. They are not just great characters of history but people with thoughts and emotions like everyone else.

[@daniellereid01]

Thoughtful and compassionate, as always. Thank you, Claire xox

[@janicetrent9694]

Thank you Claire for making these videos. I love them very much. I look forward to them everyday. I am learning so much.

[@charlottenugent8647]

So interesting to have this information on Anne’s father and Elizabeth’s grandfather. I am enjoying the series very much. I had a mother who was a fan of the Tudors. She was a wise lady (my mother). She used to say, “Oh we have a lot of fun reading about these times, but you know, you really would not have wanted to live back then...trusting nobody and constantly looking over your shoulder in order to survive”. Yes, listening to your videos gives a whole new dimension to the term “back stabbing”.

[@aimee2234]

Thank you, Claire! It's a very sad one indeed. I love your town's chapel bells too!

[@SunflowerSpotlight]

Right? They have such a nice tone!

[@michellesilva7043]

Thank you for all your sharing ...definately helps me understand things a lot more. Where can I buy your books??? I know some people don't like the bells but I love them 😊

[@dburgd99]

Amazon has her books. I just typed in Claire Ridgway .Hope this helps you.

[@heatherp.4568]

I love the bells too:)

[@anneboleynfiles]

Amazon has all of them and they're usually on the Barnes & Noble website, Powells, the Book Depository, and bookshops can order them in. Hope that helps!

[@anneboleynfiles]

Someone did ask me to stop putting them in! They go every 15 minutes so I'd have to record after midnight or before 7am to avoid them.

[@nanno8483]

@@anneboleynfiles I love the bells!!

[@tsommers3284]

I'm so excited this came in my recommendations!! This is the first time I have seen one of your videos and being a Tudor addict I became immediately hooked!!

[@SunflowerSpotlight]

I’ve only recently found your channel and I’m so glad I did! This is one of my keenest interests in history. So much intersects in this era, and the events had such a impact. Also the spelling thing would bug me so much! Like Shakespeare’s signatures being spelled differently in each remaining example. Ugh! -Ammarrah Jordyn

[@ianslass]

When my Husband, Ian and I went to Hever Castle, we went over to the Church to explore before he had a pint across the street. It was a cloudy, misty day...which was perfect for any ambiance one could wish for...and the Church had not one other person in it. YES!!!!!!!!!!!! My N. Irish born..."I don't care about the Tudors", Husband, was taken aback by Thomas Bullen's/Boleyn's tomb, he thought it was "brilliant!" (Even pointing out as we entered the Church that it states that Thomas was the father of Anne and Grandfather of Elizabeth---I will get him to come into the light, yet!) It was...for me ...solemn...and truly a moment in time to remember. Also, the silence was so serene...it was almost like a dream for this Tudor fanatic. And being alone with my Husband, in the Church, magnified the moment. So happy that Ian really was glad he joined me. So happy we went. Can't wait to go back! Thanks Claire, once again, for stirring up such wonderful emotions when you speak about The Tudors.

[@maryannanaya905]

Thank you for the vlog, love the bells ringing.

[@sarahfellows6608]

Poor thomas he is such a fancinating man it's a shame that he couldn't do anything to save anne and george ❤

[@ACS551]

Thank you Claire. I love this series and your presentation of the facts. I enjoy hearing the bells.

[@cuttlebugs]

Love your videos, I love learning about the Tudors. The bells are just fantastic, love how they ring just at the right moment 💕

[@susanna3]

I really enjoyed hearing about Thomas Boleyn as a three-dimensional person and not the classic villain he often portrayed to be!!!

[@almontepaolilli4909]

Loved this presentation. What a talented man.

[@franceslambert8070]

I really enjoy your YT channel and the info you give about the Boleyn family. You have made them "come alive" for me as the books and movies couldn't do. Thank you for that.

[@franceslambert8070]

P.S. I just found this channel yesterday, 10 march 2019.

[@kristylou3348]

I often wonder how Thomas must of felt at Edwards christening, knowing if he'd been Anne's son his children would still be here and they'd be the most important family at court forever

[@buddasquirrel]

Most things to do with Henry VIII have been overly dramatized, so poor Thomas Boleyn gets the same treatment. I can't imagine what he went through to lose two children at once. Thank you for this great video!!

[@territ7952]

I think from all the other videos you’ve done about the boylens. That the family was upright, and were a victim to Henry’s mood. Had Anne had a male heir, nothing would have happened. Her father had to go on living, he had other family to think about and take care of. Thanks again Claire, for the tudortastic info🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@samanthafinn4544]

Excellent video Claire

[@jeanmckie8879]

Thank you Claire. Another interesting video. I can see I shall be correcting many friends. I just love the way you say it. A real pleasure listening to you.

[@pammf9391]

It was interesting to me that at the end of the video you expressed exactly what I was thinking---that he had been portrayed as not so nice of a guy or father...This is where your videos really help in enlightening us to the possible truth of who these people really were. ..Plus I enjoy the extra side info you provide....looking forward to more

[@yorkshireroots]

Thank you Claire As always very enlightening. All these characters become alive in your detailed careful descriptions . Amazing detail and I do love the bells and the animals

[@AshleyOlivia90]

Really enjoying all your videos. Found your channel a couple weeks ago and have been going through them ever since. Great research and scholarly analysis 😍😍😍

[@shawnmnichols1]

Thank you for your excellent research and presentation. This is one of my favorite subjects.

[@Rob_b]

Loved your video and thanks for taking the time to formulate your presentation in a delightful and meaningful manner :) Cheers

[@edwardedward7974]

Thank you for all of the excellent information .I now have a very different view of Thomas Boleyn.In the recent TV account of Anne Boleyn's arrest ,trial and excecution he was portrayed as an uncaring father that refused to help his daughter in her hour of need.

[@pat412pear]

I think everyone in Henry’s court had to plot and scheme to keep the spotlight off themselves in order to keep their heads. Henry seems to be easily distracted and not to keen on the truth. You’d want his attention but not too much attention. I picture his courtiers running around, jumping and yelling, “Look over here. No, no, look over there.”

[@nanno8483]

Many cozied up for position, money, and power. Some paid the ultimate price

[@patrickworthington3762]

My day is not complete unless I get my Tudor (and sometimes Stuart or Plantagenet) history! Thank you for these wonderful videos! I wonder, what do we know about Thomas Boleyn's antecedents? Would you ever consider discussing the Boleyn family origins? :)

[@anneboleynfiles]

I could definitely add that to the list but there's quite a bit of information in my article at www.theanneboleynfiles.com/annes-roots/

[@Shane-Flanagan]

Given how often Thomas Boleyn has been much maligned in history, it's not surprising that many history lovers including myself have falsely believed that he was a villain. To learn from Claire that he was actually a good man is a shock to the system. He was a lucky man to be able to return to Court and hold onto some of his titles. Must have been a real kick in the teeth though to have to give up his Office of the Privy Seal to Thomas Cromwell of all people and then to later give him his best garter and chain. Shame Thomas didn't live to see Cromwell's downfall in 1540. It would've been bittersweet justice. How wistful Thomas Boleyn must have been watching the baptism of baby Edward. I imagine he was thinking of what could've been. If only he knew that his grandaughter Elizabeth would go onto become England's greatest ever monarch. I'm sure his heart was bursting with pride in the afterlife. It's kinda sweet in a way that Henry VIII had masses said for Thomas's soul when he died. I wonder if Henry felt a little guilty perhaps. How fortunate Thomas was to receive such a beautiful tomb that still survives to this day in such a peaceful location. RIP Thomas Boleyn 🌹🙏

[@cocola485]

Yes, do keep up the bells. Now they are a signal to me that I should reward myself at breakfast with either a banana fritter, or a very small Mimosa.

[@rosaraptor]

Gosh! You know so so much about this .. how did it all start for you? .. Thank you for sharing 🙏🏼 (Would you consider dedicating a video on this question?)

[@h.calvert3165]

Ooh, good idea! I'd love to know how you became a Tudor scholar, Claire. What motivated you? 🤔

[@anneboleynfiles]

I've always loved history, it was one of my favourite subjects throughout school and Henry VIII and his wives appealed to me as a child because I just couldn't believe that one king had had all of those wives an dthat he'd executed two of them! But it was a dream I had about Anne Boleyn that reignited my interest in her and that led to me wanting to research her and write about her. When I woke up from the dream, I told Tim that he had to set up a website for me called The Anne Boleyn Files! And it all snowballed from there. I was doing freelance writing at the time so it was lovely to actually write about a subject I was interested in as a hobby on the side. It soon became full-time.

[@anneboleynfiles]

@@h.calvert3165 I'm definitely not a scholar but I love being a researcher and armchair historian.

[@h.calvert3165]

@@anneboleynfiles This is fascinating, & thank you for sharing it with us! I'd love to see a separate video, recounting this information & showing photos of you at all these stages: in your school uniform, at your desk as a free-lancer, at a book signing once you started publishing, etc. Everybody would love this! Please! 🤓

[@rosaraptor]

H. Calvert.. I would certainly love such a video 🤗

[@rachelpuckeridge6938]

He seemed to have done his job extremely well. It must have been hard for him to watch his children die and then have to continue to serve the King. Loving these videos!

[@AutumnWytch999]

I think it's kind of hard to wrap a 21st Century head around what it was like to be living in the Tudor era. 500 years ago - half a millennium - that's a long time ago. It had to have been harsh and truly "survival of the fittest" on some level. I just finished watching your video on Thomas & Elizabeth Boleyn, and I'm happy to have watched it as I was one of those people who looked with derision on Thomas Boleyn, partly influenced by what I've seen in film and television - just watched The Other Boleyn Girl, which definitely portrayed Boleyn in this light, and Wolf Hall, which didn't as much, this past weekend - and partly as a 21st Century woman. I also think that parenting was probably more utilitarian in those days, rather than being the protective, cushioning, nurturing iteration that we know today. Not that they didn't love their children, I'm sure they did, but I think life in that era dictated a different reaction to so many situations, reactions that might seem cold or heartless to us today, but weren't necessarily so. I mean, how many of us would look with concern at Thomas Boleyn today, in 2019, getting ready to remarry someone only three months after his first wife died? Most of us would be saying, "Hold up. Slow your roll there, Tom."

[@ileanaacacostaacosta1813]

Children were not really loved they were utilities pawns chattels especially girls but they were not really loved by the vast majority of these people especially the royals and nobility both high and low nobility children were that pawns and Thomas Boleyn was a selfish p o s like his brother in-law Norfolk both selfish and evil But God sees everything and His way of thinking is different from us because this man s ghost had been seen driving a carriage with his headless daughter inside she gets down with her head tucked in her arms and gets inside the house while Thomas go ondriving the carriage with headless horses and pursued by screaming demons for having betrayed and abandoned his children to their tragic fate this it is a penance Thomas has to do firhis terrible sins for a thousand years well he died 485 years ago almost 500 years and counting It may be a legend, but ihappen to believe it and im glad he died before marrying anyone and having other children that could leave poor Mary and her children out selfish prick

[@TheAuntieBa]

I so look forward to your videos, and it didn’t take me long to become a subscriber and turn on notifications. I’d love to read your books - hardcover, so they can be referenced for dates and facts. You’re a great speaker and make history come alive. Thank you!

[@theresecatalano4017]

I wonder if Henry VIII had any kind of remorse for not only the executions of Anne & George, but also the accusation of incest! Henry's actions to me (of course I am in the 21st century) are so hateful! I wonder if this is why Thomas Boleyn found himself back in favor...or is it just Henry's fickle behavior...

[@crystalberry748]

Hello i love your Videos could you do more on Anne Boleyn's mother i dont know much about her i love learning new history everyday its my favourite subject

[@wht-rabt-obj]

It drives me NUTS when people talk about Thomas Boleyn like he was a terrible person, when their only knowledge of him is from "The Tudors" series.

[@maryvance8149]

Or worse, “The Other Boleyn Girl!”

[@griseldaosorio9664]

@@maryvance8149 Yes because at the end of that movie they even say he died alone and in misery

[@gidzmobug2323]

@@griseldaosorio9664 His Countess predeceased him, as well as his children.

[@connie4937]

@@griseldaosorio9664 in The Tudors, Charles Brandon made the comment that there was no one there but the ghosts of his children. I don’t recall any mention of Anne’s mother in The Tudors.

[@kelliecostello5594]

Took the long flight from LAX to heathrow, visiting Hever castle was one of the best memories I have made in my life. Visiting Thomas bolyen’s tomb, was incredible the castle everything was just amazing.

[@ruthgoebel723]

Thank you for sharing about Thomas Boleyn. He gets such a bad rap these days.

[@AITrademarket]

Timing of the bells ringing in some of your videos when you’re making a particular point is incredible. It’s almost as if the bells are agreeing with you. I noticed in “The Tudors“ Eustace Chapuys who never liked Thomas, was quoted as saying in a sneerful way, that he only had the ghosts of his children for company when he died. I wonder if there is any truth to that?

[@anneboleynfiles]

I've never read of Chapuys actually saying that. I'm sure that his funeral would have been well attended. He was an important man and although most of his immediate family were dead, there were others still alive.

[@AITrademarket]

The Anne Boleyn Files and Tudor Society ..Thank you.

[@quiltymomtrish826]

Great video. I really enjoy these.

[@carolinecarlson4307]

🌸Claire.....a suggestion for you. 🌷Since you have noticed we have grown fond of seeing your fur friends in the background (and you did nicely mention them once) perhaps you could introduce them one by one at the start of some of your videos🐕🐩🐈🐶🐱. Like today in Tudor history but with a brief introduction to your fur friend. Name, age, sex, favorite treat etc.....just a brief intro. While holding them up to the camera so we can get a really nice view! Its such a tease to see a flash of fur in the background. PLEASE! 97% of your regular viewers want this and I'm sorry to say the other 3% are probably dead inside. So....the majority of us would love it. Sending you good thoughts from Seattle, Washington. USA🐱🐈🐩🐕🐶

[@6falconsue]

Caroline, please check out Claire's video entitled "Did Anne Boleyn Have Any Pets" posted on March 1, 2019. At around 12:30, Claire introduces us to her photobombing fur babies.

[@anneboleynfiles]

OK, I'll try and get some video footage of them. It's so lovely that people enjoy their cameos.

[@camijaque2291]

Poor man, he passed for the worst that a father could pass, he was always a loyal servant. I just hope that in heaven he has met with his children and his wife.

[@tokkia1384]

Watching your videos has made me realize how much these media portrayals shape our idea of history. Even though I take shows and movies about history with a grain of salt, I still found myself, unwittingly wrinkling my nose at the mention of Thomas Boleyn. It may be extreme but these portrayals can lead to people committing acts such as vandalism of monuments. Or just leaving very hateful comments which is also unfortunate. I feel bad for Thomas that his legacy has been so stained.

[@jkern64]

Thank you for clarifying Thomas's life for us. I have been curious about the truth. I didn't figure that he was the monster that he is depicted as.

[@findinglori6645]

Great video. This one was so full of information that I did not know before. I guess I am one of those who was influenced by HBO’s “The Tudors” for my opinions on Thomas Boleyn. Something that I would love to have explained a bit more would be what some of his titles/jobs entailed. I E Lord Privy Seal, etc.

[@Fairelady5]

I’ve always wondered how he was able to push on after Anne and George died. And then still go back to court. Different times. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@Grace-tc1lq]

Oh my….and looking into King Henry’s face and to not show how he must have been feeling. Even with the different times, our feelings and emotions are the same, it must have been excruciating.

[@dennispetruzzelli5956]

Thank you so much for posting these informative videos on the Tudor era. I can't imagine what a father would go through having lost two children in such a tragic manner. What I have difficulty wrapping my head around is that Anne's father and uncle honestly believed that Anne and George committed incest.

[@enchantedrosebooks]

I was wondering if you could do a video on the differences between the tv The Tudors and reality Tudors. I am a big fan of the tv series however I know there is dramatization. I would love for you to do a comparison video pretty please? :)

[@markpettis2896]

Dear Claire I just found out that I'm descended from Anne Boleyn the aunt of Anne Boleyn Queen of England and Thomas's brother William it's good to know I have a little Boleyn in me what's a tiny drop wow thanks for your videos I love your videos take care

[@anneboleynfiles]

How wonderful!

[@markpettis2896]

@@anneboleynfiles thank you so much

[@annalisette5897]

R.I.P. Thomas Boleyn who knew much sorrow in life. Did Thomas have any sort of relationship with Princess Elizabeth? Spellings in those days were phonetic and phonemic. Dealing with other languages, it sometimes comes down to the scientific descriptions linguists use for what part of the tongue, throat, palate, etc. is used to produce the sounds. I watched a whole video on why H and K are more or less the same letter. It has something to do with /ch/ and /kh/, Proto-Indo-European and Greek and some other things. I have a special project where all this is very important to me and after studying it for several years I think I am finally catching on. Nevertheless the English of Tudor times is still very difficult for me.

[@anneboleynfiles]

Sadly, there's no mention of Thomas having anything to do with Elizabeth, although she too was present at Edward VI's christening in October 1537 so at least he would have seen her then.

[@susannebemis3311]

I am a Gold Star mother. In the USA this means you are the survivor of a military loss. I can tell you that you never get over losing a child and Mr and Mrs Boleyn probably felt the same.

[@anneboleynfiles]

I am so very sorry for your loss. Hugs to you xx

[@susannebemis3311]

@@anneboleynfiles thank you

[@anitacarter9118]

Thank you!

[@dominiqueveronica]

Of course I have the benefit of hindsight, but I definitely would have tried to keep my head down in that court. People who don't keep it down seemed to have had it chopped off😫

[@darlenefarmer5921]

Thank you.

[@KentuckyWildcat666]

I so appreciate you giving the truth about him because he has been betrayed as you say a pimp of his own daughters. Love the videos.

[@steinbukk4672]

Enjoy Your Most Interesting Videos Every Day Claire!

[@--enyo--]

Did Thomas Boleyn have much to do with Elizabeth? I think because her parents get so much attention it’s easy to forget she had maternal grandparents as well.

[@LaPetiteBoulin]

I was shocked when the show The Tudors was a bit more fair to Anne & her family than most movies & shows nowadays. It still showed the father paying to have Anne in the pageant. I also think it has the father & uncle urging Anne to take down Wolsey. It's a lot better than The Other Boleyn Girl but that doesn't really say much.. lol. Now that I think about it - The Tudors had me angry too. It would be great to see a show that showed Anne factually.

[@carab.8616]

Thank so much for your series! I wished I had seen their tombs when I was in England. They do have photos on findagrave.com How many children in total did he have btw?

[@LaPetiteBoulin]

@@carab.8616 Do you mean Thomas B? I know there is a little boy buried at Hever close by him but I'm not sure that is the only child (possibly buried elsewhere) they lost. I dont even know if they know for sure if they had others. We do know the only ones that grew to adulthood was Mary, George, and Anne. We don't know for certain who was older than who. Maybe post this question again and eventually she will see it. If anyone knows, she does.

[@Lyndell-P]

🇭🇲🦘 (viewed 31st July 2020 and again on 7/03/2021) .. Thomas Boleyn does appear to have been much maligned (through history) because of what happened to his daughter and son, and what he was thought to have been like. Much presumed, yet he had been a family man and a loyal servant to the crown and worked hard throughout his life. 🔔🔔🔔 Thanks to you we are learning The Truth (not the perceived truth). Thank you Claire 👑👍

[@Shane-Flanagan]

🇮🇪 Given how often Thomas has been much maligned in history, it's not surprising that many history lovers including myself have falsely believed him to be villain. To learn that he was a actually a good man from Claire is quite shocking! He was so lucky in a way to be able to return to Court and hold onto some of his titles. Must have been a real kick in the teeth though to have had to give up his Office of the Privy Seal to Thomas Cromwell of all people. Further having to give Cromwell his best garter and chain letter too. How awful. Shame Thomas Boleyn didn't live to see Cromwell's downfall in 1540. It would've been some sort of justice. You could only imagine how wistful he must have felt watching the baptism of baby Edward. He probably thought what a shame that it wasn't his grandchild being baptised. If he only knew that another of his grandchildren would go onto become England's greatest ever monarch. 👑 It was kinda sweet in a way that Henry VIII had masses said for Thomas's soul when he died. I wonder if he did it out of guilt. Thomas is lucky though to have gotten such a beautiful tomb that still survives to this day and in such a beautiful and tranquil location too. 🇮🇪

[@LauraGlorybelle]

The bell tower is clearly a big fan of your channel.

[@MrGloryglorymanutd18]

God Almighty is love and wants us to love each other and help each other.

[@maryannlockwood3961]

🇺🇸 I can’t wait until you post March 13 facts! That’s my birthday! 🇬🇧

[@Shane-Flanagan]

March 13th 2021. Happy Birthday Maryann!!! 🎂🎉 Hope you have a great day and get to celebrate in some small way!!! 🎊💐🎁

[@maryannlockwood7806]

@@Shane-Flanagan Thank you so much! So much different than my birthday this time last year. Because Covid hit New Jersey on that day. We’re just going to go and have a little dinner somewhere.🙋🏻‍♀️

[@anneboleyn4195]

he had to appear at court and people must have been thinking such awful things about his children that that is really very brave

[@trojanette8345]

(UPDATED COMMENT): Poor Elizabeth (1480-1538). Are there any records or accounts by chronicalers discussing Elizabeth Boleyn's life after the execution of her two children George and Anne? It is probable to surmise that Anne may have witnessed her brother's execution on the 17th of May before she that of her own on, the 19th May 1536. She's alive when her children, Anne and George are executed in May 1536. Her husband. Thomas, barely outlives her by a little < a year until 1539. How on earth does one survive all that?

[@annwilliams6438]

He had also been a loyal and very useful servant to Henry for many, many years before Anne was queen, so I doubt that Henry would have wanted to have booted him out of court and all his jobs despite his children having gotten the chop. Henry was one of the first English kings who drew men around him who were good at their jobs, vs those with the highest titles only. Thomas was still far too useful to Henry.

[@elizabethspedding1975]

He carried on being loyal to his granddaughter Elizabeth, who needed all the support she could get. 🌹

[@shellirohr4944]

Thank you for another great video. Did Thomas regain some of his titles when he came back into favor with Henry VIII?

[@anneboleynfiles]

He managed to hang on to his earldoms, of Wiltshire and Ormonde, although Sir Piers Butler was also granted the earldom of Ormonde in 1538, so there were two earls until Thomas's death. He was not reinstated as Lord Privy Seal, Cromwell kept that.

[@CherylGormanAuthor]

Henry really had some stones. Poor Thomas had to serve the man who murdered his children. And he had to bow and scrape to Thomas Cromwell too...

[@suemount6042]

King Henry certainly destroyed Thomas’s family an affair and possible children with Mary and then the lies about George And Anne and their murder show he must have suffered so much

[@Ladybug-uf7uh]

Your upload about Thomas Boleyn is very insightful. I still don't like the man very much. He had two daughters done wrongly by his king and a son, put down by the same man. The charges against Anne and Thomas seem blatantly untrue and their horrific deaths... well, enough said, I guess. Thank you for your continued work to help us understand another time and place.

[@idontwantachannel7542]

I very much appreciate your comments near the end about the real Thomas Boleyn, as opposed to the fictionalized version. I'm wondering if you might one day do a video about Frances Grey, who also has been unfairly vilified?

[@anneboleynfiles]

I'm sure I will when a date corresponds to her.

[@revitalsela4063]

Can you tell what is the relation between Mari bolleyn's children and current royal family?

[@anneboleynfiles]

See www.theanneboleynfiles.com/how-prince-william-and-prince-harry-descend-from-mary-boleyn/

[@edwardedward7974]

I've just seen the trial part of the TV broadcast ,it seems to show that Thomas Boleyn voted together with the rest of the jury to condem Anne .Is this what really happened ? If so I would go back to my original view of him ! If you have the time please let me know .

[@badmanshakif6216]

Yes thomas boleyn did vote with the rest of the jury to condemn anne

[@patriciapickett836]

Most interesting! I had not read/heard of the rumor concerning Lady Margaret Douglas (with the Lord Darnley connection, I think). I do wonder how often or even whether Thomas & Elizabeth were able to see their grandchild Elizabeth. She would have been old enough at his death to retain a memory of her grandfather if she saw him on a regular basis. Finally, I wonder whether Thomas would again have fallen from favor when Catherine Howard lost her head as queen? How many men are fathers of one beheaded queen and the uncle of another?

[@anneboleynfiles]

Elizabeth was set up in her own household away from court so probably didn't have much chance to see her grandparents even before her mother's fall. She was present at Edward VI's christening in 1537, though, so Thomas would have seen her there and I'd love to think that he could have had chance to hold her or talk to her.

[@patriciapickett836]

@@anneboleynfiles That IS a nice thought and I would hope that every aspect of such a special day would live in even such a young child's memory. Thanks so much for taking the time to respond! I watch every day and am enjoying your 'lectures.' Many events are familiar from past reading but you add interesting context...and many things are new! P.S. Hello to all the animals from my six rescue cats - love the photo bombs!

[@ladyflygirl]

This is the first time I haven't thought of Thomas as an evil man. It's hard when the fictitious movies/TV is what started my interest in the Tudors to begin with. Good to know the truth. 😁

[@grantrobbins68]

I love your videos I learn so much. I never knew that there was no standardized spelling in the past...if I would have known that I would have used it as a excuse when I was in school

[@h.calvert3165]

That's why Doctor Samuel Johnson's great dictionary was such a big deal. Think of it. Originally, most people were illiterate, so language was only used by them in speaking. It isn't until more people can read & write, & more children go to school, that you need to set down some rules & create standardization! 📜✒️📘

[@megmcguirt647]

Do you have any idea why Anne and George were not relocated to the chapel at Hever? Also, why was his other son who died in childhood not buried there?

[@franm.8343]

Once a person was executed for treason, their body became under the ownership of the Crown.

[@1sasafrat]

What's the noise like ppl going in and out the door

[@Slinkynuts]

Could Henry have restored Thomas to favour out of some sense of guilt?? Just wondering.

[@vickyrushton1783]

I wondered the very same thing

[@anneboleynfiles]

Perhaps so or perhaps it was just a case of him being able to separate Anne and Thomas in his head. Thomas had always served him loyally and was a gifted man, very useful.

[@MrGloryglorymanutd18]

I didn't think he was protrade very well in the Tudors or in the other boleyn girl.He was made to look power and money mad, but we don't know the real Thomas boleyn.Thank you for clearing that up for me because I always wondered was it done for drama.I just need to know about Ann Boleyn's uncle.

[@badmanshakif6216]

By her uncle are you referring to Thomas Howard,3rd Duke of Norfolk

[@anneboleyn4195]

Thomas must have been very brave

[@anneboleyn4195]

he worked very hard for his family

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

It’s interesting that he had plenty of money for a fancy memorial for himself, but nothing to support his destitute daughter, and last remaining child, Mary.

[@individualbusinesstaxprepc389]

My opinion is different. I think this is a non passionate view - a non people like view - you can only look at the facts, but we all know that people have more going on than facts! Also, it is a bit much to say that he didn't "pimp" his daughters. There is a TON of evidence that influential families did put someone forward to get more favor. I think it's wishful thinking to look at the facts without emotion... that, in and of itself, is insisting on a chosen emotion to lace the facts with ;) ...There's no way to present 'just the facts' as if there could just be the facts.. . Love your videos :)

[@gidzmobug2323]

Re Margaret Douglas: it was either a rumor, OR Henry VIII arranged the marriage. Thomas could not have married Margaret without Henry's permission.

[@anneboleynfiles]

No, but I haven't found any evidence that Henry was trying to arrange a marriage. Perhaps someone misheard some gossip, we just don't know, but the fact that it was passed on to Lady Lisle shows that Thomas was back in enough favour for it to be believed by some.

[@gidzmobug2323]

@@anneboleynfiles Margaret had been, as I recall, in trouble twice before for trying to arrange her own marriage.

[@anngreen3495]

Why didn't Hever pass onto Thomas' natural descendents?

[@anneboleynfiles]

It was seized by the Crown and then it was given to Anne of Cleves as part of her annulment settlement.

[@anngreen3495]

Thank you for getting back to me so quickly - I appreciate it. Yes, I knew it had been appropriated by the Crown, and I knew it had been given to Anne of Cleves. What I wanted to know was Why? Did Thomas die in great debt? I know Mary Boleyn was still alive. Was this the whim of the crown, superseding any right or law?

[@cassandrahyde5359]

No standardised spelling sounds like a dyslexics dream. I've often thought how dyslexics managed in high society during several historical periods, this being one of those times. But if spelling was so slack then life could have been easier than today.

[@Angel-nu7fm]

I love your history, Claire, but I can't share your sentiment re Thomas Boleyn. You may be showing him too much compassion - both his daughters handed over to Henry?

[@anneboleynfiles]

But he didn't hand them over to Henry. There's no evidence that he had anything to do with Henry having a relationship with them. The only thing he did was to encourage his children in their court careers. The pimp version of Thomas Boleyn is one of fiction.

[@Angel-nu7fm]

@@anneboleynfiles Thank you. I guess I thought a father in that era had more control over his unwed daughters. I would think he'd send them away, especially if Henry showed interest in Anne after what happened with Mary. Anyway, as a true history buff, I LOVE your channel!

[@anneboleynfiles]

@@Angel-nu7fm Anne retreated to Hever when Henry noticed her but it didn't stop the king. Thank you!

[@letreyus6108]

I'm sure the family is cursed perhaps it came from Thomas? I've lived in he'll and I'm a direct descendant.

[@loditx7706]

What is that repeating and distracting tapping in the background? P.S. I didn't like Thomas Boleyn. He might not have whored his daughters, but once they caught the king's eye he obtained honors that he had not previously and probably would not have. You mention how he had to put aside his feelings for the sake of his remaining family, in particular Mary and her children. So could you share with us what he accomplished, specifically for Mary and her children, upon his return to favor? Because it does not seem to me it was much. Also, you do not mention, what was his cause of death.

[@anneboleynfiles]

Sorry, it's our roof expanding as the sun hits it. Our house is never silent, as it's 300 years old and so creaks and groans. Just because he received honours that he hadn't had previously, it doesn't figure that they were just because of his daughters. Many men who were loyal servants like him were rewarded. Henry VIII was very generous to those who were loyal and close to him. Thomas Boleyn was a trusted and important diplomat, a man with a real gift for languages who was very useful to the king. He'd started his rise in Henry VII's reign, escorting Margaret Tudor to Scotland, and simply carried on this rise in Henry VIII's reign. He was picked to negotiate with Margaret of Austria and the Empire in 1512, a huge responsibility and a huge honour. See www.theanneboleynfiles.com/remembering-the-real-thomas-boleyn/ for a rundown of his career. I'm not sure whether you have read Mary Boleyn's postmortem inquisition, which was taken at her death, but it lists the many properties and assets that she had, all inherited from her father and her paternal grandmother, who both died in 1539. He was able to pass those on successfully to her because he remained in favour. Unfortunately, Mary didn't actually receive them until May 1543, just two months before her death in July 1543 so she couldn't make much use of them, but they were inherited by her heir, Henry Carey. Here is a snippet from the postmortem inquisition: "property including manors of High Roding, Great Holland, Leigh, Wakering, Hawkwell, Doggetts [in Rochford], East Hall and South Hall [in Paglesham], Foulness, manor or barony of Rochford, lands called Southwick, Eastwick, Ormondeswick, Arundels Marsh, Monkebarne [Monkton Barn], Rugworth [Rugwood], and Nasewick, all in Foulness, and tillat in Walattis alias Tylforde in Watys [Tillettsmarsh in detached part of parish of Great Stambridge on Wallasea Island]". His cause of death is not known.