Dr Kat and the Traces of Anne Boleyn

Going in search of the traces of Anne Boleyn - how many seem plausible to you?
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Intro / Outro song: Silent Partner, "Greenery" [ • Greenery - Silent Part... ]
Images:
T-shirt: www.redbubble....
Underwear: www.etsy.com/u...
Necklace: www.amazon.com...
Miniature whistle pendant and cosmetic tools (1525-1530). By family tradition, Henry VIII’s first gift to Anne Boleyn. Held by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
Portrait of Anne Boleyn by an unknown English artist (late 16th century, based on a work of circa 1533-1536). Held by the National Portrait Gallery, London.
Portrait of Mary Tudor and Charles Brandon to celebrate their wedding, attributed to Jan Gossaert (circa 1516). Held in the collection of the Earl of Yarborough; Brocklesby Park, Lincolnshire.
Illuminated pages, two with manual annotations by Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, from the Book of Hours, Use of Sarum (''Anne Boleyn's Book of Hours'') (c.1500). Held by the British Library, Kings MS 9.
Illumination showing Henry VIII in miniature and the worked gilt covers with clasp and girdle loops from John Croke’s translation of the Psalms into English verse (a girdle book) (c. 1540). Held by the British Library, Stowe 956.
Bedhead said to belong to Anne Boleyn at her family home of Hever Castle, Kent. www.hevercastl...
The “Boleyn Cup” (c.1535). Held by St John the Baptist Church, Cirencester. Image from www.britainexp...
William Powell Frith’s painting of King Henry and Anne Boleyn deer shooting in Windsor Forest (1903). Held in a private collection, image from Wikimedia Commons.
“Anne Boleyn Clock” (1530-1870?). Held by the Royal Collection Trust.
Purse; crimson velvet; in the shape of a powder flask, with stiffened centre padded with horsehair; a drawstring pouch on each side and silver braid round edge (16th century (?)). Labelled: 'Given by Henry VIII to Anne Bullyne'. Held by the British Museum.
Obverse and inverse of the lead medal intended to celebrate the coronation of Anne Boleyn (1534). Held by the British Museum.
Hans Holbein’s designs commissioned by Anne Boleyn for a cup and table fountain. Drawings held by the Kunstmuseum Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Photograph showing the entwined initials of Henry and Anne in the screen of the Great Hall at Hampton Court Palace.
Falcon badge graffiti in the Beauchamp Tower at the Tower of London. Image hosted at onthetudortrail...
Exterior of the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, containing the burial site and gravemarker of Anne Boleyn (2016). Photograph taken by Michael Coppins, from Wikimedia Commons.
The “Chequers Ring”, locket ring belonging to Elizabeth I (c. mid-1570s). Held at Chequers.
Quoted texts:
Transcription of Henry VIII’s love letters to Anne Boleyn - michelemorrica...

[@vitr1960]

Get this woman a TV show! @BBC #BBC

[@kathyeubanks5524]

Vit R Hear, hear!

[@birdyfilovingheart6365]

Too good for that corrupt corporation!

[@cotybare9720]

I agree. Anyone would be lucky to have her as an addition to the family.

[@johnchristopher20]

The BBC would ruin it.

[@beverlyfletcher4458]

I love the idea of Elizabeth wearing a ring with the image of her mother. So, so sad.

[@MsLJK85]

Anne's commission for a rosewater hand fountain for the banquet table is luxurious and practical-- I like it as a clue to her style as queen.

[@tootieq6527]

Nothing says “LOVE YA GURL!” better, than an earwax scoop.

[@carolinewithers531]

Well, everyone needs one sometime or other. This was a personal item from the king, so I assume he used it, therefore I guess it was precious to her.

[@1976mcfarlane]

Hahahaha!!

[@thewavewitch3238]

😂😂

[@cotybare9720]

Practicality is King... or was the King...

[@averybell4273]

Its the equivalent of getting a spa kit today. :)

[@mariafury1047]

Henry and Katherine’s marriage was not perfectly good once he knew she would never bear him a son. If he had not divorced her to marry Anne, he would have divorced her for someone else.

[@julieletford5695]

I guess men didn't know in those days that they are the ones that determine the sex.

[@SR-iy4gg]

@@julieletford5695 Yeah. That wasn't discovered until about 1905.

[@EnglishVirgo]

@@julieletford5695 There are still a vast amount of men that still dont know that.

[@LilyGarden528]

I think it's the way Anne and her family boldly perused the king that gives her a bad name.

[@veenapaulson4934]

Some say Katherine was slowly poisoned. Her body was swollen with patches of black. Her dying wish was to see Henry one more time. He did not grant her wish.

[@kelliknackmuhs2546]

Elizabeth’s ring. I know she loved Catherine Parr but Anne was her mother. I would think, as she got older and became Queen herself, she would have missed her mother, and based on what she went through understood there was more to her mother’s story and needed her close. Such a sweet and tender reminder!

[@whatsupdoc1075]

The ring is amazing. I had heard of it, but never seen it. Thank you for sharing!

[@tonistark4169]

DanvilleGuy yes that was a beautiful ring so intricately made plus the symbolism behind it!

[@sassytbc7923]

I have heard of the ring that Elizabeth is said to have worn many many times. I have heard that she wore It quite a lot. I don’t know anything specific, but I truly like to believe that it is Anne...and that Elizabeth did love her mother.

[@ironsnowflake1076]

Simply gorgeous, had to get out my 🔎 to really study it.... _amazing_

[@shesaknitter]

I have seen images of the portraits in the ring, but not the whole ring. We may never know for sure, but I really think that was her mother.

[@barbaragarcia6396]

I believe that the portrait of the women with the B necklace is not Anne because it does not match her description of the long neck, wide mouth and very dark hair. Also, I think that Elizabeth’s locket contains the picture of her mother, Anne

[@auntkaz422]

I'm thinking it is Anne in the locker ring. I imagine Elizabeth always wondered about (and missed) her mother. Anne did not want to leave her, she was forcibly taken from her by her tyrant of a father... Perhaps she had an artist who knew her mother do the tiny portrait. Either way, I could see her wanting a remembrance if her mother close at hand.

[@laurencharley1545]

She’s always been my favourite out of Henry’s wives, I’ve never been sure why I was just drawn to her straight away when I first learned about the Tudors.

[@sheriking4041]

Love the locket ring, I do think the mystery lady is Anne

[@carolinewithers531]

@cubomania3 She was close to Katherine Parr too.

[@stephanieking4444]

@@carolinewithers531 true, but the 'mystery lady' is dressed in the fashion of the early 1530s. Not the time when Elizabeth and Katherine Parr were close.

[@jkern64]

I agree

[@amandadunn1238]

I think if Elizabeth was to wear a portrait it would be of her mother. Elizabeth was extremely intelligent so she had to know her Mother didn't deserve death. I think she used the memory of her Mother as a warning to her how dangerous a man with great power can be. She never married and never gave a man power over her or her nation. It's so sad she didn't get to know her Mother.

[@brendagreen6943]

To bad Holbein wasn't around during this time!! I'd really like to see what she looked like!!

[@maggieweimar4693]

The idea that Elizabeth wore a ring secretly with her mother’s portrait, helps me imagine the inner strength she had to find in a position that her father used to end her mother’s life. My heart very much likes the idea the portrait is her mother

[@skwervin1]

The ring to me is something a daughter would wear - she owes her life to her mother, I honestly think that her mums behaviour, particularly on the scaffold, secured her survival and not her banishment and/or death by "misfortune" as a bastard child. She would have been old enough to remember how her mother looked and would have been able to either draw enough or supply enough detail for such a small token. It is through her mother, and her sacrifice, that she is Queen.

[@leanie5234]

Sadly, children do not form visual memories at 2 and a half years of age. What do YOU remember from that age ?

[@skwervin1]

@@leanie5234 I remember playing on the floor with a tin of coins with my sister, I remember moving home and sitting in the back of the car and my dad yelling at mum to stop yapping with the neighbour and get in the bloody car, I remember our going to get fish and chips and coming home to find the gate open and our dog gone.... also I am autistic and have ADHD and have an excellent visual memory and being 56.... I still clearly remember lectures etc from the 80's including the clothes people were wearing.

[@julieblackstock8650]

I think you are the only person who has ever identified the famous B necklace portrait as possibly being Mary Duchess of Suffolk, wife of Brandon. That is certainly food for thought.

[@diannameadows142]

Thank you so much for all the information about the Tudors. There have been so many fables we have been told and we are so lucky that you have done the digging to find the truth .

[@beverlyfletcher4458]

Yes, certainly interesting. Have we been wrong all these years?

[@elizabethtrudgill3567]

I always found it strange that Ann Boleyn would wear a B necklace instead of an A for Ann. If it was another lady wearing her husband's initial that would make more sense. Unless it was customary for wealthy women to wear their family initial then who knows.

[@ZVG814]

But the picture shows Elizabeths nose

[@julieblackstock8650]

@@ZVG814 which she would have got from her father Henry,, and Duchess of Brandon was his Sister hence the likeness

[@johexxkitten]

I have a replica ring, supposed to be a ring presented from HVIII to AB when he was courting her in France. It’s a silver ring bearing the words “vous et nul autre”. I’ve always had somewhat of a soft spot for Anne, so the irony of that phrase upon a gift from Henry to Anne... when it should more likely be “you until I’m bored or you fail your purpose”

[@lizardcameron66]

I just discovered you today while I was at work. Thank you for making my life a little bit better. I'm adhd and my boss understands enough to let me listen to KZbin while I'm doing the cleaning part of my job. History helps me focus and your channel is a minor miracle for me. Thank you so much. You literally help keep me focused.

[@DeidreL9]

The ring speaks to me so much, as a lady’s thing, a secret thing…and it’s just beautiful that flowers are delivered to Anne Boleyn’s resting place each year. ❤️

[@bradydomann3102]

Been moderately obsessed with Anne Boleyn since elementary school, when I read the Young Royals series. Specifically “Doomed Queen Anne”. Not terribly historically accurate, but sparked my curiosity to learn more.

[@emmonstrex65]

Never knew about the ring- actually teared up, a visceral response. Thank you for a wonderful video.

[@scarymonsterzz]

Anne Boleyn was such a fascinating woman. It’s so sad to me that so few of her images survived after her fall. So tragic.

[@patriciahayes2664]

It shows how much Henry wanted to rid himself of any memories of her, just as he wanted to rid himself of any memories of her cousin, Catherine Howard. 🤔

[@maggiesmith856]

If Anne Boleyn had very dark brown hair, just one shade lighter than black, it could have auburn highlights when the light hit it. I have known people like that.

[@realityslidersmandelaeffec6594]

Me...my hair was like that...now I am left with just my dark hair

[@ReadingthePast]

Very true, my hair can look almost red in the sun.

[@realityslidersmandelaeffec6594]

@@ReadingthePast mine used to but I lost the auburn multi tones and I am left with just the dark now. I AM nearly 55 with dark brown hair so I'm not complaining

[@clare5one]

That is exactly the colour of my hair. It is off-black, but has auburn highlights in the bright sunlight.

[@danaglabeman6919]

So given how fantastic the Scropes portrait of young Elizabeth is, I feel it's likely that bright red shade was her true hair color. You usually only get bright red like that from both parents giving you a red gene. That's why I'm firmly convinced Anne's real hair color was a dark auburn or chestnut. I think that one, the portrait we have is a cheap, quick, bad copy of a much better one with beautifully painted hair, and two, that red pigment cells dont live as long. My own hair was copper bright when I was little and now is just barely auburn. By her thirties, when the original would have been painted, she may have lost her color.

[@cwhite5015]

“I love you. Now clean your ears.” Lol. I would love to sit in on one of your lectures. I’ve gleaned so much from your videos. Further, they get me thinking and questioning. Just wonderful videos.

[@daughteroftime8047]

Thank you for putting all of this together! I'm familiar with most of the items on the list, but I love how you've compiled it with explanations, providence etc. I have to say, if the famous "B" necklace was found to represent Brandon rather than Boleyn a lot of people would be devastated. But looking at the image of Mary Tudor/Brandon, I've often wondered if the famous Anne portrait was her rather than Anne because the resemblance is uncanny. But perhaps thats because the portrait of Anne was from memory and memories are very unreliable. It gives me hope that the necklace was indeed Anne's! Great video. Thank you for posting!

[@ReadingthePast]

Thank you, I'm pleased you liked the video. I agree, it would be really sad if we did have to give up that portrait as being one of Anne Boleyn.

[@leanie9660]

Yes, just as the most accepted portrait of Katherine Howard could no (must not) actually be of her. Looks more like Jane Seymour. I once cut and pasted all of the pictures of wives and other Tudor women, and concluded that they all looked the same. Either the painter had only one style, or (more likely) they were not as diverse a group as thought

[@graphiquejack]

I think the NPG painting of Anne is likely to be her, but painted during Elizabeth's reign. If you look at portraits of mother and daughter, they look uncannily similar. Perhaps the artist not knowing what Anne actually looked like modeled her after her daughter? There is also a painting that has been recently discovered where the sitter is labelled as Anne Boleyn when she was 14. The similarity in clothing to this portrait of a teen-aged Anne and the NGB portrait are nearly identical, as is the pose (which curiously is also similar to the Mona Lisa, which Anne may have seen when she was living at the French court). I think it's possible that with so few portraits of Anne available, artists would have used any source materials they could have gotten their hands on. As for the 'B' pendant, if this was based on a surviving painting of Anne that is now lost to us, I think it's more likely an original would have been painted before Henry married Anne. If it was after she was queen, why would Anne still be using a B as an initial when A or AR would have been more appropriate? In regards to her appearance, the NPG portrait does show a woman with a very long neck and dark eyes (not so convinced of a wide mouth, though). Finally, the question of her hair colour... I've read that her hair was more frequently described as brunette or auburn than very dark brown or black in her lifetime, and that later critics of her gave her a more 'witch'-like appearance by describing her hair as black. The NPG portrait is, in my opinion, almost certainly 'her', but is an artist's recreation of her based on any portraits that may have survived and what her daughter looked like.

[@danaglabeman6919]

The original famous portrait all those are based off is clearly labeled "Anne, wife of Henry VIII," but...Mary and Anne do seem to look an awful lot alike, as do Catherine of Aragon and Elizabeth of York. I think that says alot about Henry psychologically. I think we can call it a fairly good likeness because I believe either A) the painter was copying a from life portrait we've now lost, probably a Holbein, or B) the painter, being very well aware of what both Elizabeth and Henry looked like, filled in the face with Elizabeth's features that were definately not Henry's. But the stiff style, no background, bad draughtsmanship and clear labeling make me think it's one of those quick, bad copies of a master portrait designed to be distributed to the middle classes, like the cheap copies made of Elizabeth's "official" portraits.

[@tonytunbridge6275]

@@graphiquejack " If it was after she was queen, why would Anne still be using a B as an initial when A or AR would have been more appropriate". She wasn't "Anne R" (Regina). Regina is only used by Queens who rule in their own right, not women who are just the wives of a ruling King. I don't know about the other wives, but Anne continued to use the name Boleyn, sometimes spelled "Bullen" after marriage and Kathryn Parr used to sign documents as KP after marriage to Henry. In a famous letter she wrote to Henry from the Tower of London on 6 May 1536 she signed herself as "Your most loyal and every faithful wife, Anne Bullen".

[@happycat9577]

I absolutely loved this video. I was fascinated to learn about all of the objects and letters associated with Anne Boleyn, but I think my favorite is the unidentified woman pictured opposite Elizabeth inside the ring. There is something very touching about the idea of Elizabeth secretly cherishing her dead mother, and holding her close in the only way she could.

[@LeslieSunshine17]

Loved, Loved, Loved this video. I'm an AB fanatic for over 40 years now. I was 11 years old when I happened to walk into my Mom's living room where she was watching Anne of the Thousand Days on the console TV! That was it! I had to find every book I could, and then movies, and then we had the internet! Lol. Thank you for sharing all the great and accurate information.

[@nobodysbaby5048]

"God help me, the king is mad."

[@sian2337]

Anne Boleyn is top of my list of people I'd love to meet from history. Her story is so sad and I just find her fascinating. I had no idea there were doubts about her portrait though.

[@sarahholland1375]

Elizabeth I has a portrait wearing the same B pendant, with a pale gold dress . I've never read anything saying she was ever close to her aunt, so I'd guess it was Anne's & left to her after Anne was executed. .

[@plantagenetsurvivor8771]

Sarah holland - Daughter.

[@danaglabeman6919]

@@plantagenetsurvivor8771 No ma'am she was right the first time She was referring to the improbability of Elizabeth's aunt, Mary Brandon, leaving the necklace to her, if it was indeed Mary's.

[@danaglabeman6919]

In strong support of your point is the fact that Mary Brandon died 4 months before Elizabeth was born. She didnt know she existed to leave it to her.

[@SR-iy4gg]

@@plantagenetsurvivor8771 No

[@amandakay0429]

I think you’re thinking of her possibly wearing the “A” necklace... onthetudortrail.com/Blog/2012/08/05/anne-boleyns-jewellery-and-the-princess-elizabeth/

[@tsavina62]

Considering Henry's cruelty to Catherine and Mary and his desperation of a male heir, I could see in his rage with Anne the possibility of him having any portraits of Anne destroyed. It does make sense that the "portrait" of Anne is actually his sister.

[@brontewcat]

If the portrait had been painted in the 1930s, yes. But the portrait is from when her daughter was on the throne. It makes more sense for her daughter to have wanted her mother painted, rather than her aunt.

[@raceystacey7945]

Her death was so shocking because she was the first Queen in English history to be executed.

[@christinelachance8012]

Racey Stacey ...Anne was no longer Queen when Henry had her put to death!

[@michaelserfort8128]

Am I the only one who thinks of the executed men who lost their lives in connection with this court case ? Are they all forgotten ? I always have to think of this poor souls when this story comes up...

[@carolliubicich8222]

Queen Elizabeth and Anne Are my favorites as women In history. Thank you

[@rycoli]

Thank you for bringing these treasure traces to light.

[@qiuwbr091]

I’m guessing about 50-60% of the English population in the era of Anne Boleyn cleaned their finger nails with items like crude house nails or other very common items like corn brooms. Or something second hand. That manicure set must have made her feel extremely spoiled.

[@gwennvorsaga3576]

I am quite pleased that through the covid crisis I was fortunate enough to have found your channel! Brilliant! No background music.... hooray. Thank you so much for that. No disturbances of sounds backdrops and all the rest of the annoying things found on youtube. I am completely satisfied with your wonderfully soothing voice and your intelligent delivery. Your voice is all the music anyone could want and your research, content, topics, and presentation speak volumes.... I have been binge watching since I discovered you Dr. Kat and I will continue to do so in the future. Thank You So Much.

[@rebeccabeard384]

Thank you Dr. Kat so very much. In 1979 I went to Schiller College, Wickham Court, West Wickham, Kent. Henry VIII proposed to Anne Boleyn in the Courtyard. They had much fun in the castle where I lived and studied.

[@juliechi6166]

That is so cool!!!

[@briannadickson8117]

You went from 20,000 to 60,000! So happy for you!

[@amywebb4586]

As someone who lost their own mother as a child I love the idea of Elizabeth wearing the ring as just a momento mori. The one piece that has always fascinated me was the "B" necklace. I would love to know if it ever truly existed, and if it did, what happened to it? It's just such an iconic piece and the only evidence we have of it is in the reproduction of a painting in the National Portrait Gallery.

[@joscarsimmons4210]

Dr Kat , I am an AFRICAN American who is absolutely in love with Tudor Royalty especially Eizabeth I . Can you possibly explore if any Africans interacted or worked in a Tudor Royal house hold . My research shows that some Africans did live in London but Elizabeth ask to send them back to where they came from thinking they were the cause disease that began to break out in the country .

[@shesaknitter]

Hi! I am an African American Tudor history fan, too! Here is a book that I learned about some years ago. I was working as a librarian so was able to get my hands on a copy of it, briefly. It is kind of expensive so I don't have my own copy yet, but it's on my list. In case you have not seen it, or don't know of it, here is a link to more information about the book: www.amazon.com/Blackamoores-Africans-England-Presence-Origins/dp/0953318214

[@cplmpcocptcl6306]

This interests me also. Thanks for the link.

[@CairistionaO]

Hi, a bit late, Henry VIII payed a black trumpeter by the name of John Blanke. An illustration of him appears on the “Westminster Tournament Roll.” He has his own wiki page too. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Blanke

[@joscarsimmons4210]

Cairistiona O’Loughlin THANK YOU !! 🙏🏽🙏🏽✊🏾🖤

[@joscarsimmons4210]

Dani Stark YES it is ! The King James Bible used all over the world especially in African American Churches today. Many of us congregants don’t even know how this version came about existing . #KingJames

[@melissacavanagh9662]

I just visited The Tower for the first time last month. It was an amazing, moving experience. Even though so much was still not accessible and the closest we got to Anne's burial place was the fencing that runs around the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, it was still incredible. It was such a moving and emotional experience to stand just yards from where her bones rest, look around, and consider how she might have felt that last morning of her life--and all of the days she spent in The Tower after her arrest. I was really glad I had watched this video before going there; definitely helped enhance the visit. Thank you!

[@alexlefay]

OMG, the return of the pretty duckies. I will never rest in peace again.

[@tonistark4169]

I’m so glad I found your videos and love commenting on them. What you do in less than 30 minutes provides a much more vast “visual picture” of Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I, Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII other wives, and Mary Queen of Scots in all your videos than ANY other videos I’ve seen on the aforementioned subjects. Much more information, pictures of memorabilia and brings to life the historical figures you speak of. Your information is succinct, detailed and historically accurate as much as ANY historian out there. This period of historical importance is literally brought to life (such as that bit of information about the jewelry etc. and never before seen or talked about in any other historians pages). I find it rather odd for lack of a better word, that chaste Jane Seymour, Henry’s favorite wife whom he’s buried beside, married him within a week of Anne’s death! You’d think that her “piety” and grace would prevent her from “grabbing the title of Queen” so soon after Anne was put to death. I find it also strange that KNOWING what happened to Anne, wife #2, she’d go running for the hills. I guess no matter WHAT happened to your predecessor, it was an “honor” to be his Queen 👸 Had she not died soon after childbirth, he’d have found a way to dispose of her too! However, then again, I’m sure NO ONE said NO to Henry VIII.

[@ReadingthePast]

Thank you so much, your supportive comments are such a lovely boost! I agree - the picture of demure, plain, meek, obedient Jane seems to ignore her serenity while essentially walking through her former mistresses blood on her way to sit on her throne! Sure, Anne Boleyn was the calculated and cruel schemer *eyeroll*!

[@tonistark4169]

Reading the Past you’re most certainly welcome!! I LOVE your channel! Yessss, how lovely of sweet Jane to step over the dead body of Anne Boleyn on her way to ascend to the throne. I don’t think she perhaps had much choice as her Father and Brother Edward Seymour were the ones basically pimping out their daughters like Jane to ascend to power themselves much like Thomas Boleyn! That fool not only had to know that Anne and George were beheaded for HIS crimes climbing over the dead first wife, Catherine of Aragon, to shove his daughters both in front of Henry. I don’t think the Seymours were that different! Daughters were used for political gain and wealth of the men in those families and many others. To earn the “favor of the King” was to line your pockets with gold...but at what price???

[@hogwashmcturnip8930]

@@tonistark4169 I think Jane was actually the most duplicitous of the lot, aided and abetted by her unscrupulous family. I think Anne did genuinely try to fend Henry off, especially with the marriage or nothing stance, but when she realised he was actually prepared to go for it the game changed. Jane just basically followed her lead. I have always wondered what would have happened if she had lived. She would have bored Henry witless in no time, but he would have been stuck with her, as mother of his heir. All I can see is a loveless relationship (if love was even a consideration in the machinations) and an endless string of mistresses that she would have had to tolerate, like Katherine before her.

[@tonistark4169]

Hogwash McTurnip i agree wholeheartedly. Jane was a “dupe” used by her duplicitous, greedy Father and Brother for wealth and position. Henry called her his “great love”, was buried by her all because she gave him a son. His “love” seemed to be tied up in the wives ability to give him a son above all else proving his “virility”. Little did they know in that time period it was really Henry’s fault as the male’s DNA determines the sex of the child. So who was the fool then and so many women died either in childbirth or other medical issues. I do think Jane was cheated on whilst pregnant if not during their short marriage. That was his M.O. I don’t think Henry was capable of love; only the desire to sire a male heir. You make great points!

[@tosinakin2508]

No doubt the entire picture we've been painted of Jane is a farce. Although I wouldn't say she was herself totally unscrupulous, I am sure that her image was heavily skewed by the rose-tinted glasses that Henry had. Indeed, his great love and respect for her was likely due to her untimely demise and status as mother to his only son. Not only did she not live long enough to grate on his nerves, but she also died in childbirth less than two years after their marriage. She was the ideal wife. No matter her true personality, Henry would have extolled her great virtues for all his days. Besides all that, let us not forget that she married Henry ON THE DAY OF ANNE'S EXECUTION. In spite of her supposed great purity and devotion to the Catholic faith, she was definitely one of his mistresses before she got the crown.

[@christophermooreworx4913]

Fascinating. Dr. Kat's scholarship is a welcome revision of the perceived wisdom about Henry and the 6 wives, or "the real housewives of hampton court" as I call them . What strikes me about the locket ring likeness is how similar it is to one of the Catharine Howard portraits which would make sense, given that thry were cousins.

[@angelakyle4838]

Personally I don’t think she was a vixen, or particularly a marriage wrecker OR a victim. I think maybe she was all three. Multilayered. I think that she played a dangerous game and lost, as she was bound to, considering the kind of man Henry was.

[@ReadingthePast]

I agree, I try to show the complexity of people and situations in my discussions.

[@angelakyle4838]

Reading the Past: thank you for your reply. I really do like your presentations - not only do you know your subject and deliver it in an intelligent non patronising way but also you are welcoming and friendly in your delivery . And give us some really thought provoking theories. Thank you 😊

[@ReadingthePast]

@@angelakyle4838 Very kind of you to say, thank you ever so much!

[@BJones-yw4dd]

We should remember not to judge Anne B according to 21st C societal morals and misogyny. She had no hindsight as we do as to what might happen if she did thus and so, and any surmising about "game playing" forgets that women in those times were still at the mercy of the men around them. How do you say No to your king? She left court, reportedly to avoid H VIII's clutches but had to go back. So labeling a woman tossed around by circumstances and not personal choices is unfair in my view.

[@YT4Me57]

Agreed.

[@themoreyouknow-anthonylega6560]

FASCINATING! I've always found Anne Boleyn (aside from Elizabeth I) to be so unique, especially looking at these figures in the context of the Tudor mindset. As you brought up earlier...is she a villain or a victim? I personally think she did the best she could during a time when women had no rights, and a kings word (especially Henry's) was literally the law of the land. I still hope that one day, her lost letters may be uncovered.

[@JAV619]

On a bit of a Dr Kat binge today. I love this channel! And yes Dr. Kat should have her own show!

[@samanthafordyce5795]

Thanks for showing that beautiful ring. I had not heard of it before, but it is truly splendid. I agree that the other portrait is more likely to be Anne Boleyn than anyone else.

[@shesaknitter]

Dr. Kat, this video was fantastic. Just fascinating! I am a high school instructional assistant (my retirement job...I am a retired librarian) in two history classes and the teacher and I were having almost daily side chat/history geek offs before school had to be closed temporarily for the pandemic. I have shared your channel with him. I am thrilled to have so much time to learn and he will be, too, I'm sure! I just discovered you and thank you so much for all of your research and for sharing your findings. I am thrilled that there are many of your videos that I will be watching to get caught up!

[@tlpricescope7772]

The Nidd Hall portrait was scientifically determined to be the same likeness on the “Moost Happi” medal, so for me, that portrait is Anne Boleyn. The sitter also bears a striking resemblance to Elizabeth I.

[@emaarts2997]

I just cannot understand why King Henry didn't give Anne more time to bear him a son. He was married 20 years to his first wife, why did he become so impatient? I know there was another woman on his mind, but to actually kill her so he could be free? I don't believe in the infidelities, she claimed innocence till the moment she was killed. She didn't deserve it.

[@laurencharley1545]

EMA Arts I’ve always wondered this, especially as Anne’s 20’s were wasted waiting for him but I suppose that wouldn’t have been considered then potentially 🤷🏼‍♀️ I think that because he waited for so long with Katherine he just simply became impatient and wanted rid of her.

[@ReadingthePast]

Perhaps, if he had convinced himself that KoA miscarriages were proof of God's displeasure, Anne's own troubles may have shortened his patience? Maybe he had just been made aware of the reach of his powers?

[@emaarts2997]

@@ReadingthePast Thank you for your thoughts! I still shake my head. I wonder if he had accepted the will of God in his life he might have still been married to KoA when she died then married who he wanted at that point and gotten his heir. No drama. But then he would have had to have been a completely different person.

[@EH23831]

I think he just got bored of her after he got her... she kept him waiting and wanting her for so long, that when he finally got her, the thrill was gone. He didn’t need much of an excuse... I think the whole wanting an heir excuse was him justifying his behaviour (to himself) He was just a randy narcissist who wanted what he wanted...

[@ahavens2463]

Henry VIII was a morally bankruptcy scoundrel obsessed with power.

[@redheadrapunzel6088]

I believe the ring portrait is Anne. I think Elizabeth loved her mother and this ring was a touchable homage to her.

[@tammyz7689]

I have never subscribed to a channel so fast (other than Claire Ridgeway). You are a gifted narrator and capture an audience like few others can. I am so loving binge watching your channel ❤️. Thank you for your devotion to this wonderful channel.

[@amandapittar9398]

I have been binge watching your videos. You are just wonderful. I’m not sure which is your “time period” as a historian, but you certainly bring Tudor people to life. I have a life long love of History, an MA in the subject and a postgraduate qualification. Even after years of study, I read history books and biographies for pleasure. I enjoy your presentation of the subjects - as well as the way you bring up different point of views for us to ponder. Personally I believe Anne played a dangerous game. She was a Howard, trained and educated from birth to forward her family. I very much doubt her family would have relinquished control of her whilst Henry was wooing her. Her sister had been his mistress and given him a son, and they maybe decided to play the game a “new” way. For Anne’s part , I also think she may have seen herself as a reformer - perhaps as a public one, to gain a following maybe? I think she was dismayed at the way the reformation was being conducted by Cromwell, and this was their silent quarrel. Do you think she maybe thought of herself as a partner Queen rather than mere woman? The long and intense courtship may have led her to believe that she and Henry were interdependent as rulers, that he would look to her first in matters of faith rather than Cromwell. At least as a sounding board. Maybe there were three in the marriage and one had to go? Henry was never the same after he had that accident where he was unconscious for some time. I agree with one of the other contributors- how wonderful it would be to scan her skull and recreate her image, we could then gaze upon the face that changed history. Elizabeth I was the product of two extraordinary people in their prime. If they had married earlier, with less stress & anxiety, who knows what other brilliant offspring they may have had?

[@DJ-mr6um]

I just had a moment of gratitude for you - I've loved history forever and never had any place like this as a kid/teenager/YA. You're inspiring everyone on KZbin! ❤

[@ReadingthePast]

Thank you so much! This is such a lovely thing to read 🥰

[@FanFicnic]

I love looking at the sketches Holbein did for jewelry for them.

[@dawnshaw6969]

I just love this channel! Thank you Dr. Kat , god bless you and yours ❤️

[@bellarose8511]

That ring is sooooo cool! Who else would Elizabeth 1 share such personal space in a locket than her own queen mother? It’s Anne.

[@harrietlyall1991]

Very interesting and informative, with many objects not usually seen. Thank you.

[@alisonpickard5280]

Dr Kat - just a suggestion.....have you thought of underlining the Tudor words as you read them? I know it would have helped me to follow along with the different spellings. Hope you find this helpful. Alison from Canada

[@ReadingthePast]

I can certainly give that a try, I'll look to see if there's a way to do that in my editing software (I'm learning as I go)

[@dolphineachonga812]

She certainly appealed to his romantic sensibilities.

[@lindaswitzer2550]

Thank you. We need to get you on BBCA. You are a font of information and common sense. You are awesome!!!

[@juliewilson3237]

I’m very interested in all things Tudor , especially Anne Boleyn . The ring that Elizabeth wore , Ive seen before , which I find fascinating. I believe is most likely of her mothers portrait . As Elizabeth publicly adored her father , it seems likely that she would have mixed feelings for her mother and wanted to remember her , even if it done privately . Loving all your videos , keep up the great work .

[@lynnedelacy2841]

An interesting point I hadn’t thought of - that Annes portraits are likely to have been destroyed after her death - a likely representation of history being written by the victors

[@maddiedoesntkno]

I can’t fathom how they painted the portraits in that ring! I do some tiny work but that’s incredible

[@helkatww3992]

I have always hoped that someone would one day compile a guide of things reputedly connected to Anne Boleyn, so thank you, Dr Kat for doing this video! I think I remember hearing about a comb that was supposed to have belonged to her as well, have you heard anything similar? Once again, this video is brilliant...thanks so much!

[@katyharper3546]

I am happy to know some things are left from Queen Anne's short reign. Not sure why we all are so drawn to her.

[@esperanzamoreno4749]

Beautiful presentation. So thrilled to see something new about Ms Boleyn. Thank you for your dedication to English Royal Artifacts.

[@jamiemccombs781]

I'm obsessed with Tudor history, especially anne

[@anyahanley6698]

thank you for sharing this . It was excellent. Well done !

[@annalisette5897]

Discussion of portraits of Anne Boleyn is an interesting subject which included portraits of her daughter Elizabeth. How true are any of these? Many portraits of Elizabeth show a long face and prominent chin. Some show a rounder face. I think it was in Antonia Fraser's biography of Mary Queen of Scots that there was a picture purported to be of the death masks of Mary and Elizabeth. I think measurements were also given. While Mary was sometimes depicted with a round, delicate face, we know from the Clouet drawing and many other portraits that she had a large, strong face which also shows in her son James I & VI. Mary's death mask shows the same sort of face. Elizabeth's mask shows a round face, smaller in comparison to Mary's. Whatever the truth, some art experts have suggested that many of Elizabeth's portraits combine her mother's features with her own, in an homage to Anne. Interesting thought. There must be some accurate portraits of Anne in private collections or something. Maybe one will surface someday. That terrible lead token implies a large nosed woman with a masculine face. I always found that thing peculiar and disturbing. I don't see how the picture in the Checkers ring could possibly be Anne. The young woman in that miniature appears blonde and pretty in traditional Tudor fashion. This video has the first good, clear, close-up pictures I have ever seen of that ring. I am surprised by the crudity of the gold work. I think the jewellery craft was far beyond that at the time.

[@ReadingthePast]

I certainly hope that there are lost portraits of Anne that may come to light at some point! A quick clarification on the medal's nose (which I should have mentioned in the video) - it has been disfigured. I wonder if that was deliberate?

[@danaglabeman6919]

Sometimes a portrait will just strike you, and your gut tells you it's accurate. Go look at the portrait of Elizabeth by Quentin Metsys, painted when she was 50. It's almost better than a Holbein. After so many unrealistic, impersonal paintings of her, the first time I saw that one, it smacked me over the head with a strong "Aha, there she is!" moment. If you're like me, when you see it you just KNOW it's really her. No one can give that much soul to a face and not be accurate.

[@annalisette5897]

@@ReadingthePast Lead is very soft. I wonder why they used lead? A lot seems to be wrong with that medal. Even though the nose is marred, it gives the impression the original nose was very large. Altogether Anne appears quite masculine. So we could wonder if this was truly a commemorative medal or some sort of satire. Are there any original source materials mentioning the commissioning of this medal?

[@lizhart81]

I tend to think that the second portrait in the Chequers ring is more likely to be Katherine Parr, as Elizabeth spent time in her household as an adolescent, and developed much more of a relationship with KP than she did with her own mother. Additionally, the portrait shows a woman with auburn hair, which doesn't match the dark hair Anne was reported to have, but is consistent with descriptions of Katherine's appearance. The presence of the Seymour sigil on the ring also suggests that the portrait may be Katherine Parr.

[@angelakyle4838]

Very interesting re the B pendant.

[@laineysilva3146]

This video is a favorite, I wish there were more items of Anne B. I truly believe she was falsely accused.

[@shirleyniedzwiecki1104]

Even when they didn’t live up to it, the demands and quiet acceptance of tragic figures suggest a character long absent, or eternally weeping in a quiet corner, formed from the many tragedies sixteenth century humans endured.

[@aprilwoods7735]

thank you so much!!! I have just discovered your videos!!!:) and I am loving them! you have done your history and homework for sure. I have tell you that I have study Anne and Henry for about 4 yrs now in depth. there are many reasons why. they are very dear and personal to my family and myself. I have known of the story( historical) of Henry and Anne for quite longer than that for sure. However when you showed the ring that Elizabeth had worn... I got goosebumps everywhere and tears came.!!! that IS Anne in that picture with Elizabeth on the other side set with the ruby. Did you see Anne's hair? :) … it's Blonde (strawberry maybe even) I have always; since the day that I have seen a picture of "Anne" knew that something was not right when they say her hair was very dark. I have always believed from all the portraits of Elizabeth, young and old; that her hair was strawberry blonde or blonde and not just because of Henry's red (ashy amber) hair either .Annes hair was no doubt quite lighter when she was a teenager seeing her background genetics. And i believe that portrait of Anne is when she was younger. I do not have twitter and I m not sure how to private message you about some very interesting things I ve come to know of Anne and Henry. I must sound loopy or bonkers but i can only discuss it with my family so many times until they are bored to death! :) lol. thank you so much for you time! i hope you and your family are fairing well while this world is upside down. Video's are great thank you again!!

[@ReadingthePast]

I'm so pleased you liked the video. Thank you for the kind wishes, I hope you and yours are staying safe and well too!

[@elizabethraitanen5057]

I don’t know how I missed this! I am quite taken by the ring shown at the end. Thank you for another thought provoking and informative video!

[@lizl6232]

Thank you. I never knew these items existed. Interesting observation regarding the portrait.

[@ReadingthePast]

Thanks for watching!

[@ZOSOqueen]

Thanks for your great videos, Dr Kat. So well researched, presented and narrated. I enjoy them and find them very informative. Cheers!

[@jackie4701]

I think I have just found my new favourite channel 👍I live in Canada and have many ancestors going back to 1533 Tudor times and before....love British history thank you...Jackie from Canada

[@Wosiewose]

As an amateur interested in horology, I'd be very interested in a video about the Anne Boleyn clock. It sounds as if it has an interesting history!

[@gretchenzwicker338]

I do believe the ring image is Anne. I think Elizabeth never married because of her Mother. It was the ultimate sacrifice, never producing an heir, but she had to rule in her own way. Imagine Elizabeth’s personality being a combination of Henry and Anne? She must have been a truly amazing woman. I think she was in love with Dudley and trusted him the most with her secrets, but would never marry him. A little off the track here(!) but the ring makes me imagine she was more devoted to her Mothers memory than people knew.❤

[@lucyinwonderlandart]

I've only just found your channel and omg I love you! Since I was little, I've always been obsessed with the Tudors (my primary school took a trip to Hampton Court because my 6 year old little self said it was vital to our project lol) I would always do history essays on the Tudors, especially Anne Boleyn. I loved the video and will now binge your other videos lol

[@bettyhoffman1280]

The ring is my favorite! I think the other lady pictured in it would likely be Anne. I wish they sold replicas! It is beautiful!

[@Lgeary1963]

The ring is divine! Thanks for sharing!

[@terryolsson4145]

That was great. Thank you

[@susanwozniak6354]

I think Elizabeth would have wanted some souvenir of her mother. The jewelry with the image of two women is, to me, the most likely candidate as a portrait of Anne. I suspect Elizabeth might have asked her most trusted senior advisors to inform the jeweler of Anne's appearance, since the toddler Elizabeth would hardly have known her mother.

[@bunzer.of.wunzerton2235]

I absolutely love your videos ❤️ They're not just entertaining but educational. I enjoy it so much.

[@misslornamae]

If there was one woman from hstory I could meet, it would be Anne. She was used and controlled by her family, wooed by a unfaithful king but remained true to herself until the end. I love that you also see her as an amazing woman

[@lisab2581]

So interesting!! Going to watch more of your videos now.

[@jemgem9593]

I love your intelligent, informative, fascinating videos... so interesting x

[@intorainbowzOG]

I bought my sister the B necklace. Her first name starts with B. She loves it.

[@lucydavis1477]

I have a Boleyn mask and I love it.

[@karinkicat]

Oh I am so subscribed! Thank you for posting this treat!

[@ariesrainbowchild]

Thank you

[@davidfletcher4449]

Why can they just open up her tomb and investigate?

[@lilenwasnothere6867]

they don't even know if it's actually her

[@dale3404]

Elizabeth II would have to give permission for exhuming the grave of a royal. Family would have to give permission for anyone else. Also, there would have to be a compelling reason for exhumation.

[@michaelflick1177]

I noticed there is an intertwined HA on the ceiling of the Chapel Royal of St. James's Palace in London too.

[@yowsah1961]

I lean towards the other woman in Elizabeth's ring being her beloved governess, Kat Ashley.

[@hogwashmcturnip8930]

Interesting idea.

[@joannedavis1991]

I love that beautiful ring! I think the portrait is of Anne Boleyn. Makes sense to me.

[@moogdome2562]

To quote, ''when all those around you, lose their heads,'' there's only one thing to do. Runnnnnnnnn.

[@gwinniboots]

It must have been an amazing g thrill to receive his letters containing such professions of his love.

[@nikkip8272]

To the hair comments: I was born with long (approximately 2 inches) black hair. It fell out slowly, then as a little child I had platinum blond hair. It turned red during primary school, later on dark brown. It lost its saturation by now and is almost black. My eyes are green though. I don't have dimples but frecles.

[@linaburon5672]

Thanks you so very much