Was Anne Boleyn a wicked stepmother?

In today's instalment of her "Questions about Anne Boleyn" series, Claire Ridgway, author of "The Fall of Anne Boleyn: A Countdown", considers the relationship between Anne Boleyn and her stepdaughter, Mary, daughter of King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon.
Anne Boleyn is often blamed for the ill-treatment Mary received in the 1530s, being painted as a wicked stepmother, and Claire looks at how Mary actually suffered, what was said about Anne's role in it and what happened after Anne's execution in 1536.
Do take part in the poll at the end of the video to have your say on this topic.
Book recommendations: Mary Tudor: The First Queen by Linda Porter; Mary Tudor: Princess, Bastard, Queen by Anna Whitelock; Mary Tudor by David Loades; The Life and Death of Anne Boleyn by Eric Ives; The Fall of Anne Boleyn: A Countdown by Claire Ridgway.

[@RobertoLorenzPianist]

I'm always fascinated how unshakably these women stood up for themselves at a time when women were considered secondary beings.

[@k.stacey7389]

RoLorenz they were hardly “secondary beings” in comparison with 99.99% of the population. They were VERY use to getting their own way. It may not has been as earth-shattering to them as it was Henry when somebody dared contradict them, but it probably wasn’t all that familiar a sensation to them either. They were extremely privileged and aware of their own worth.

[@SophiaMcIntire]

Garden Tradd I really hope you’re being sarcastic. If not, you’re extremely uneducated and need to do more research.

[@k.stacey7389]

c r y p t i c c h e r r y if you are even implying that these women were “secondary” to the majority of the population (who had to bow down to them) you should really think twice about throwing stones at other’s educations. Then again, if you can honestly claim that you would rather be a poor 16th century man than Katherine or Mary, I doubt any amount of education would help.

[@tosinakin2508]

@@k.stacey7389 The original comment referred to women as a whole as being treated as secondary beings. Besides that, all women were held as lesser than their male counterparts during that time regardless of their station. Their privileged station at birth in comparison to the majority of the population did not prevent prevent them from experiencing sexism. If that were true, we wouldn't be discussing the Tudors as we are now.

[@k.stacey7389]

Tosin Akin no, the comment was specifically about women who were born into power and privilege that vastly eclipsed what the majority of the population, male or female, could ever expect in their lifetimes. They were born thinking they were set apart and above others, that’s what comes with royalty.

[@theresecatalano4017]

The buck definitely stopped with Henry....no one was allowed to defy him not even his daughter! To Mary, Anne was the cause of all these problems it could never be her father...but when it actually got worse after Anne was executed shows how it was Henry who was responsible for Mary’s I’ll treatment! I don’t believe Mary ever got over it...how could she. Very sad.

[@CoffeeLover-mz7bk]

I totally agree! Things absolutely got worse when Queen Anne died.

[@JLFAN2009]

Indeed: people who blame Anne assume that she was the sovereign -- and if you will, some kind of absolute monarch.

[@wcfheadshots240]

The problem is that Mary, sadly, did not recognize this quality in her father. Instead, she blamed Anne.

[@SG-pu3rx]

@@CoffeeLover-mz7bk Actually it got waay better, thank you for your ignorance 😂😂

[@tamararutland-mills9530]

Jennifer I agree with you for an insightful comment. Mary must have suffered much that was left unrecorded even though Jane came along and helped the relationship with her father. It was a worse life that no doubt incited much fear and no doubt affected her psychologically throughout much trauma.

[@denisakazdova1263]

I really think both Mary and Anne are just tragic victims of Henry's entitlement. I truly believe that Anne could've been happily married to Percy and Mary could've been a considerate queen if Henry just stuck to his renaissance prince persona instead of the madman he became.

[@V-13579]

Then we wouldn't have had one of the greatest monarchs of all time, Elizabeth I!

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

It would have been better if he never married Catherine of Aragon and saved himself and those women a world of grief

[@Itzpapalotl.]

@@EmilyGloeggler7984 There is no guarantee that less blood would have been spilt if H8 hadn't married CoA.

[@vijaythasathyanarayanan9688]

@@V-13579 maybe Mary would have lived a better life and would have made a benevolent queen without the childhood trauma

[@clare5one]

@@V-13579 Give its rest please. ER I is not a god!

[@joansmith3296]

I always thought Princess Mary was incredibly brave to stand up to her father. There was no valid reason for Henry to divorce Catherine of Aragon. She sided with her mother, who was by all accounts a good wife & mother & queen. Henry treated Catherine terribly and he was a terrible father to Mary. And Anne was always jealous of Catherine. If she'd tried harder to be a friend to Mary things might have turned out differently. Woe betides the man who tries to separate a mother and child. It seems Anne Boleyn found in Princess Mary a formidable opponent who wouldn't back down.

[@darkmoon8400]

Right. Anne was just as bad. Marry was a Child Anne was not. I don't think Anne was very nice to marry or catherine.

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

Henry and Catherine never should have married each other. They made their bed and dealt with the consequences. The true victims in all this are Henry's children.

[@katemaloney4296]

@@darkmoon8400 Anne extended the olive branch twice and was rebuked. What exactly was Anne supposed to do in this situation? It was Henry who had stripped Mary of her title and declared her illegitimate; Anne had no hand in this. And Chapuys was a snake.

[@jingko521]

Short answer- Ann at first was probably mean to Mary cause of what Henry did to her. Later after have a kid herself, she realized that Mary is just a kid acting out as kids do. Her writing her was most likely a way of trying to get around Henry and to get Mary to play the part that her father wanted her to do. That way Mary would be treated better. As Ann could not go against what Henry ordered. So I think it was a mix of both, being a bad step parent at first and then trying to be a good one.

[@michellemcgill9328]

I’ve played that go -between part

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

Her actions and words disprove that.

[@dmgib5239]

I think it's safe to say that Henry was ultimately responsible for Mary's plight, just as he was ultimately responsible for the other controversies that took place during his reign. He ruled with an iron fist, and anybody that defied him could expect to lose their head. With this in mind, it's easy to understand why the supporters of Mary and Catherine found it more convenient to blame Anne for their plight, even though they had to know that all decisions on this matter were ultimately made by the King. I'm sure Anne may have influenced him, but to blame her only is ridiculous. Poor Mary was supposed to obey her father/king in all things, but can anyone imagine what it must have been like for her when Anne showed up at her daughters household to try and impress this reality on her? In Mary's eyes this woman was responsible for ending the marriage of her parents, leading to the banishment of her beloved mother. To add insult to injury Mary had been deemed a bastard, which removed her from the succession upon the birth of Anne's daughter Elizabeth. Now, after basically being forced into servitude in the home of the infant who took her place, Anne humiliates her further by rubbing her crown in her face and telling her she must accept the situation which was now final? I'm sorry, but I can't blame Mary for her defiance, which was very brave considering it would only make her father angrier. Even though Anne was being petty in this case, none of Mary's hardships were decided by her. They were decided by Henry. Deep in her heart, Mary probably knew her father was to blame for everything, but if she admitted that, she would have to come to terms with the fact that her father might not love her anymore. That's a terrible thing for a daughter to contemplate, especially since Henry was the only parent she had left. If you're reading this, I just want to apologize for it being so long, but these videos really get me thinking.

[@reythejediladyviajakku6078]

I think Anne might have succeeded better if she had taken the time to put herself in Mary’s shoes and understand her point of view. If I were Mary, I might have thought that Anne didn’t get it

[@mindyp51a]

I have come to feel great pity for Mary--at least the young Mary--as she became a tool between Katherine and Henry--not very surprising as this often happens to the children of divorced/separated parents, especially where there is only 1 child involved. Katherine, of course, was fighting for the legitimacy and eventual queenship of her daughter, as bastards--at least in England--could not inherit the throne. And we also have to remember that Katherine was the daughter of Isabella of Spain, a great Queen in her own right; I believe that Katherine never really understood or accepted the English belief that women could not rule in their own right, and quite possible hoped that Mary could end this, Henry used Mary to hurt Katherine, i.e., separating and banning them from even writing letters, in the hopes that Katherine would "go away quietly." And as a pathological narcissist, he was completely unable to empathize with his daughter. All that mattered was his own ego--and that ego was trampled upon as Mary chose to stand by and follow her mother.

[@corelei]

So sad that these two strong women had to fight each other because of a horrible man.

[@dalehoward3704]

Things haven't changed much, have they? Women fighting over a horrible man.

[@lorettabridges7751]

Anne was complicit in some of the words that sound, even today, harsh. Anne was no fool. She could see how Henry’s love. Could turn to hatred. How frightening it must have been know she could be next. Mary was Anne’s enemy and all attempts at reconciliation were rebuffed. Anne wasn’t allowed to be a step-mother.

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

A so-called 'step-"parent"' is nothing but an interloper.

[@cassiemontgomery45]

​@@EmilyGloeggler7984I'm a step-parent but I know my place. Having a step parent isn't the most ideal of situations, but it can be done without any problems. The step parent should unite the family rather than divide and conquer. Also the step parent should not be in "competition " with their step children.

[@wagherbert]

Poor Mary was 9...9!!! when all this kicked off. No wonder she was so damaged :( her father broke her heart. Anne did what she could to survive, like all women of the time, and although Elizabeth will always be my favourite, I feel Mary never really stood a chance.

[@jasontillett]

It's 12:50am in South Africa but boy am I going to enjoy this

[@daniellereid01]

Hello Claire, I agree with you 100%. I am so glad that historians such as yourself are finally looking at Henry VIII’s culpability in what happened to Mary. I firmly believe that it was he who made her who she ended up being, a tragic, bitter Queen and woman. Yes, Anne Boleyn cannot be exonerated, but we have to, as you say, consider all of the circumstances and, likewise, who was doing the reporting. I thoroughly enjoyed this, as I do all of your Anne Boleyn videos especially. Thank you!

[@graphiquejack]

Danielle Reid at least Anne tried to make amends and offered to support her after Katherine’s death, and asked for Mary’s forgiveness at her death. Henry would never have done that unless Mary bent to his will. It’s clear who was the real villain.

[@bethjanelle20]

Thank you for the full summary of what took place, when, and how regarding Henry VIII and the Lady Mary. I think Chapuys gave Mary awful advice. The more I learn about Henry, the more convinced I become that he suffered a frontal lobe traumatic brain injury during the joust accident. His behavior became so much more irratic and unstable afterward. I believe that Mary's problems were of her own making and party due to not understanding that her father had become someone she really didn't know from the happy times of her childhood when her parents were together and with her. I was raised by a narcissistic father, so many of Henry's behaviors also fall into these parameters. It is not an easy life for anyone involved.

[@999Lumen]

I agree - the change Henry's personality was evident after the jousting incident. Also, he must have been in constant pain for the rest of his life. That would darken anyone's personality.

[@dorothywillis1]

I have always thought that injury affected him more than is generally realized.

[@elizabethmcleod246]

999Lumen Chronic pain is exhausting...I know...I have a neuropathy. If one can’t sleep....watch out!

[@ButtonsCasey]

Yes he did change dramatically after the injury. The one thing people tend to forget as well is, he was never raised to be king. I don’t think he truly knew how to be a ruler. I think seeing Catherine of Aragon defeat the Scottish king also had something to do with his emotions and brain when it comes to his daughter Mary.

[@Tomes23]

LaLaLA LaLaLA valid point, but he was 11 when his brother died and 18 when he became king. Ample time to adapt?

[@chiaroscuroamore]

Henry was the one who ultimately decided how Mary was treated. It’s all very sad and even scary how Henry treated his daughters. To have Mary threatened until she gave in and signed the document he wanted her to sign. It’s easy to blame Anne, and perhaps she didn’t help things, but it was Henry who had the final say, and it was well known how he treated people who didn’t do what he wanted.

[@tonyalogan5095]

Henry was a bully and Mary bullied him back and was punished for it Anne was no saint but I think she tried once Elizabeth was born but it was beyond her control how Henry treated Mary.

[@PrincessKarrah]

Exactly Anne was no saint but it takes 2 to tango Mary pulled no punches and when you throw a punch you have to be prepared for the counter one.

[@michaelwright4302]

Thank you. Excellent video. You have brought real clarity to this. I agree with you. It stops with the king. Anne followed her husband's lead and was trying to protect her own interests. If he didn't approve of Mary's treatment he could have put a stop to it. I certainly think by this stage with Henry's megalomania he could have had Mary executed. I appreciate Chapuy's friendship towards Mary at this time People often compare Mary's stubbornness to her mother. In this she was also her father's daughter.

[@elizabethmcleod246]

You’ve got that right.

[@jeanroughley1126]

Henry dictated the rules and the treatment of everyone in his power. I commend Anne's continued reaching out to Mary to try and have a relationship. Mary got a raw deal and was not going to cave in easily. She was defending her mother also. I'm sure Anne was offended by Mary's behavior and aggravated by both Catherine and Mary. Anne wasn't the worst stepmother nor the best. She offered to be Mary's mother and I respect her for that. She begged Mary's forgiveness when she saw how Henry abused those he had no use for any more. I see a very good woman who was put in a hellish position by her husband.

[@daniellemusella1594]

It seemed like once Mary became queen, she tried to recreate the world of her childhood. She tried to force things that were never truly coming back. I also believe her treatment of Elizabeth came directly from her hatred for Anne, meaning she visited the perceived sins of the mother upon the daughter. The trauma Henry put Mary through likely caused her to develop depression, as well.

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

Danielle Musella depression doesn’t exist. It’s an invented pseudomedical lie. However, she was probably heartbroken and saddened by the whole situation between her parents and having to endure her Dad’s lovers and half siblings.

[@JenniferA.Minnear-Salaza-jb4qf]

Elizabeth I had been implicated to have been a part of a rebellion. Elizabeth denied it (in writing). I think Mary did well to resist executing her- to not allow advisers to push that.

[@nonchalantmuse1]

Mary actually had a very loving relationship with her sister Elizabeth, it only became complicated in the later years of Mary's reign. After Philip of Spain entered the picture, some of the English subjects rebelled and there was a plot to put Elizabeth on the throne in place of Mary. Thus, paranoia and suspicion was aroused in Mary as she began to doubt in her sister's loyalty. This did put a strain on her relationship with Elizabeth but, in the end, she would not sign Elizabeth's death warrant and she did name her as her heir on her death bed. I don't believe that Mary ever fully lost her love for Elizabeth.

[@Liz-sc5dg]

As with all history, there is context for that time. Anne couldn't disobey her husband, she had to agree and follow his every word. In the end, they all lost. It was an unfortunate time. Thank you Claire, wonderful as always!

[@laken1804]

Mary had every reason to be upset, she lost her father's affection. He treated her mother badly, after Henry divorced her mother he declared her a bastard. Anne was finally remorsed because her daughter ended up being a bastard when Henry got tired of her. If Anne had a son she'd be impossible to control.

[@TheTam0613]

Divorces and step parents/children always have issues. But I really wish all these male historians (I'm looking at you, Chapuys!!) would've placed blame where it always was deserved-right at the feet of the terrible King Henry 8th.

[@annalisette5897]

The blame is not on Chapuys because he was male but because he was Catholic, thus the champion of Katherine and Mary, supported by Emperor Charles V. Katherine of Aragon had been a great queen and she won the Battle of Flodden when Henry was off playing knight errant in France. Henry was stupid to try to dump her and with his power he had many other options, one of which he took when he finally named as son and possible heir, the ailing Fitzroy. Queen Elizabeth I managed a fantastic succession without having any children. True, the name was Stewart, not Tudor, but Tudor blood flowed in the Stewarts and that was the beginning of the United Kingdom.

[@regina3743]

TamHutchins the key statement in all of this is “Henry was in control”.

[@marionarnott750]

I think Chapuys knew very well that ultimately Henry was responsible - he advised Mary to submit to the King because he feared for her life at the hands of her father. It is shocking that Chapuys realised that Henry was capable of this. But he knew his man. As for Anne, he saw her as a wicked woman who had supplanted a good and rightful queen and who was now tormenting her daughter. Most people then would have agreed with him. We should remember that he was there at court throughout the whole thing and knew the personalities involved. His word should carry some weight, while allowing for Catholic bias.

[@lisabelmontage]

My cousin gets on very well with her step father. I think everyone is different. I think mostly the media and fairytales paint a stereotype. No one knows what goes on behind doors.

[@qiuwbr091]

Henry made a huge mistake beheading Thomas Moore who everyone knew was forced to stay at court. Thomas wasn’t spying on the King for the Spanish. He just wanted to go home and live without the turmoil that he wasn’t raised to understanding.

[@lisaannpennington3958]

And Mary would be eventually in conflict with her half-brother over religion, so things didn't get easier after her father's death. She had the upper hand with her younger half-sister for a time and dealt harshly with Elizabeth, putting her in the Tower. Tough being a Tudor kid!

[@frightbat208]

Lisa Ann Pennington She had quite a hard, sad life.

[@carolinefowler4404]

Elizabeth played the dutiful subservient step-sister, and always had her rosary at the ready in her apartments, just in case someone were spying on her, as they always were. She kept her trap shut, and lived to be queen. If she had acted like Mary, her head would definitely have rolled. Sometimes you must bide your time, know on which side of the bread is buttered and who is paying for the butter! Elizabeth was shrewd, careful and kept a low profile when it mattered most. Mary would have been better off, placating Henry, as she ended up doing anyway, and getting back in his good graces and her step-mother. I would have wanted to play Anne like a fiddle! Mary didn't help herself one little bit!

[@carolinefowler4404]

Had I been Mary's mother, I would have told her to placate her father, as well. She didn't do her daughter any favors, either, and she could have protected her health and well-being, as a mother should have.

[@Ruimas28]

@@carolinefowler4404 Absolutely! Compare how Anne was careful to make a humble statement at her death and never speak up against Henry. Anne was doing all she could to keep Elizabeth safe. Catherine was just being crazy trying to buy a war against a very dangerous king...and willing to turn her little girl into a martyr if need be.

[@isobelduncan]

Sad thing is, Mary and Elizabeth were quite close when she was little. It wasn't until she ascended the throne and the Protestant revolt broke out that she began to distrust her.

[@lisabelmontage]

"I know of no Queen of England, save my mother". Mary refused to acknowledge Anne and in her eyes made Anne the problem.

[@mdiddio]

Laura Montague Based on the time period and the status of her father as king, she would have had to.

[@catzmeow5294]

Anne was the problem. There is so much documention about her that we will never know, that was destroyed and never made it past Elizabeth's reign, so in absentia she's made a saint, because of her end. Which in any case was unjust.

[@patriciafoster784]

Ann was trouble period..Being cruel to Mary was so mean .Ann was a dirt bag and got what she deserved..

[@kamrunsultana4338]

@@patriciafoster784 Anne did try to reconcile Mary with her father but she behaved rudely with her. Queen Anne was innocent of the crimes she was accused of. She didn't deserve her fate . Anne was not a saint she treated Catherine and Mary terribly and wanted them dead but I think she did regret her actions while she was at the tower. But she still didn't deserve her fate

[@kamrunsultana4338]

@Helen Davis I agree but Anne was still a crowned queen

[@leanie9660]

I always thought that Mary's hatred of Anne caused the major difficulties between them. Anne would have been worried about Mary's influence, and she definitely would not have been loving in the face of such a clear dislike. No one likes the person who hates them openly.

[@kiera6326]

Yeah, but no one sees to have them executed either...

[@Grace-tc1lq]

I’ve always read the opposite, that Anne was your typical mean girl to Mary. Mary was just a child when Anne married Henry and said some terrible things about her and her mother, which would have hurt Mary. This has made me want to research Mary more 😊👍🌺🌺

[@timhazeltine3256]

For heaven's sake. Princess Mary was but a child and Anne was an adult...But yes, blame the child

[@bbrjmr]

Henry sent his own men to bully, frighten and terrorize his own daughter. It's good to be the king. (I hope you all can read sarcasm)

[@patriciafoster784]

He was a monster..

[@2Travelis2Live]

No, during the medieval times and especially relating to Henry the VIII, Anne probably had very little voice in what was going to happen. Eustace Chapuys writings are biased against Anne, so how much is true is difficult to say. I think it was Eustace Chapuys who had accused Anne of being a witch. I think we can identify Chapuys as a source that is not reliable, especially as it relates to Anne. This is not to take away from Mary's experience, which must have been extremely painful, especially not being able to see her mother and being told by her father that she was illegitimate. The way Henry treated her was abusive, and there had to have been trauma from the whole experience.

[@fairy3560]

He hate because she is a daughter .and told illegitimate . Henry loved his illegitimate son. Who born from a mistresses Very much. For henry fitzroy .

[@maryannchaisson6742]

What I find really interesting is that even after 500 years, in a marriage breakdown, 90% of the time, they blame the “other woman “- what about Henry?? It really did come down to him & his wishes!!

[@anneboleynfiles]

I know, it's bizarre! None of these women were in a position of power, yet somehow people forget that Henry was in charge and the other woman gets blamed.

[@amyrat151]

18:08 Squeaky kitty! I have a squeaky cat, too.

[@amethystdawn9476]

Claire, you always cut right through the bull and explain everything with empathy and wisdom. I always felt that Anne was very much manipulated by some of her family members. She loved a man that the king made sure married someone else. I think all of these people were deeply flawed, but King Henry was, at the end of the day, the King. He set the tone, and it sounds like Anne made her attempts. Anne of Cleves was the wisest of all his wives, IMO. 😉

[@alicemuldoon2294]

Yes Anne of Cleaves(who does not look ugly to me) was a very wise indeed.

[@camijaque2291]

I have a lot to say about it. As you will know, I am a great admirer of Mary (probably the only one). First of all, I absolutely understand Mary position, from one day to another his beloved mother was not queen, she was a bastard and not a princess, and as if it was not much, his father remarried. Secondly, It bothers me that nobody put on Mary shoes, if you guys had been Mary, would have supported your mothers or your father mistress? (because let's talk seriously, Anne was in some point Henry mistress). Third point, Anne was a bad stepmother? Yep, she was, but not a WICKED one, the fact that she has repented show humility, but my question is If she had not been imprisoned, Would she really have repented? In the end Anne did the same as Catherine protect the status of her daughter, and that's why I respect her, because she fought for his daughter, the same way Catherine did. Both positions ,Catherine defending the status of her daughter, Anne defending Elizabeth as well were ABSOLUTELY HUMAN.

[@graphiquejack]

Cami Jaque Anne made overtures to Mary after Katherine’s death which says to me she tried to be forgiving even if Mary wouldn’t accept it. I’m not saying I don’t understand Mary’s position, but if she would have at least acknowledged Anne she would have had less trouble with Henry after Anne was beheaded. In the end, she had to formally declare she was a bastard anyway.

[@scandinavianspermadvocate9173]

I admire Mary. I used to like Anne but as I found out more about her i began to dislike her.

[@elanabethfariss117]

You have to ask the question, "What would any of us have done in a similar situation?" Do we have the whole scoop? I wonder if behind all of this Tudor drama is a wicked, manipulative, self serving king who was thought to be sovereign lord. I feel sorry for all of those woman.

[@patriciafoster784]

I can't stand Ann .I feel sorry for Mary and I do believe Ann slapped the girl around.plus braking up Henry's marriage to Catherine sweet lady.Henry and Ann treated Catherine and Mary where abused in some way..Henry was a monster and Ann a home wrecker..Just my option.. And both of them where ugly as hell ..

[@sutomuarashi]

^^^

[@tinasamuels3048]

Thank You Claire . The timeline you delineate demonstrates how in the context of the three personalities involved ( Henry, Mary and Anne), reactions and counter reactions happened. The King certainly expected obedience from all his subjects and disobedience from someone as close to him as a daughter was bound to create a strong reaction. Mary surely felt she needed to "stand up" for her mother who she was close to as well as her own royal rights. Thus her "digging in her heels" and obstinacy. Very important point that you mentioned is that Anne offered a "olive branch" on several occasions. Being the emotional person she could be she reacted when these offers were rejected. Likely Anne struggled with various negative reactions to her from the family members of the King (his sister Mary, Henry F and others) and this ongoing hostility from Mary was bound to be a constant source of not only irritation and anger but make Anne feel vulnerable and insecure.

[@essdubya5119]

Certainly, Henry dictated how his daughter should be treated. It was only natural that his household followed suit, especially in their "casual" comments or behavior towards Mary. As Claire mentioned, none of Henry's household would've dared speak of Mary in the way that they did unless Henry did so as well, and possibly even sanctioned this behavior.

[@marionarnott750]

There's no doubt that Henry inflicted many humiliations on Mary and that Anne could not have practised malice on the girl without his consent. Anne was Henry:s partner still and active as she was at all stages of the Divorce - Anne was never passive in the things which affected her status or Elizabeth's. She chivvied Henry about Katherine to make him more proactive - she probably did the same with Mary. She certainly lacked self control, threatening Death to Mary and not caring about the consequences. To be that bold she must have been very sure of her hold on Henry. Anne herself acknowledged that she had done many wrongs to Mary which I have no difficulty in believing. That she sent to Mary before she died to make apology shows her honesty and self awareness and a sincere desire to make amends. This gives her brave and dignified execution weight and substance.Henry gave her licence to disparage Mary but Anne wasn't slow to take advantage of it.

[@catzmeow5294]

Exactly. She was bold in her mistreatment of Kathrine and Mary, who were miles and generations higher in standing than her lineage would be, before or after. We can't know what eye rolls at court when she got as far as she did. I feel she was extremely haughty, in her power but also highly insecure, else would not have treated either of them so cruely. Nouveau Riche, so obviously. Immature. I believe there was more she did that pushed him over the edge to extinguish her completely, so thoroughly. But we will never know what that was.

[@catherinepisces2107]

Mary was responsible in most part for her treatment from her father. She may have gotten that from either her mother or father both tough people. Her mother telling her to stay true made it even more difficult. What happened then made her into the Bloody Mary she became. A ne Boleyn was a piece on the chessboard trying her best to be a good Queen and stepmother. No ones hands were completely clean but I think Henry's were the major ones guiding the kingdom as to how it should feel about Mary. Thank you Claire for sharing all your insight into that time. Love your caring about the details a d sharing it with us as only a Mother could.

[@TheTam0613]

Thank you, Claire! I'm always excited to see a new video of yours! Xxx

[@ButtonsCasey]

Could Henry’s treatment of Mary possibly be a subconscious issue due to seeing her mother (and possibly seeing it in her as well) being a strong willed, smart woman? I think Catherine of Aragon’s defeat of a Scottish king while she was pregnant left a bad taste in the mans mouth. A king he was but king was not what he was meant to be. Had to be hard for him to see a woman, especially his pregnant wife do what she did. I think Henry was scared of Mary deep down.

[@reythejediladyviajakku6078]

I don’t blame Mary’s reaction. I would have been a little skeptic of Anne’s sincerity.

[@kamrunsultana4338]

But Mary loved her father who was the main culprit in this

[@kamrunsultana4338]

Anne did try to reconcile Mary with her father but she refused

[@reythejediladyviajakku6078]

In Mary’s defense she was obviously hurt and angry about everything that happened to her and her mother. She obviously didn’t want to blame her father it so naturally, she was taking her hurt on the woman who had influenced her father’s actions. Anne May have tried but she didn’t seem to understand what Mary was truly feeling

[@kafka1787]

Finally KZbin recommend something interesting and enjoyable. Thank you. Your passion for history really comes true. Is nice to find someone that want to share knowledge and knows how to do it. 💕

[@alexvega4007]

Love your videos, and I've been waiting for your take on this!💕

[@cathryncampbell8555]

Thank you, Claire, for another enthralling video. Regarding your question: One ought always to look for the source of Power in such instances. Henry held supreme power, so he is supremely responsible for his psychological torture of his daughter Mary.

[@999Lumen]

It's hard to tell how Anne communicated with Mary, as Eustace Chapuys' writings are so partial. This is what makes Anne so interesting to me. We just don't really know that much about her, as Henry (and those who wanted to remain in good standing with the King) wiped out huge chunks of data about her once she was executed. I think Anne must have been very intelligent if for no other reason than Elizabeth (who was brilliant) was her daughter. I think anyone with half a brain would have not wanted to be viewed as being disrespectful or cruel to any of the King's children. I think Anne's focus would have been on pleasing the King & bearing his son, and that she would have viewed interacting with Mary as more of a nuisance than anything else.

[@loraduggins7613]

I agree with you on Henry actions started the tension between Mary and Anne. Anne did feel regret for her actions. Thank you for your videos.

[@Tomes23]

Someone needs to produce a show about this. I’d love to see a series. Your research is superb.

[@aidenleccur8809]

Tomes 23 there is a TV show about Henry’s reign titled, “The Tudors” although it’s not entirely accurate

[@h.calvert3165]

We must each reach an opinion (to me judgment is too legalistic & sanctimonious a word) of Anne's culpability, based on our weighing of all the pros & cons of the circumstances. However, I believe the only opinion which counts in the end is Anne's. And we cannot get around the fact that she felt her treatment of Mary weighing on her conscience in the last days of her life. Otherwise, she would not have humbled herself before Lady Kingston in order to send her as her ambassadress to Mary after death, craving her pardon. It is an act which speaks volumes about Anne's maturity & innate decency. She had a conscience. Who are we to judge her, when she stood in total honesty before that all-knowing tribunal & faced it without cowardice? 👑

[@phyllisruthmick5391]

Absolutely beautiful comment! Your words are both intelligent and empathetic and it was quite touching to read them!💟⚘⚘

[@MyRuby25]

Henry may not have liked it if Anne undermined his decision to punish Mary by being kind to her. Even in modern times relationships with the step kids can be complicated and sometimes a parent may not appreciate a new partner having an oppinion on their parenting choices. Anne did try to reach out to Mary in her own way but Mary just wouldn't play ball. Ultimately Anne had to look out for herself and Elizabeth first and foremost, as Mary was very much a threat and had shown that she wasn't going to take anything laying down. The fact that Anne was already planning on helping make life easier for Mary before the expected birth of her son, shows that she did have some concern for her and perhaps a smattering of guilt for her part.

[@TheTam0613]

This is a wonderful comment!

[@shirleygray2349]

I think queen ann was only nasty after Mary was si rude

[@cenedra2143]

Anne could've been nicer to Mary, it was a horrible situation all round but none of it was due to anything Mary did. I feel for Anne and Catherine during these years, but I think Mary suffered the most 😔 Edit.. Mary did seem to enjoy playing the martyr though as she wasn't as religious or as fanatical about her religion until her brother tried to stop her 'Catholic practices'.

[@SHAWNEESKYWALKER]

Lesley J Appleby Mary learned from her mother to play the martyr and be disobedient.

[@catzmeow5294]

They were powerful, educated women, fully aware and entitled to thier lineages. Cast aside as nothing for a courtesan, sister of a courtesan. It was beyond humiliating. History will vindicate them, heaven already has.

[@vanessaives5546]

To be a wicked step mother you'd have to be raised around that wicked step mother and Mary was not, she was sent away by her father! It still upsets me the way tv vilify Anne as some seductress who caused mayhem, not to mention in general people find it easier to blame a woman for a man's actions including Mary!

[@wastenotwantnot6754]

Very good video. A clear yet complex answer to what seemed a simple question. You explained the situation beautifully and wrapped it up with a bow for us. Thank you.

[@bartbeaudin4890]

Claire! I enjoy All your Posts! They are Always well Researched and Well Reasoned!

[@CherylGormanAuthor]

Thank you for a great video! I think the responsibility for everything rests on Henry VIII’s shoulders. I don’t think Anne was a wicked step-mother. I think she went along in order to survive but in the end she didn’t survive at all. Everyone was against her from the beginning. I believe she may have already been afraid of her husband and what he might do to her if she didn’t go along. And at this point there was really nothing she could do or say to persuade Mary to like her even a little bit. I do believe that Mary’s psyche was damaged by her father’s actions, the way he discarded her mother and the way he treated her which was terrible. This led to her later actions when she became queen. In some ways Henry was like a spoiled child who resorted to extremes when he didn’t get what he wanted. He could be gentle one moment and become a monster the next. Anyone who spent time in his orbit could become another victim. My .02 cents

[@dalehoward3704]

I have to agree. Ann at first followed Henry's suite, by ordering the servants to " box her ears" if she refered herself as princess, but she had some consciousness by trying to make peace with the girl and eventually and genuinely feeling sorry for mistreating Mary before her execution. But Henry really pulled the strings in both Anne and Mary's lives--and Anne understood this, and eventually was another victim of him.

[@Rhaenarys]

I think if Mary would've signed her letter as "your loving daughter, Mary," she might've been able to at least talk to him and persuade her case. I think it's how she signed it that immediately made things worse for her. You could say she was in her right, but when fighting a fight like that, it takes wit, not demands.

[@Calla-sl8gd]

Hi Claire! Was Anne a bad step-mother? You bet, she was; she was hateful towards Mary. I feel sorry for Mary; I don't think she had many happy days in her life from the day Henry first saw Anne until the day she died. Mary took a few blows to the chin from both Henry and Anne. Poor girl -- it's no wonder her health suffered throughout her life. Thanks for the video!

[@gullwingstorm857]

Anne kept trying to offer olive branches, and Mary spurned them. Maybe you should watch the video.

[@Calla-sl8gd]

@@gullwingstorm857 For your information, I've watched this video more than once, and I still say that Anne was a bad step-mother to Mary. Mary's difficulties may have started with Henry, but you can bet Anne did not sit on the sideline saying nothing. I imagine Mary was doing what she thought was best to preserve what dignity she had left. I understand this, because I've lived through it. So, please, GullWing Storm, don't presume to lecture me. I'm not interested in the slightest.

[@nonchalantmuse1]

Yes, I too agree that Anne was not a good stepmother towards Mary, which even Anne herself acknowledged just before her execution. To her credit, Anne sent forth a messenger (Lady Kingstone, wife of the Constable of the Tower of London) to relay a message to the Lady Mary, to apologize for the many wrongs and mistreatment that Anne had brought on her, due to Anne's own pride and thoughtlessness. Anne absolutely owned up to her ill treatment of Mary and was very sorry for it.

[@silvereyes242]

I mean Anne wasn’t a good stepmother but she wasn’t a wicked one either, she tried on multiple occasions to offer Mary reconciliation with her father and the opportunity to improve her standings. Mary refused, whilst I understand her perspective it was her own stubbornness that made her own life worse. The suffering Mary felt didn’t start with Anne and it didn’t end with her. Even after Anne’s death Henry continued to make her life hell, sending her a document threatening her life should she not sign it and declare her parents marriage as invalid.

[@joelas87]

i always hated Anne until i saw this video on minute 28:00 Claire reads Anne’s apology to Mary; and how it was recorded; omg i could totally feel Anne was so repented at this point; she was trying to make right with everyone before leaving this wretched world; that was so crazy it made me feel so bad for hating Anne; but i am sure Mary probably rejoiced at the news of Anne’s troubles and im sure saw she thought her death was the cherry on top of the cake; and i cannot blame Mary or judge her for feeling that way; she was ill treated; but i wished Mary had forgiven Anne at some point; like truly wholeheartedly forgive Anne; but most likely she never did; but how can i not feel bad for Anne? those words she sent to Mary were so sincere they made me cry with great melancholy; she truly was sorry and i never had heard this or knew about such apology; it has really made me admire anne in a whole different way: she redeemed herself by doing this; with great humility; grace; honor; wow what a interesting woman anne was for sure; im so shocked because i could feel her feelings somehow i cant explain; thank you claire for sharing that fact with us; some might say Anne never said those words; but I truly believe she did; what would Anne gain? or for what purpose other than be at peace with herself and by doing so humiliating herself before Mary days short of her head being chopped off; makes no sense for anne to do that; but this was Anne; the sinner like everyone of us humans; coming to terms with your fate and reviewing your rights and wrongs; not everyone of us can do that at the end; some people never repent for causing harm unto others leaving the person with more resentment and bitterness; they pass it down to their children and its a chain that does down generations until it can be broken for not doing the right thing; and their souls are probably tormented for having such pride and hard hearts; Anne is at peace if Mary forgave or not; she cared not; because it didnt matter; she just wanted to say sorry and no more; but if someone made that up and some might speculate; it was very sincere; and it really had the spirit of anne’s essence because the ghost writer sure did a good job at really describing annes feelings in such a way; RIP Queen Anne

[@mrsluxe2200]

Love your videos so much! SO happy to have stumbled across them!

[@joannedavis1991]

Henry always believed he was anointed by God and NO ONE was above him. Just the fact that Mary disobeyed him, I’m sure was enough whether Anne was there or not. What else could Anne do but try unsuccessfully to sway Mary to her side. I also suspect that Mary’s mother in the beginning told Mary of her status as princess and to fight for herself in any event. Sadly as was stated, it proved to be quite costly in the end.

[@shoppergirl8904]

Ty for the admonishment how this history shouldn't be interpreted with 21st century eyes...so true for all! You're the best, Claire!! Ty❤

[@MichelleFaithLove]

So Lovely to see you today, speaking of my Favorite Tudor Queen. I have been away and now I'm back to learning more, your knowledge and story telling is so relaxing and enlightening. How are your cats, bells and 2'nd year sharing a daily uploads? Stay well with love and Peace.

[@nomduclavier]

If you've ever met someone whose parent cheated, they tend to want to blame the other person. And of course Mary wouldn't want to believe her father would treat her like that of his own will.

[@catherinesabino2701]

Thank you so much for this! I enjoyed it very much 😊 I wish I have a good knowledge about the monarch history like you do because it's really fascinating

[@loralouise3865]

I want to say a very belated “thank you “ for the content you provide on your channel! I’ve been obsessed with the Tudors’ since I was in primary school! It’s been really wonderful to have your videos to look forward to. I have read a lot of books about the Tudor age and the monarchs that defined the age; but you always add many interesting facts that are new to me! Many thanks to you, Claire. Are your books available in the states or do I order them on your website? Also, if membership is open, I would love to join others that have the same enthusiasm for this special time in history and the effects that it had on the English culture.

[@faigie2002]

They all needed family therapy.

[@taylorfausett177]

Can you just imagine their family therapy sessions???? Lol! "Daddy, why did you disinherit me and my sister? Daddy, why did you behead my mother?"

[@harrietharlow9929]

Dysfunctional family of the 16th Family, England Division. lol

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

You do know how fundamentally erroneous psychology is .

[@jessicamoores181]

Thank You, Claire! Your Delightful 💕

[@heatherprice588]

I love your hard work it brings history back life many thanks from an English woman who lives in Australia & an avid fan of history & yours.❤😊

[@reythejediladyviajakku6078]

OMG! I don’t even have to ask. Given all the things she said and did...Wicked Stepmom no doubt!

[@kamrunsultana4338]

Henry decided the way Catherine and Mary were treated

[@catzmeow5294]

Anne Boleyn was no pawn the his own whims. She most likely encouraged his behaviors to support her position, and her insecurity.

[@kamrunsultana4338]

@@catzmeow5294 she treated Catherine and Mary terribly and wanted them dead but I think she did regret her actions while she was at the tower. Anne was just one of Henry's victims

[@isobelduncan]

Did you even watch the video?

[@susannahdyro9154]

It is so enjoyable listening to your stories I learn so much 🙂

[@lisagagnon1747]

Outstanding Discussion, Thank You!✨

[@lemongrabloids3103]

It was mostly down to Henry. I feel sorry for Mary and Katheryn they were bought up to be god fearing people and to go against what they believed must have been terrifying. It would mean eternity in Hell. I wonder how different history would be if Anne had not had that miscarriage... or even if more of Katherines children survived.

[@Annie.C.61]

I can't look on Queen Anne as a "wicked stepmother" as such. Yes, she was angered by Princess Mary's rejection of the olive branch; most of us would be. Yes, she saw Princess Mary as a threat to her and her daughter. Many would, especially back then. If she said those words that Eustace Chapuys accused her of well, how many of us have used the term in anger "I'll kill you when I get my hands on you" knowing full well nothing is further from the truth. I do get, however, such a statement would carry a lot more weight back then, especially if it were uttered by the Queen! The fact that Queen Anne tried to build bridges shows she wanted to make that effort. Also, if Princess Mary was a subject of the King, then so was Queen Anne. No one knows what went on beyond historic reports and letters so we don't know if Queen Anne was ever threatened by King Henry if she tried to make peace with the Princess. The Queen had to do his bidding as much as anyone else for fear of death. Maybe with death hanging over her, the Queen was finally free to ask the Princess for her forgiveness. At the same time, I don't look on Princess Mary as a spoiled and disobedient girl. What she went through must have torn her apart. It's no wonder she reigned so fiercely in later life. She was profoundly loyal to her mother and then so cruelly treated so of course she and her supporters were going to lay the blame at Queen Anne's feet. After all, no one would dare blame the King, least of all a frightened and insecure young teenager. For her to live in fear of her own father signing her death warrant must have been unbearable. So I have great sympathy for both Queen and Princess. I wonder what the Queen Mary would have been like as a monarch if things had been reconciled. If there is an afterlife I hope they have made their peace. Thank you, Claire, for an excellent video, my favourite so far :)

[@sutomuarashi]

FACTS

[@traceyboswell]

I hope Chapys was shocked and humbled when he saw how badly Henry treated his daughter, Mary when Anne was no longer around to BLAME everything on!

[@sophroniel]

Mary is actually a tragic figure. She was just as intelligent as Elizabeth and, in many ways, much kinder than Elizabeth, and a victim of circumstance. I see so much more of myself in her than Elizabeth.

[@randyherbrechtsmeier4796]

No I dont think Anne was a Monster. Yes I think Mary was fighting for what was rightfully hers in Her Eyes. Been put out by the Young Home wrecker House Breaker. Good Job Claire

[@TheMcKenzieHaus]

Even tho it’s a royal family, I just can’t imagine having your father reject you so publicly and so horribly. For Mary, it probably meant for her - whether her father loved her anymore. She was a teenager when all of this happened.

[@bombshellmusical9566]

Even if new evidence emerges that it was Anne's idea to treat Mary cruelly, it wouldn't have happened unless Henry agreed to it. Henry would have to be equally cruel or too cowardly to stand up for his daughter's welfare. Neither of which suggests a good father. (Given what we know of Henry's character cruelty seems more likely).

[@melinaiaramartinez5005]

Hello Claire, I love your videos. I wanted to ask you if you could make videos about: the personalities of Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I, how Anne addressed her ladies, the relationship between the children of Henry VIII, how Elizabeth's life was from the death of her father until she became in queen and a resume of his reign, one in which you speak of the faith of Anne Boleyn, please?

[@maryannlockwood7806]

🇺🇸 I put the most blablame on King henry VIII. This is better than any soap opera.🇬🇧

[@luckyduckie2000]

Henry and Mary have the same personality. Henry just held the power. I do not think Ann helped the situation. I'm sure she at first felt insecurities about Elizabeth's succession and later while pregnant with child number 2 possibily with the I'm having the heir attitude.

[@crystaldawncarpenter2418]

I enjoyed this video so much! Thank you for showing a more objective opinion on this issue. I believe that Anne is not completely blameless to the mistreatment of Mary however Henry has more blood on his hands in this matter than Anne. He was the King after all so if he didn’t agree with this mistreatment (and was innocent to it all) then wouldn’t he have stepped in? I don’t doubt that Anne would have been angry from time to time for the obstinance Mary gave her but she had no power to distribute this punishment over the King’s authority.

[@nibs8837]

It seems to me that "spinning" the political story has changed very little over the centuries. I find it difficult to believe a great deal of what was recorded about the situation.You would have to think Anne Boleyn incredibly indiscreet, and actually stupid to openly say and write the things that she is accused of...and I have not seen any evidence that she was. I find it unlikely that if she was inclined to poison Mary Tudor, that she would have informed Eustace Chapuys, a man who was definitely her enemy. His writing is pointedly contemptuous of her, both in how he refers to her, and what he accuses her of. Mary Tudor was caught between a mother that she loved, and a father that she wanted to love, and to be loved by him in return. Who would she blame for her ill-treatment but Anne Boleyn. It must have been heartbreaking, upon Anne's execution, for Mary to realize her father's true feelings. Now the stories of Anne's treachery, that had comforted her in her isolation, fall away to reveal the truth. Anne Boleyn was caught between her love for her daughter, the husband that she loved and wanted to please, and a conspiracy to remove her. I would love to eventually understand Queen Anne enough to gage her feelings towards her step-daughter. Two women linked by a King who would accept nothing less than complete capitulation in all things. Perhaps they were too consumed by King Henry VIII to have any relationship that he did not dictate and control. In the end, I think that they both did what they thought was best, and they both had regrets, and I hope that they both found peace. I would like to think that since they assumed their places in history, they have comforted each other for their poor treatment at the King's hands.

[@kathleenmcdonald6641]

You are spot on !! I question Eustace Chapuys many assements of the court and Queen Anne. He was a clear enemy He was Loyal to Queen Catherine and Princess Mary only. He was a threat and I am surprized he was allowed to be at court for such a long time.

[@AlexPReal]

I honestly can't grasp the fascination with Anne Boleyn. Re Mary, Anne Boleyn was meant to be the grown up though it hardly shows. Catherine of Aragon defeated the Scots and Anne Boleyn was absolutely hated when alive.

[@marimangoshvili7703]

First i'd like to thank you for all the amazing videos and invaluable insight you've given us! As one obsessed with Anne Boleyn i can never get enough of your channel. As for the Relationship between Mary and Anne, i don't think Anne was a complete angel and she did definitely have a part in Mary's ill treatment, i can however understand both views as both were tryng to fight for and protect their respective interests. Having said this i think, that it was much easier for Mary to blame Anne for all her misfortunes, because from all that i've ever read, despite defying Henry and standing her ground, Henry was a venerated and highly beloved father for Mary and i think she chose not to see the changes in his character as they largely clashed with that of the image of her childhood and when she DID see it she chose to blame Anne, because admiting that her beloved father had turned into a monster would be like coming out of a fog an d coming to the harsh reality that he wasn't the ideal she had held on to for so long so it was easier to blame Anne and putting the changes in him up to her wicked influence , but it had of course all been Henry's fault as he was the King and no one could do anything without his command.

[@BeeKool__113]

Dogs, cats and bells 😂 I love the bells but the dogs and cats are total bonus for me. 🔔🐶🐱 You hit the nail on the head. Anne was human. She's made mistakes. She knew at the end that her part in Mary's treatment was wrong. The terrible treatment of Mary has always been my biggest hang up over Anne. I love her but get so disappointed in her behavior. But things were different in such times. Dangerously different. And, Mary was a threat to Anne and her own child, Elizabeth. Ultimately, the true guilt should be left at ol' King Scary Harry's door. I often wonder what kind of person and monarch Mary could have been had she been shown more compassion and love. ❤😔 Happy Birthday, Claire!! I just realized you share a birthday with Queen Elizabeth of York. I am wishing you a very special day! 👑🎂🎈🎉

[@SG-1-GRC]

Anne's position was never strong so long as there was no male heir for her to present. It looks like she sympathised with Mary but dare not take her side. Anne was afterall a reluctant wife. Who had already experienced the power the King had over her life. The man she truly wanted for husband had been denied her by Henry himself. So, not the best stepmother but she had little chance to be thanks to Henry's despotism and poor Mary's pride.

[@angeliapittman4776]

I feel Anne wanted so much to be recognized as queen she was pushing her weight around,Mary loved her mom and had every right to see only her mom as queen, I feel Henry and katherine marriage was over a long time ,Anne was a jealous woman of any female who looked to Henry, I feel yes she was a bad step mom putting Mary thru mental abuse.

[@astardustparade]

Can we see your cat? It sounds really cute! 😺

[@sarah-jadesmith113]

I absolutely love these videos! I'm a huge tudor nerd and do happy to of found your channel ☺ are any of your books available as audio books? I've got Ann boleyn a countdown, but finding the time to read it is difficult! An audio version would be amazing I could listen to whilst I go about my busy days

[@RhaegarTargaryen1st]

@28:52 I remember seeing that in The Tudors. I'd always thought that was just dramatic license being taken on the part of the writers. I can't believe that actually happened and that Henry VIII allowed it.

[@lauriealexander5857]

Oooh all the drama!!!! I love this!!!!

[@ElizabethF2222]

I see a lot of hateful comments directed at Anne. I think some people are confusing fact with fiction, i.e. taking Showtime's The Tudors and other movies as fact, not the fictionalized versions that they really are. I believe Anne couldn't have done much of anything without Henry's knowledge and, in fact, Mary's cruel treatment continued long after Anne was executed, so it seems it was Henry all along who was responsible for Mary's cruel treatment and Mary herself was very stubborn, although I don't blame her. Thank you so much for clearing this up!

[@cindyrobinson3077]

The whole thing is so sad, I think both women were in a tough spot and thought they were in the right.

[@reythejediladyviajakku6078]

Anne was an abusive stepmother if I ever had known one and I would like to see a time when Anne actually said something to or about Mary that didn’t say “I don’t wanna be nice to this one “

[@kamrunsultana4338]

Why should Anne treat her nicely when her own father treated her horribly

[@catzmeow5294]

@@kamrunsultana4338 because the rest of his wives reached out to make peace with his band of motherless children.

[@kamrunsultana4338]

@@catzmeow5294 well Anne did try to reconcile Mary with her father but she behaved rudely with her . Jane Seymour reconciled Mary with her father while Catherine Parr reconciled Elizabeth with her father. Catherine Howard and Anne of cleeves were neutral .

[@isobelduncan]

You didn't even watch the video did you?

[@ckallen1546]

Anne WAS a wicked stepmother. BUT the king was a ridiculous father, and (ultimately) the one to call the shots. Had Anne OR the king been clever...they would have immediately arranged a useful betrothal for Mary. Even if they intended to break the engagement. A Scottish/Irish lord,...younger son of royalty abroad. OR setting up a smaller court, within their own court (where they could keep a watchful on Mary)....where pre-approved POTENTIAL suitors could arrive instate. This would have taken Mary away from her studies. And given the teenage princess, SOMETHING to do, other then outstubborn her father. Mary, in her youth, was nothing to sneeze at. Her mother was most royal. And King Henry (then) was still formidable. The activity of suitors would have lent a gentler glamour to the king’s court. Perhaps (even) a court that Anne would have enjoyed...with constant rounds of dancing, poetry, and feasts. Who knows...perhaps Mary would have grown to be a little LESS reactive (as a queen) to those individuals whom she felt “threatened” by. But it easy to say such things. From my desk. Centuries later. Commenting when I have nothing at stake, not having to live in those uncertain times.

[@mjacobs5875]

It sounds like the king and his concubine had guilty consciences. Mary reminded them of their guilt and like many sinners they turned it into hatred towards those that remind them of their guilt. Henry’s marriage was never annulled. He divorced Queen Catherine.

[@robbieporter6053]

Anne wasn’t an evil stepmother maybe a hard a** but not evil. I put blame on Henry was evil to both girls, Anne and Mary were two hard headed women, lol But Mary got along w/ Jane, Anne and Katherine Parr(I don’t know about K. Howard) and I really can’t stand Chapuys and of course Henry!!!

[@elliejoyb]

I know Katherine Howard had a good relationship with Elizabeth. I personally believe after Katherine was executed that was why Elizabeth was worried to marry. I also don't know about Katherine Howard's relationship to Mary but it would be likely for Mary not to like Katherine as her cousin was Anne Boleyn

[@lilenwasnothere6867]

mary didn't get along with katherine howard, guess she must have reminded her of anne

[@alicemuldoon2294]

Which they both got from their father!

[@Grace-tc1lq]

Mary was a child when Anne got together with Henry, not a woman.

[@LaPetiteBoulin]

I could go through and list what I think each person did that wasnt the best idea but when assigning blame I think you can only hold one person responsible and that is Henry. He created a horrible situation and the women did what they thought best in this unprecedented situation. As far as Anne goes.. her child's future was involved in this. Things were so brutal back then and she saw Henry make his first born a bastard! I'm sure she was trying to make sure that didnt happen to Elizabeth. Anne kept trying to be on good terms with Mary and that makes me think that Anne wanted Mary to be apart of the family despite making the wrong judgment calls at times...at least she did keep trying. I cant ever picture myself being mean to any child BUT I have never been put in a situation where that child could literally effect my own child's future & reputation. I notice most people who put the blame on Anne see it as Anne is the creator of the whole mess to begin with by manipulating/seducing Henry and taking him away from Catherine and Mary . I dont know why they dont see the source is him since this whole thing will repeat itself several times.

[@shelleygibbons1065]

Poor Mary ! Excellent as always

[@EmoBearRights]

I love how nuanced your take is on this - ultimately both women were victims of Henry both also of a time where women weren't supposed to be assertive and no one defied the supposedly divinely appointed monarch without severe consequences. Ultimately Anne wasn't an angel she was ambitious and intellgent and fun to be around but she had a temper and could be ruthless while Mary's loyalty was understandable and commendable and she's sympathetic - it would lead to her doing terrible things. It was interesting to read that Mary could be just as rude to Anne as the other way around as Anne's remarks made me dislike her at first but in context it was understandable from both of them and Henry deserves the blame.

[@georgiahamilton782]

Mary was strong willed like her father Henry.

[@pbohearn]

Great narrative, Clare, on the impact of bad divorce, and the dynamics of blended families, done in technicolor and Surroundsound lol. And isn’t that why we are preoccupied with the royal family? because they can play out for the world the things that we struggle with in our little measly lives? LOL. speaking of Hollywood, this just brings to mind that great rivalry between Joan Crawford and Bette Davis; men are always trying to divide strong women, pit them against each other, stand back and enjoy the entertainment. You ladies have to figure this out and unite LOL. Had Bette and Joan figured this out and partnered, they could’ve taken over a studio and made some great movies (I think Bette actually played Elizabeth 1st in one of the movies she starred in), Likewise, Anne and Mary, had they triangulated against Henry, could have been Thelma and Louise of the 16 th century, and perhaps both for the better. But I agree there is a higher standard, but not just for Anne, but on both women, as usual, because Henry can be the bastard that he is; there doesn’t seem to be very much criticism (until today, certainly not in the documents if the day) that the most destructive force in all of this was his own rage and his inability to get beyond his narcissism and see his mouthy teenage daughter (who is permanently grounded, not dating anybody and left to fester in her own anger), for the wounded, aggrieved and grieving girl that she was, and to offer her some compassion, which he was unable to do because he’s way too self-involved. it’s also shortsighted. I got to say he just seems like Trump more and more to me LOL

[@bcgrote]

I love squeaky little Ariadne! So here's this 17 year old, who has always been the Princess Royal, and suddenly a 32 year old who served her mother takes over her father. The 17 year old loses her position, her jewelry, her NAME, and is basically grounded. Then she's threatened. She was definitely made of Castilian steel! She was so forgiving, standing with her little sister when both were cast aside, and now they both rest in the same tomb. Can we play "What If?"? What if England did not allow women to inherit the throne? Who would have become king after Edward kicked off? How would the current royal family look if that happened?

[@catzmeow5294]

If only....