Anne Boleyn ANNE BOLEYN English, 1501-1536 Born to a respected but ambitious family, Anne caught the attention of King Henry VIII of England while serving his wife in court The king’s desire to marry Anne plunged the country into the English Reformation, but Anne’s tenure as queen lasted just three years After repeated failures to produce a male heir, a plot concocted against Anne led to her conviction, death and worldwide infamy Brief Bio An object of lust Appearance Social standing Intelligence Although opinion is divided on Anne’s true appearance, she presented herself with great grace and manners She was dressed in the latest fashions and is consistently described as being elegant and sophisticated Henry was captivated by the bewitching and fair persona Anne presented at court Although her father was descended from middle-class tradesmen, through her mother Anne’s ancestry was linked to Margaret of France and her husband, King Edward I Her ambitious father boosted the family reputation at court and he entered the king’s most intimate circle Henry was desperate to be seen as a modern, cosmopolitan man and did everything to beat his rival King Francis I of France Not only had Anne served in the French court, but she was also intelligent, witty and an accomplished singer and musician; certainly a catch for a man looking to prove his suitability to the throne 67