On 1st September 1532, Anne Boleyn was created Marquis of Pembroke, a title in her own right, at a ceremony at Windsor Castle.
The purpose of the granting of the title was to “fit” Anne for the European stage, in readiness for the couple’s upcoming meeting with King Francis I of France. Despite years of trying, Henry VIII’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon had still not been annulled so Anne was still Henry’s queen-in-waiting. It was important that she be given a status befitting of England’s future Queen and be recognised as Henry’s consort.
You can read a contemporary account of the ceremony, and also a valuation of the lands granted to Anne as part of her title, in my article from 2012 – click here.
