The Anne Boleyn Files

Posted By Claire on February 16, 2012

On the 16th February 1547, Henry VIII’s body was interred in a vault in St George’s Chapel Windsor, alongside that of his third wife, Jane Seymour. Here is an eye witness account of the proceedings:-

“16 strong Yeomen of the Guard took the coffin and with four strong linen towels, which they had for their fees, let it into the vault near unto the body of Queen Jane Seymour, his third wife. Then the Lord Chamberlain, the Lord Great Master, Mr Treasurer, Mr Comptroller and the Sergeant Porter, breaking their white staves upon their heads in three parts, as did likewise all the Gentleman Ushers, threw them into the grave. Thus the funeral ended, the trumpets sounded in the Rood loft and the company dispersed.”

Today, there is a memorial slab marking his resting place under the Quire of St George’s Chapel. As well as containing Henry and Jane, this vault also contains the remains of Charles I and an infant child of Queen Anne, the Stuart queen.

Sources

• The Romance of St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, Harry W Blackburne
• College of St George, Windsor Castle, Henry VIII’s final resting place – Background notes

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Category: Henry VIII
Tags: Henry VIII's burial, Henry VIII's funeral, St George's Chapel

Posted By Claire on February 14, 2012

My Anne Boleyn Rose

Romance may not be something you associate with King Henry VIII – tyranny: yes, romance: no – but Henry could be very romantic at times. How do I know? Well, I’ve read the love letters that he sent to Anne Boleyn and they are beautiful.

Here are some lovey dovey extracts from the King of Romance:-

“It is absolutely necessary for me to obtain this answer, having been for above a whole year stricken with the dart of love, and not yet sure whether I shall fail of finding a place in your heart and affection…”

“And to cause you yet oftener to remember me, I send you, by the bearer of this, a buck killed late last night by my own hand, hoping that when you eat of it you may think of the hunter…” – Now that’s what you call romance!

“Written by the hand of that secretary, who in heart, body, and will, is, Your loyal and most assured Servant,
H. aultre A.B. ne cherse R”
The A.B at the bottom of the letter was in a heart – cute!

“MY MISTRESS & FRIEND, my heart and I surrender ourselves into your hands, beseeching you to hold us commended to your
favour…”

(more…)

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Category: Anne Boleyn General, Henry VIII
Tags: Anne Boleyn love letters, courtship, Henry VIII love letters, relationship