The 19th May 1536 saw the end of Anne Boleyn “The Most Happy” and the next day Henry VIII became betrothed to Jane Seymour. It was the end of the white falcon (Anne’s badge), but the phoenix (Jane’s badge) was rising.
Thank you so much to Yann Kergourlay for putting it so well: “And Whereas the crowned, the Most Happy Falcon was no more, a Phoenix was rising”.
This carving of Anne Boleyn’s badge can be found in the Beauchamp Tower at the Tower of London. The falcon is missing its crown and scepter; it is no royal bird. It is thought that it was carved by a supporter of Anne Boleyn at her fall in 1536.
If you are visiting the Tower of London today then don’t forget to pay your respects to Anne Boleyn in the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, where she was laid to rest, and look out for this carving in the Beauchamp Tower – as you can see, it’s near the number “31”.
Sources
- Anne Boleyn Day Competition Entry 2011 by Yann Kergourlay
- Photo by Tim Ridgway
Tissues at the ready
Tissues at the ready
its 478 years since Anne fell victim to the cruel hands of destiny and Henry XIII. How I wish I could be at the Chapel of St.Peter ad Vincula in the Tower of London to offer my respect to this great lady. Can I request one of fellow admirer of Anne who is visiting her resting place today to offer respect on my behalf ! Thanks. Anne would be happy. Hope to visit England and the Tower soon and certainly shall look for the carving of the white falcon.
My obsession with Anne came after watching The Other Boleyn Girl in 2008 at the theater and overhearing two women discuss how much different it was than the book. I then went and read the book and have been crazy about her since.
RIP, ‘The Most Happy’ Queen Anne.
I just recently learned Anne Boleyn and Beauchamp’s are distant cousins as is Henry VIII and his family. So sad for Anne. Rest in Peace.
It upset me when I went that the yeoman warders still discussed her as a traitor and did not point out her resting place. The words quoted to me we’re ‘she was buried a traitor and always will be’
She was a queen of England and a huge part of our history not a figment to be cast aside.
God bless you Anne. Rest in peace knowing you still have supporters loyal to you x
History proves the quote correct, regardless if you think of the Phoenix as Jane Seymour, and her familial crest, or as the fledgling in-the-nest, Elizabeth I.
I am about a day behind you. Got off work, watched and read what resources I have, and raised a glass to Anne Boleyn. I hope to be able to see the roses someday. Taking the Anne Boleyn Experience is on my bucket list. Thank you for your daily posts and resources Claire. Without you I would be list. I feel I am living Anne through your work.
lost*
Would it not be lovely for an expert to really study that drawing and to be able to identify who made it as it says so much about the change of destiny this day?
Anne Boleyn RIP
Hi Clair, just to say thanks for this amazing site, I am obsessed with all things tudor and this sight had taught me a few things, I love it 🙂