Anne Boleyn is possibly the most influential queen consort in history, being one of the main factors of England’s break from Rome (which helped to spark the Protestant reformation in England) and the mother to one of England’s most important and inspirational monarchs: Elizabeth I ‘the virgin queen’.
‘Good Christian people, I am come hither to die, for according to the law, and by the law I am judged to die, and therefore I will speak nothing against it. I am come hither to accuse no man, nor to speak anything of that, whereof I am accused and condemned to die, but I pray God save the king and send him long to reign over you, for a gentler nor a more merciful prince was there never: and to me he was ever a good, a gentle and sovereign lord. And if any person will meddle of my cause, I require them to judge the best. And thus I take my leave of the world and of you all, and I heartily desire you all to pray for me. O Lord have mercy on me, to God I commend my soul.’
- Account of Anne’s execution speech 1536, by Edward Hall.
Although her role of queen consort was short-lived— just a mere three years— she has garnered so much love and respect through her legacy.
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