Reasons for the fall of Anne Boleyn

Question 1

What were the 4 main reasons for the fall of Anne Boleyn?

Answer 1

• The lack of a male heir
• Accusations of adultery
• The actions of Thomas Cromwell
• Henry VIII’s attraction to Jane Seymour

Question 2

Why was a lack of a male heir important in the fall of Anne Boleyn?

Answer 2

• It was already evident that Henry was deesperate for a male heir, being one of the main reason for failure of his previous marriage.
• In September 1533, Anne Boleyn gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Elizabeth. However, Henry was disappointed, he needed a male heir if he hoped to continue the Tudor dynasty.
• He blamed the arrival of a baby girl upon Anne and her second pregnancy ending in a miscarriage, leading Henry to believe she brought misfortune upon the royal nursery.

Question 3

Why was accusations of adultery important in the fall of Anne Boleyn?

Answer 3

• Tensions between Henry and Anne increased leading to her eventual trial in 1536. One of the main points in her trial was accusations of adulterous relationships with 5 men.

Question 4

Why was Thomas Cromwell keen on ending the marriage between Henry and Anne?

Answer 4

• To improve international relations, Charles V was the nephew of Catherine of Aragon. Henry and Anne’s relationship was therefore a barrier when dealing with Charles, offering a chance to open discussions.
• Aside from this Cromwell and Anne’s relationship was very poor. Anne had accused Cromwell of failing to give all the money from the Dissolution of the Monasteries to the treasury.

Question 5

When was Anne taken to the Tower of London and executed?

Answer 5

• Taken to the Tower of London in April 1536, tried for incest, adultery and treason.
• Executed in May 1536

Question 6

When did Jane Seymour give birth to a healthy son, Edward?

Answer 6

• October 1537