Tudor Minute May 16, 1536: Cranmer visits Anne Boleyn

Today in 1536 Archbishop Cranmer visited Anne in her cell in the Tower.

Some have theorized that he offered Anne some kind of deal – she could confess to something that would have been an impediment in her marriage, and in return she might go to a nunnery. Later that evening at dinner, she said that she believed that she would go to a nunnery, and was “in hope of life.” Something happened that day to give her some kind of renewed hope, so it’s possible that Cranmer had given her something to hang on to.

Her marriage to Henry would be annulled, leaving her daughter Elizabeth a bastard, and disinheriting her. Of course, Anne would have no idea that Elizabeth would become such a shining example of a Queen.

That’s your Tudor Minute for today. Remember you can dive deeper into life in 16th century England through the Renaissance English History Podcast at englandcast.com.

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