Abstract
This essay will present the details of the life of Anna Boleyn. It will examine her way of life from childhood, and how she influenced society, and her contributions to history. The essay will mainly focus on Anna’s major achievements, accomplishments and how her how she contributed to the development of history.
Anna Boleyn Childhood
Anna was a great woman of her time who portrayed important roles in English History. Records about her exact date of birth are not clear but estimates put it between May to June 1500. She spent a good part of her childhood years in the court of Archduchess Margret. She also spent part of her childhood in France where she learned French. Besides her fluency in French, she was quickly assimilated to the French culture- her attires; music and poetry, all portrayed the French culture (Warnicke, p. 942).
Anna’s Influence in England
Though Anna’s influence did not last, as a mother of the queen of England, her power was highly felt across England. She influenced the course of history in England on various issues of national and international concern. Bernard points out that the church was the beginning point of her influence in England (p. 17). Henry VII’s interest to marry her culminated in England breaking common ties with Rome which they have endeavored to build over the ages, however, Anna’s influence literary went beyond this. She was a deeply religious woman and steadfast in reformation. She is believed to have read widely and owned several books which were written by authors who advocated for reformation, in addition, she constantly discussed and shared her feelings and passion with King Henry VII whom she had encouraged to undertake studies in reformation theology (Bernard, p. 19). Her religious commitment, she had a conviction that the Holy Scriptures should be made available to everyone regardless of status in the society, this was to ensure that everyone reads and understand by themselves, not only by the priest.
Bernard observes that Anna advocated and encouraged women to own and read the bible which was newly translated daily at that time (p. 14). Anna’s influence was protracted by Elizabeth I. Being a mother of England’s most respected Queen, Elizabeth I, governed and ruled England for almost four decades. When she died in the year 1603, England was stable, powerful, strong ad prosperous. Her time in power was considered one of the most triumphant.
Anna Boleyn played a vital role in England politics. Being an intelligent and a woman of vision, she never felt afraid or intimidated to say what she thought was right or wrong. Her strong determination and influence especially over the monarch made Wolsey crumble and fall from grace. Cromwell in retaliation blamed Anna for shifting foreign policy and curtailing English majestic alliance (Warnicke, p. 982).
Anna’s influence was attributed to support. Anna had great interest in supporting the works of scholars and artists. She was a respected Patron of artists. Anna loved art and renaissance music this was part of her life.
Anna detested Poverty; she was at the forefront of giving alms to those in need and the poor. She possessed the inner joy of practicing kindness and charity work. She is believed to have argued with Thomas Cromwell on the issue of dissolving monasteries and misappropriation of money (Warnicke, p. 951). She instead advocated for using the money to alleviate poverty in society.
She was a strong advocator of women’s rights. Anna was an intelligent woman who safeguarded and helped women realize their place in the society (Freeman 798). She talked directly to Henry and influenced him about how England should be governed and Henry listened. Henry in turn made her Marquess of Pembroke.
Accomplishments
Being an intelligent woman Anna accomplished much in her life. She managed to give birth to a daughter. The daughter was known as Queen Elizabeth I. Queen Elizabeth emulated her and she helped to champion women’s rights like her mother. Anna also contributed to the establishment of the Protestant religion in England i.e. the Church of England.
Influences of her life
After marriage, Anna occupied the residence of the King this was after marriage coronation. Anna struggled much to have a son in her life. But the children she bore were slightly premature. She gave birth to a baby girl and named her Elizabeth to show a sign of honor to King Henry’s mother who was called Elizabeth (Freeman, p. 821). Anna struggled through her entire life to get a son this was to ensure that the generation continued. The second struggle in Anna’s life was strife with the king. King Henry was happy to have a great wife and they did enjoy most of their time together. Anna Boleyn was a bright lady with good political instincts; she was also well behaved with good morals. So this brought a lot of misunderstanding between her and King Henry.
Conclusion
Anna Boleyn was a great woman in England History. She brought more influence to society through her kindness and charity work. She did splendid work in introducing Protestantism which diversified worship and deepened religious understanding among the many in the society.
Works Cited
- Bernard, William. “Anne Boleyn’s Religion.” The Historical Journal, 36.1(1993): 3-19. Web.
- Freeman, Thomas. “Research, Rumor and Propaganda: Anne Boleyn in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs.” The Historical Journal, 38. 4 (1995): 802-817.
- Warnicke, Retha. “Anna Boleyn’s childhood and adolescence.” The Historical Journal, 28.4 (1985): 940-51. Web.