Anne Boleyn Execution

On This Day: On the morning of May 19th 1536 , a small crowd gathered on Tower Green as Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII of England was dressed in a dark grey gown and ermine mantle, her hair covered by a headdress over a white linen coif—approached her final fate.

After begging to be allowed to address the crowd, Anne spoke simply: “Masters, I here humbly submit me to the law as the law hath judged me, and as for mine offences, I here accuse no man. God knoweth them; I remit them to God, beseeching Him to have mercy on my soul.” Finally, she asked Jesus Christ to “save my sovereign and master the King, the most godly, noble and gentle Prince that is, and long to reign over you.”

With a swift blow from the executioner’s sword, Anne Boleyn was dead. Less than 24 hours later, Henry was formally betrothed to Jane Seymour; they married some 10 days after the execution. 

Lady Anne Boleyn, Queen consort of England is my 6th cousin 15x removed via Richard Fitzalan, 3rd Earl of Arundel. (20th great-grandfather)