As we approach the anniversary of Queen Anne Boleyns execution I thought I would tell you about the woman who played a major part in her downfall. I hope I can make this interesting for you as few people know her and the major part she played in Tudor history.
Jane Parker came from money. Big money. Her father, the Baron Morley doted on her and tried his best to give her whatever she wanted - so when she fell head over heels for Anne's brother George Boleyn, her father offered a huge dowry and history was set. Sadly for Jane, her husband's passion for his wife was lukewarm at best - there is still much debate amongst historians on whether he was in fact gay. His love for his sister, however, could not be questioned and Jane's jealousy was evident.
Anne and George, along with Frances Weston, Henry Norris, William Brereton and Mark Smeaton were arrested on the May day celebrations in 1536. The trial soon followed and it was the testimony of Lady Rochford that sealed their fates, at least for Anne and George anyway. Jane gave a statement and signed a sworn affidavit stating her belief that George had committed incest with Anne, possibly to give her a son as Anne had previously stated that the King had "neither vigour, nor potency" to do so. Her beloved George was executed on tower hill along with the other gentlemen on May 17th 1536. Anne, the only person in England's history to be beheaded by sword on May 19th 1536.
Ironically, the infamous lady Rochford was executed on the very same spot as Anne six years later and is buried in the same church along with Queen Katherine Howard - Jane also played a major part in the deaths of Katherine, Thomas Culpeper and Frances Dereham. But that is a story for another time........
