May 2, 1536: The Arrest

Westminster Palace was alive with laughter the afternoon of May 2, 1536. The Queen was holding a luncheon, and every important figure in her life was present. The King, her lady’s maids, all of the high court. It was more of a facade for the Queen’s personality, especially since the arrests of Mark Smeaton, her musician, Henry Norreys, Sir Francis Weston, William Brereton, and her brother. She was not aware of the exact terms of their arrest, but she knew it had something to do with her. Something that may very well lead to her own arrest.

Anne Boleyn, Queen of England, was seated at the high table in the dining hall of the Palace, the King at her right, and the Church Preacher at the left. Elizabeth Boleyn, Anne’s daughter, was at her left. Matthew Parker, a religious moderate, sat next to Elizabeth. The entire room was filled with conversation, and at the back of the hall there was a small band of violins.

When three guards entered the dining hall, Anne knew something was not right. She had specifically requested early in her rule that any lawful business was to be done in private. She stood, her long white gown brushing the marble floor, her eyebrows drawn in a tight frown. She would have serious punishments issued to these guards for disobeying her.

These guards, however, did not let her speak. “Queen Anne Boleyn, you are hereby under arrest for high treason. You will be held in The Tower of London until your trial, which will proceed in seven days time.”

“Who issued this arrest?” Anne demanded. “High treason? Honestly!”

“The King has issued the arrest, Your Majesty,” one of the guards responded. Anne shot a venomous glare at her husband, the King, who sat beside her. The King avoided his wife’s eyes, keeping them trained on the food in front of him. The guard continued. “You are allowed one lady’s maid to accompany you to the Tower.”

“And what of my daughter?” Anne demanded. By this time, the entire room had turned their attention to the scene at the high table. Even the violins had stopped.

“She will remain in the King’s care,” the guard that had not yet spoken responded. “We have no more time for discussion. Please, follow us.” He removed chains from his belt.

“I will not be chained!” Anne exclaimed. “Quietly I will leave this room, but I will NOT be chained!”