 |
|
Reply
| |
I read "Anne Boleyn - A New Life of England's Tragic Queen" by Joanna Denny a while ago, and have wondered about some of her claims since then. She repeatedly states that Chapuys, the Imperial ambassador, and AB never met, except on the one occasion in 1536 where he bowed to her. Now I think about it I can't say for certain that I have ever seen it explicitly stated that they had met but I always got that impression. Surely considering they were both spent so much time at court, their paths must have crossed?? I think (but I can't remember exactly - please feel free to correct me!) but Denny may have said that this was because Chapuys refused to meet "the concubine", but surely as ambassador he would be obliged to be as involved as possible in court life? Denny also alleges that Thomas More used to enjoy being whipped by his daughter (presumably Margaret Roper?) Has anyone else heard this mentioned elsewhere? This book was interesting, and gave a different slant on Anne's story, but I found it highly biased. Anne is portrayed as whiter than white, and anyone against her the devil. I think AB was a fascinating woman, she's my favourite historical figure, but I don't believe she was an angel by any means. Anyone else read this? What are your thoughts? |
|
 First
Previous
2-10 of 10
Next
Last
|
Reply
| |
"More's discipline applied to himself at least as much as to others. Throughout his adult life he wore an unusually rough hair shirt under his linen blouse, a fact he went to considerable lengths to keep secret from all but his eldest child and closest confidant Meg. After buying a property along the banks of the River Thames in Chelsea, then well outside the city limits of London, he spent every Friday and most feast days in the estate's "New Building" and its private chapel, flagellating and prostrating himself in abnegation of the flesh." Looks as though Meg know about his acts of devotion, but not that she participated or helped in any way. |
|
Reply
| |
I have read this book also, as I have read a lot on Anne Boleyn. It must be hard to find out things on Anne Boleyn it is quite a shame there is still a lot we don't know about her. But it was good to read a book that didn't portray her has a complete and utter b***h. As most movies, television programs and books do portray her as being one. SHe is portrayed in this book as being more human I feel. INteresting book though! |
|
Reply
| |
I've always found it weird that Henry, who by this point had the plans in the works to take down the Boleyns, insisted upon Imperial recognition of his queen at such a late date. It was quite the diplomatic coup for him, granted, since Anne had never been officially acknowledged by Charles before (it had only been about 3 months since Catherine's death), but I never understood why he pushed for it so diligently when he was plotting to get rid of Anne anyway. I could see Chapuys not coming in contact with Anne after she was proclaimed queen. After all, ambassadors were received by the king, not his consort; I'm sure it was probably quite a shock to Anne to comprehend the restrictions on the king's wife that weren't there when she was just assumed to be his mistress. Charles was also determined not to acknowledge Anne in Catherine's lifetime, but after that he no doubt took a more pragmatic view of things. |
|
Reply
| |
Whilst having little sympathy for Anne Boleyn (or any of the Tudors) it's hard to believe that she was ever a complete b*tch. It's hard not to sympathise with Katherine of Aragon though, disgarded after all those years for a younger model. As queen Anne certainly wouldn't have half the freedom she had as Henry's lover though I find it a little hard to believe that she only met Chapuys once. |
|
Reply
| |
I have only heard of once incidence where they met face to face but do not recall the exact time or place. It is hard to believe they never came upon one another in the court. Anne was a brave soul to do what she did considering how everyone hated her. Tudorgalusa |
|
Reply
| |
Was responding based on my own reading and knowledge, off the top of my head. Not good with dates anyway. Tudorgalusa |
|
Reply
| |
Chapuys avoided "The Concubine" while Catherine of Aragon still lived as a matter of Imperial policy. Wasn't the first thing Henry said on being informed of her death was "Thank God, we are now free from all threat of war!", as he did fear Catherine's stubborn persistence would result in Charles invading England to put Mary on the throne some day. I personally don't think Charles felt it was worth it, but once Henry was excommunicated it could've taken on the guise of a "crusade" of sorts if it was a slow day at Valladolid  After Catherine died, Chapuys no doubt was waiting on his orders from the emperor on what to do about Anne. They never actually even spoke, from what I've gathered; Chapuys merely bowed to her & made his obescience after Easter Mass, & Anne nodded in acknowledgment of it. Barely a month after scoring such a sweet victory, she was in the Tower  |
|
|
First
Previous
2-10 of 10
Next
Last
|
|
Free Forum Hosting
Important Announcement
Return to General