The Traveling Ghost of the Headless Witch: Anne Boleyn
by The spirit of Henry VIII apparently sleeps peacefully. But the two wives he executed – Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard – still haunt the world they once lived in.
You’ll find the story of Catherine Howard here: Famous Phantom Visitors of Hampton Court. But here is the story of Anne Boleyn, who was believed to be guilty of treason, incest, adultery and witchcraft…
As a young girl, Anne Boleyn was sent to the French court and exposed to the influence of an immoral society. While her sister Mary was the mistress of Henry VIII, Anne thought she could do better and become the wife of the King of England. For six years she played the “hard-to-get” game she learned in Paris, and when Catherine of Aragon failed to produce a male heir, both Anne and Henry felt she could be the next Queen of England…
Accused of treason, incest, adultery and… witchcraft!
It is a fact that Anne was an arrogant Queen, causing endless troubles by her jealousies and improprieties. But she did not deserve to be accused of the worst of crimes, such as treason, incest (with her brother George, Lord Rochford), adultery (with four other men) and witchcraft.
To marry Anne, Henry broke with Rome and brought Protestantism to England. Roman Catholic writers have never forgiven her and attributed unspeakable crimes to her. In 1536, bishop Fisher was beheaded for refusing to acknowledge Henry as head of the Church. It was said Anne had his severed head brought to her on a dish, so she could stick a silver bodkin through his tongue. There also were rumours that “the concubine” had tried to poison Queen Catherine and Princess Mary, and that she – as a witch – was devoted to the foullest diabolism.
The one and only true crime of Anne Boleyn was that she – as Catherine of Aragon – was not able to produce an all-important male heir. So, Henry turned from her in disgust, not suspecting that the despised daughter she gave birth to would become England’s finest Queen, Elizabeth I…
In April 1536, five men were arrested as being Anne’s lovers, including her brother. Before they were tortured, all men said Anne was innocent, but under torture the Flemish musician Mark Smeaton accused her of being unfaithful to the King. Anne was arrested and, together with her brother, taken to the Tower of London.
Liked it
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Post CommentUnofre Pili
On February 17, 2009 at 5:53 am
I like the way told it.
clay hurtubise
On February 17, 2009 at 5:58 am
Nice story, well told.
Thanks,
clay
Lee Altman
On February 17, 2009 at 8:05 am
excellent work on this one. I stayed with it.
BC Doan
On February 17, 2009 at 9:45 am
I found this so fascinating, since I had just watched the movie “The Other Boleyn Girl”.
To me, King Henry is the one committed adultery, and incest, but I want to keep my head, so I will stop here!!!
Lost in Arizona
On February 17, 2009 at 10:10 am
Perfect ghost story. I’ve always loved reading about Anne Boleyn. The idea of visiting the Tower has always fascinated me just so I could actually see her headless spector. I’m weird, but I love a good haunting..lol! Wonderful story on a cold morning.
nobert soloria bermosa
On February 17, 2009 at 8:59 pm
another interesting page in history
Debra.
On February 17, 2009 at 9:10 pm
I love history and the story of the sisters and King Henry. I also believe that King Henry was the one who committed adultery and Anne should be guilty of it also, although she was not married but being that it was her sister’s husband should make her just as guilty. Patrisck, well done again, my friend! I love your stories!
C Jordan
On February 17, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Superbly related Patrick. An excellent read.
CutestPrincess
On February 18, 2009 at 5:52 am
aww… unbelievable… but the story really amazing…
Carolyn
On June 16, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Debra:
The King was Married solely to Catalina de Aragon, daughter of Isabella de Castilla and Ferdinand de Aragon before he was married to Lady Anne. Lady Anne was in no way related to the Queen. “The Other Boleyn Girl” was a poorly done movie and things are made clearer in the book, but I will make it clear here: Mary Boleyn was never married to King Henry VIII nor any king of England. Anne played a dangerous game, but she did what she had to in order to move forward in life. Especially after Wolsey shut down her marriage to Henry Percy. Instead of being used as a tool by her family, as her sister and her successor did, Anne took charge of her own destiny and made the most of her life and her circumstances. She was not a witch, and adulterer, treasonous or incestuous. Just smart, which was a trait frowned upon in women during those times.
Sandra A Flowers
On June 28, 2009 at 4:29 pm
just found your pages, an amazing story, love the read here
The Anne Boleyn Files
On July 29, 2009 at 11:04 am
Excellent article, I love reading ghost stories. I also loved the song by the Kingston Trio as I’d never heard it before – thanks!
Lauren Axelrod
On November 23, 2009 at 7:46 pm
This is one of my favorite times from history. Excellent piece Patrick.
Allison Jae
On December 26, 2009 at 4:04 am
Had me hooked from beginning to end.
Aarushi_ashley
On March 12, 2010 at 11:24 am
WOW! i had had ghoosebumps while reading this matter.It is facsinating to read that a woman like her can walk in ghastly appearences nd terrifying ppl.i think she shud go back 2 the time she was executed in 16th century.SHe is jst waistin time up in here in 21st century dude!
bb
On June 26, 2011 at 12:01 am
Hi; Can you provide any sources for the details about the ghost being seen by guards in the Tower? You provide dates but no sources. I’d like to read more about the encounters.
Thanks!