Hey, this is Heather from the Renaissance English History Podcast, and this is your Tudor Minute for May 2.
Today in 1536 Henry Norris, Henry VIII’s groom of the stool, and one of his best friends, was taken to the tower. Eustace Chapuys wrote to Emperor Charles V that Mark Smeaton and George Boleyn were also already there.
Anne Boleyn found out there was trouble when she was watching a tennis match. A messenger came and said that the King ordered her to present herself to the Privy Council, and she left and found the council with her uncle the Duke of Norfolk, and others. She found out that she was accused of committing adultery with three men, and that Mark Smeaton had already confessed. Anne had to wait in her apartments until the tide was right to take her to the Tower, which happened at about 2pm. She was then escorted to the Tower by barge, where she would die just over two weeks later.
That’s your Tudor Minute for today. Remember you can dive deeper into life in 16th century England through the Renaissance English History Podcast at englandcast.com.
Links: Anne Boleyn's Songbook: sharing the intimate emotions of a Queen
From the Shop: Anne Boleyn Charm Bangle Bracelet