Elizabeth Boleyn: Recovering a Life
Join historian and author Sophie Bacchus‑Waterman for a richly detailed exploration of Elizabeth Boleyn, mother of Queen Anne Boleyn and a pivotal yet often overlooked figure in Tudor history. Drawing from her new biography Elizabeth Boleyn: The Life of the Queen’s Mother, Bacchus‑Waterman brings fresh insight into a woman whose influence shaped one of the most dramatic reigns in English history.
The talk illuminates Elizabeth Boleyn’s early life and her service as a lady‑in‑waiting to Katherine of Aragon, her role during the King’s Great Matter, and the ways she supported Anne Boleyn throughout her turbulent queenship. Despite her proximity to power, Elizabeth’s story has remained largely untold — this event offers a rare opportunity to reconsider her life, agency, and legacy.
Please note: access to the Upper Library is via a large spiral staircase and is not step‑free.
What to expect:
- 📜 Fresh perspectives on Elizabeth Boleyn’s life and historical significance
- đź‘‘ Insights into her role during the rise and fall of Anne Boleyn
- 🏰 Discussion of Tudor court politics and women’s influence behind the scenes
- đź“š A chance to hear from the author of the first full biography of Elizabeth Boleyn