Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth Woodville

Each refused to be a mistress so that they might be a queen, although in Elizabeth's case her king did not already have a wife (at least, not that she knew of).

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7 comments:

May said...

I wonder if Anne had Elizabeth's example in mind?

elena maria vidal said...

I wonder....

Gareth Russell said...

Thanks for the link. What a wonderful blog. First comment underneath this article wasn't quite such a riotous, thigh-slapping treat, however, and unfortunately I lost the battle with keeping my cyber-temper. In fact, I lost it entirely and then decided to wallow in the defeat.

In the novel I started when I was eighteen but didn't finish, I fictionalised a setting where Anne's mother, Elizabeth Howard, served as one of Elizabeth Woodville's ladies-in-waiting in the convent at Saint Saviour during her final illness, because I've always been struck by the similarities in the two queens' story. Although there is no evidence that Elizabeth Boleyn was a maid in Elizabeth Woodville's story, she did serve her daughter, Queen Elizabeth of York. I thought it had potential to be quite interesting.

elena maria vidal said...

Gareth, I *trembled* when I saw the comment in question and knew that you would have to respond. Can't wait to read your response!

Lucy said...

Hi Elena:) Thanks for the link to this new blog- it's wonderful:) I suppose there are some similarities between these ladies..except that yes, Anne's king did already have a wife...
No matter how much I read though, I can't help but wonder about the whole legitimacy thereafter of British history as we know it... beginning with the King's 'important matter'- But hey, I'm no expert on the subject! thanks:)

elena maria vidal said...

Great to hear from you, Lucy! I agree....

Gareth Russell said...

The phrase "go nuclear" alas sprang to mind.