Boleyn, Anne

(1505-1536) the second wife of King Henry VIII of England. When she first appeared at the English court in 1522, her beauty attracted much attention. The king became interested in her but kept this interest well concealed until 1527. Henry separated from his first wife in 1531, and Anne became his mistress until 1533, when they were married. In 1536, Anne was beheaded at the Tower of London for alleged adultery and incest.

See also Henry the VIII and Tower in this glossary.