Anne Boleyn
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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'Anne Boleyn (ca. 1501/1507–19 May 1536) was the second wife of King Henry VIII and the mother of Queen Elizabeth I.
King Henry's marriage to Anne, and her subsequent execution, were part of the complex beginning of the considerable political and religious upheaval which was the English Reformation, with Anne herself actively promoting the cause of Church reform. She wielded immense political influence and has been called "the most influential and important queen consort England has ever had".
She is popularly remembered most because she was beheaded on charges of adultery, incest and treason on 19 May 1536. Despite this, belief in her innocence was widespread and she was later celebrated as a martyr in English Protestant culture, particularly through the works of John Foxe.