Royalty & Nobility · 16th Century
Anne Boleyn’s Last Words
“O Lord God have pity on my soul.”— Anne Boleyn, May 19, 1536
Who Was Anne Boleyn?
Anne Boleyn was the second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Queen Elizabeth I. Her romance with Henry triggered England's break with the Catholic Church and the English Reformation.
The Final Moments
Anne was executed on Tower Green within the Tower of London on charges of adultery, incest, and treason — charges widely believed to have been fabricated by her enemies. She faced death with remarkable composure.
Are These Words Verified?
Based on eyewitness accounts from the execution, though various versions of her scaffold speech exist in contemporary records. Her prayer and general sentiment are well-documented, but exact final words vary by source.
Sources
- archive Chronicle of Calais eyewitness account
- archive Letters and Papers of Henry VIII
- academic Eric Ives 'The Life and Death of Anne Boleyn'
Legacy
Anne's daughter became Elizabeth I, one of England's greatest monarchs. Anne's courage on the scaffold has made her a feminist icon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Anne Boleyn’s last words?
“O Lord God have pity on my soul.”
How did Anne Boleyn die?
Anne Boleyn died on May 19, 1536 at the age of 35. Cause of death: Execution by beheading.
Were Anne Boleyn’s last words documented?
Based on eyewitness accounts from the execution, though various versions of her scaffold speech exist in contemporary records. Her prayer and general sentiment are well-documented, but exact final words vary by source.
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