Mary Boleyn and Anne Boleyn: Two Sisters, One King
An 8-day online event with historian and Boleyn expert Claire Ridgway
Date: 15-22 Sept
Place: here, on this website and via Zoom
Join me, Claire Ridgway, for a unique deep dive into the lives of the Boleyn sisters and their entanglements with King Henry VIII.
This 8-day online event combines carefully crafted video talks with interactive Zoom discussions designed to bring history to life. From the glamorous world of the Tudor court to the scandalous affairs that changed England forever, you’ll get fresh insights, balanced analysis, and the opportunity to ask questions and connect with fellow Tudor enthusiasts.
Why join this event?
- FROM 15-22 September 2025
- Exclusive access to 6 brand-new video talks—richly researched and engagingly delivered.
- Daily Zoom sessions to discuss each talk, ask questions, and share ideas.
- Two pre-event Zoom discussion calls in July and August to get to know fellow participants and build excitement!
- An interactive community of fellow history lovers.
- A carefully curated recommended reading list to help you dive deeper into the Boleyn sisters’ fascinating stories.
- All sessions led by Claire Ridgway, renowned author, historian, and Tudor expert.
- Everything will be recorded and you will have LIFETIME access to the content.
Event Schedule and Talk Summaries
Each talk will be followed by a lively Zoom discussion the next day—ask your questions, share your thoughts, and dive deeper into the details. The final day wraps up with a grand Zoom round-up: a chance to reflect, debate, and celebrate the Boleyn sisters’ incredible stories.
Pre-Event Zoom Calls
July: Anne Boleyn—Myth, Reality, and Her Portrayal in Film and Fiction. Let’s separate fact from fiction as we discuss Anne’s image in popular media and how myths still shape her story today.
August: Mary Boleyn in Popular Culture—The Other Boleyn Girl and Beyond - A lively exploration of how Mary has been depicted on screen and in literature, and why her story continues to captivate audiences.
Both sessions are designed to build excitement, meet fellow participants, and spark questions ahead of the main event.
Day 1: The Boleyn Sisters: Their World Before Henry VIII
Before the scandal, before the court, the Boleyn sisters were part of a family on the rise—aspiring courtiers with noble connections and big dreams. Discover their Norfolk roots, their privileged education, and their formative years in France—where they honed the skills that would make them stand out at Henry VIII’s court.
PLUS: Zoom “get to know you” session.
Day 2: Mary Boleyn and Henry VIII: True Love or a Royal Fling?
She’s often dismissed as “the other Boleyn girl,” but was Mary’s relationship with Henry VIII more than a fleeting affair? We’ll untangle the evidence for their romance, explore the question of paternity, and reveal why her story still fascinates historians today.
PLUS: Zoom Q&A session on “The Boleyn Sisters: Their World Before Henry VIII”.
Day 3: Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII: A Courtship that Changed English History
Anne Boleyn was no passive player in Tudor politics. Learn how her fiery courtship with Henry VIII set in motion the English Reformation, altered the fate of a kingdom, and left a legacy that still reverberates today.
PLUS: Zoom Q&A session on “Mary Boleyn and Henry VIII: True Love or a Royal Fling?”
Day 4: Mary After Henry: Scandal, Survival, and Seclusion
Mary’s story didn’t end when Henry’s interest waned. From her marriage to William Carey to her scandalous elopement with William Stafford, we’ll uncover her life away from the court’s spotlight—and her final years.
PLUS: Zoom Q&A session on “Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII: A Courtship that Changed English History”
Day 5: Anne’s Rise and Fall: From Queen to Traitor
Anne Boleyn reached the pinnacle of power, only to fall spectacularly from grace. We’ll follow her turbulent marriage, the political intrigues that sealed her fate, and the haunting drama of her execution.
PLUS: Zoom Q&A session on “Mary After Henry: Scandal, Survival, and Seclusion”
Day 6: The Sisters’ Legacy: From the Careys to the Crown
While Anne’s only surviving child, Elizabeth I, left no direct descendants, her reign as the iconic Virgin Queen ensured that the Boleyn name would never be forgotten. Meanwhile, Mary’s children—the Careys—carried the Boleyn blood into future generations, creating a fascinating link to the present-day royal family. We’ll explore these legacies and the sisters’ enduring presence in popular culture.
PLUS: Zoom Q&A session on “Anne’s Rise and Fall: From Queen to Traitor.
Day 7: Zoom Q&A on “The Sisters’ Legacy: From the Careys to the Crown”
Learn about the women's popularity and their enduring story.
Day 8: Event Roundup
Zoom Discussion - A general discussion on the Boleyn sisters and a round-up of the event.
Note: Zoom discussions will be at 10pm UK time / 5pm New York time - Don't worry if you can't make one live, you can submit your question in advance. Each zoom is recorded AND you get lifetime access to the recordings.
About Claire Ridgway
I’m a historian, author, and YouTube creator best known for my in-depth work on Anne Boleyn and the Boleyn family. I’m the founder of The Anne Boleyn Files website and YouTube channel, where I bring Tudor history to life for tens of thousands of viewers. With numerous books on Anne Boleyn, the Boleyns and the Tudors, I’m a recognised expert on the Boleyn sisters and the turbulent times in which they lived. My passion is for making history accessible, engaging and meaningful to everyone.
Sign up now to secure your place on this immersive journey through the lives of two of the most fascinating women in Tudor history. Spaces are limited to ensure quality interaction, so reserve your spot today!
until 18th July 2025.
FULL PRICE $70 (approximately £51.90, AUD 107.40, €61.30)
Register Now
Claire, thank you for this last event. You are the bomb! Thank you to all the historians and the people on Zoom. Everything was great.
