The Boleyns: A Family of Two Queens

Join me for an exclusive online event delving into the fascinating history of the Boleyn family!

Hosted by me, Claire Ridgway, best-selling author of fourteen books including The Boleyns of Hever Castle (co-authored with Dr Owen Emmerson), The Fall of Anne Boleyn: A Countdown, and George Boleyn: Tudor Poet, Courtier and Diplomat (co-authored with Clare Cherry), this event offers a unique opportunity to uncover the ambitions, triumphs, and tragedies that shaped the Boleyn legacy.

Place: Online, here on a private part of this website, and via Zoom. Join in from the comfort of your own home.
Dates: 1 - 8 November 2024.
Price: $80, (approximately £63.40, AUD 123.80, €75.90).

Event highlights

Thomas and Elizabeth Boleyn, an ambitious and talented courtier and his noble lady
Anne Boleyn, From a King's Obsession to a Queen's Downfall
Mary Boleyn, The King's Mistress and Her Legacy
George Boleyn, Poet, Courtier, Diplomat, and the Price of Serving a King
Jane Boleyn, The Controversial Life of Lady Rochford
Elizabeth I, The Boleyn Queen
The Legacy of the Boleyns and Our Enduring Fascination with This 16th Century Family

What’s included:

Seven Video Talks: Each talk provides an in-depth look into the lives and legacies of key Boleyn family members
Eight Zoom video Q&A Sessions: Engage directly with me, ask questions, and participate in lively discussions
Lifetime Access: Enjoy unlimited access to all event recordings and resources at your convenience
Four bonus informal zoom video chats leading up to the event – An ideal opportunity to talk Tudor with like-minded people. These will take place between end of August and end of October. Dates TBC.
Private Facebook group to share things with others
Recommended reading list and resources.

ALL zoom calls are by video so you can ask your question in real time and be seen, or use the chat box if you prefer.

Don’t miss this chance to deepen your understanding of one of history's most intriguing families.

Register now and embark on a captivating journey through Tudor history! Register Today and Secure Your Spot with an Early Bird Discount!

Schedule:

Day 1: 1 November - Join me for an in-depth look at "Thomas and Elizabeth Boleyn: An Ambitious and Talented Courtier and His Noble Lady." We'll explore the fascinating life and career of Thomas Boleyn, a key figure in Tudor court politics, and the story of his wife, Elizabeth, daughter of one of the premier families of England. Delve into their family backgrounds, uncover the lives of lesser-known Boleyn family members like Thomas's brother, Sir James Boleyn, and his mother, Lady Margaret Butler. Discover the rich tapestry of ambition, talent, and nobility that defined the Boleyn legacy.
Zoom video “Get to know you” chat – 10pm London / 6pm New York.
Day 2: 2 November - Join me for an enthralling journey through "Anne Boleyn: From a King's Obsession to a Queen's Downfall." In this talk, we'll trace Anne Boleyn's life from her beginnings in Norfolk and Kent, to her formative years abroad, which shaped her into a true Renaissance woman. Discover her meteoric rise to become queen and delve into the complexities of her 1000 days in the limelight. Finally, we'll examine the dramatic events leading to her tragic downfall. Explore the compelling story of a woman who captivated a king and changed the course of history.
Zoom video Q&A session on Thomas Boleyn, Elizabeth Howard & the Boleyn family – 10pm London / 6pm New York.
Day 3: 3 November - Discover the fascinating story of "Mary Boleyn: The King's Mistress and Her Legacy." In this talk, we'll delve into Mary's life, uncovering what we know about her relationship with King Henry VIII and debunking the myth of her affair with Francis I of France. We'll also examine her two marriages, the mystery surrounding the paternity of her children, and the fate of her descendants.
Zoom video Q&A session on Anne Boleyn – 10pm London / 5pm New York.
Day 4: 4 November - Explore the captivating story of "George Boleyn: Poet, Courtier, Diplomat, and the Price of Serving a King." This talk delves into the life and career of George Boleyn, examining the evidence of his close relationship with King Henry VIII, the myths surrounding his sexuality and his bond with his sister, Anne Boleyn. We'll trace his rise to prominence and his tragic downfall, leading to his execution. Uncover the truth behind the legend of this influential yet often misunderstood historical figure.
Zoom video Q&A session on Mary Boleyn – 10pm London / 5pm New York.
Day 5: 5 November - Discover the intricate tale of "Jane Boleyn: The Controversial Life of Lady Rochford." This talk will delve into Jane's background, highlighting the career and influence of her father before exploring her own career at court. We'll unravel the myths surrounding her marriage to George Boleyn and examine how she became entangled in the downfalls of three queens: Anne Boleyn, Anne of Cleves, and Catherine Howard. Learn about her eventual fall alongside Catherine Howard and her legacy, including how her father may viewed her. Uncover the complexities of this often-misunderstood historical figure.
Zoom video Q&A session on George Boleyn – 10pm London / 5pm New York.
Day 6: 6 November - Explore the fascinating story of "Elizabeth I: The Boleyn Queen." This talk will delve into Elizabeth's early childhood and her relationship with her mother, Anne Boleyn. We'll examine how Anne may have made provisions for Elizabeth with her chaplain, Matthew Parker, and trace Elizabeth's formative years, including her pre-accession household and the Boleyns who were part of it. Follow Elizabeth's rise to the throne and discover how, as queen, she showed that she never forgot her Boleyn heritage.
Zoom video Q&A session on Jane Boleyn – 10pm London / 5pm New York.
Day 7: 7 November - In my final talk, I'll explore the legacy of the Boleyns and our enduring fascination with this 16th century family. We'll delve into the lasting impact of the Boleyns on history, their significant contributions, and the myths and legends that continue to captivate us today. Discover why this remarkable family from the Tudor era remains a subject of intrigue and admiration centuries later.
Zoom video Q&A session on Elizabeth I – 10pm London / 5pm New York.
Day 8: 8 November - Zoom video chat to bring the event to a close. We can chat about all things Boleyn – 10pm London / 5pm New York.

Participant benefits

In-depth Knowledge: Gain a fresh and comprehensive understanding of the Boleyn family, including lesser-known members and their significant roles in Tudor history.
Exclusive Insights: Access exclusive content and insights from Claire Ridgway, historian and author of multiple bestselling Tudor history books.
Personal Engagement: Engage directly with Claire through live Zoom Q&A sessions, where you can ask questions, participate in discussions, and deepen your knowledge interactively.
Lifetime Access: Enjoy unlimited access to all event recordings and resources at your convenience, allowing you to revisit and study the content at your own pace.
Community Connection: Join a private Facebook group to connect with fellow history enthusiasts, share insights, and continue discussions beyond the event.
Bonus Pre-Event Chats: Participate in informal Zoom video chats leading up to the event, providing a platform to engage with like-minded individuals and discuss Tudor history topics.
Comprehensive Resources: Receive a recommended reading list and additional resources curated by Claire to further enrich your understanding of the Boleyn family and Tudor era.
Interactive Learning: Attend Zoom sessions where you can choose to interact via video or chat, ensuring your questions are answered in real-time and fostering a dynamic learning environment.
Expert Guidance: Benefit from Claire's expertise and her extensive experience in Tudor history research and publication.
Inspiration and Reflection: Explore the enduring fascination with the Boleyns and their impact on history, gaining insights that provoke thought and inspire further exploration.

Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into the captivating history of the Boleyn family with Claire Ridgway. Register today to secure your spot and embark on a captivating journey through Tudor history!

About Claire

Historian Claire Ridgway is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and the best-selling author of 14 history books, including "The Boleyns of Hever Castle" (co-written with Dr Owen Emmerson), "The Fall of Anne Boleyn: A Countdown", "George Boleyn: Tudor Poet, Courtier and Diplomat" (co-written with Clare Cherry), "The Anne Boleyn Collection", "On This Day in Tudor History", and "On This Day in Tudor History II".

Claire is also the founder of The Anne Boleyn Files and Elizabeth Files blogs, The Tudor Society, and the popular Anne Boleyn Files and Tudor Society YouTube Channel. She contributed to the BBC docudrama "The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family", has written for BBC History Extra and All About History Magazine, and been featured on a number of podcasts and radio stations internationally.

Dorothy

Claire, I have to tell you that I just love the way you present information. Your extraordinary expertise never weighs down the presentation. You bring such clarity, balance and perspective to your remarks.