Katherine Carey

Early Letter from Princess Elizabeth to Lady Knollys

3 Comments

Catherine Carey, Lady Knollys was the daughter of Mary Boleyn and William Carey. When Catherine's cousin Queen Mary came to the throne they fled the country for fear they would be persecuted for their Protestant beliefs. This letter was written in 1553 making Elizabeth twenty years old. Elizabeth and Catherine always had a close relationship - is it possible because Elizabeth had a feeling they were sisters instead of cousins? We'll never know for certain. “Relieve you [More]

Mary Boleyn – Guest Article by Susan Abernethy

5 Comments

Most people know the story of Anne Boleyn, the second of King Henry VIII’s six wives. Few people know that Anne had an older sister Mary who was the mistress of two kings. There’s a reason she’s not well known. The best evidence that can be found suggests Mary Boleyn was born c. 1500, probably at Blickling Hall in Norfolk. Her father was Thomas Boleyn, an influential courtier of King Henry VII and King Henry VIII. Her mother was Lady Elizabeth Howard, Countess of Wiltsh [More]