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Anne Boleyn – England's Scandalous Queen: A Three Part Course with Dr. Elizabeth Norton


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after each event.

Anne Boleyn was, in her lifetime,  by far the most scandalous of Henry VIII's six wives. She remains the most well-known of all the queens of England, with her story the subject of countless books, plays, television shows, and movies over the centuries. While, at first glance, her story is well known, this course will take the time to explore exactly who Anne was, what she did, and how she is viewed, both in her own time and in later centuries. 

Led by an expert of the Boleyn family and the Tudor period, Dr Elizabeth Norton, this Conversation will provide a detailed account of the life of Anne Boleyn, with her reputation discussed both during her lifetime and in the centuries after her death. Designed to inform curiosity as well future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of Queen Anne Boleyn, both as a real woman and as an icon, whose life is still both denigrated and celebrated today.

Lecture One – A Courtier's Daughter
Our time together begins with a closer look at the origins of the Boleyn family and Anne's early life, including the beginnings of her relationship with Henry VIII. It will look in detail at just what we know about Anne, as well as demonstrating what can only be supposition. The lecture will provide a nuanced picture of a woman determined to become queen.

Lecture Two – Anne the Queen
Our second lecture in the course will consider Anne Boleyn's three years as queen, looking in detail at her role, as well as her relationship with Henry and others around her at court. It will end with a discussion of her arrest and execution, looking in detail at why the five men with whom she was accused of adultery were chosen to die.

Lecture Three – The Afterlife of Anne Boleyn
Our final lecture of the course will consider the afterlife of Anne Boleyn. Her life and the circumstances of her death made her both notorious and legendary. We will look at the way she was viewed in the sixteenth century, including by her daughter, Elizabeth I, as well as the way that Anne has been portrayed in subsequent centuries.

Dr Elizabeth Norton is a British historian, specialising in the Tudor period. She has degrees from both Oxford and Cambridge universities and King's College London. She is the author of twelve books, including 'The Hidden Lives of Tudor Women', 'The Temptation of Elizabeth Tudor' and biographies of four of Henry VIII's wives. She regularly appears as an expert on television.

How does it work?
This is a three-part series held weekly and hosted on Zoom. Please check the schedule for the specific dates and times for each lecture.

Is there a reading list in advance?
Though the course is open to participants with no background on this topic, we will provide a reading list for further investigation at the course's conclusion.

How long are the lectures?
Each lecture is 90 minutes long with time for Q&A.

How much is the course?
The course is $105 USD for three lectures.

Is a recording available if I am unable to attend the live discussion each week?
Yes.  A link to view the Zoom room recording will be emailed to you within 24 hours of each session's conclusion. 
Recordings will be available to re-watch at leisure up until 2 weeks after the course's conclusion. 

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
75%
(3)
25%
(1)
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(0)
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C
C.F. (Santa Monica, US)
A wonderful course and a great instructor.

This was quite engaging. Dr. Norton is very knowledgeable and clearly is passionate about this age and these iconic figures in it. The details and theories and breadth of the course are wonderful and cover everything from facts to commonly repeated gossip. A wonderful time.

J
J.G. (Andover, GB)
A Fascinating Course

I really enjoyed this fascinating three part course, I found each week to be informative. Dr Norton was a great speaker, who made it interesting and fun, and was able to explain the topic in an easy manner. Dr Norton was always happy to answer questions at the end of her talk. I really feel that I understand more about Anne and her life now, especially her early years before she even met Henry. It was nice to concentrate on her time as Queen and not just her downfall. I definitely have a better understanding of Anne Boleyn as a complete person and not just as Henry’s second Queen. A great three part course.

L
L.S. (Las Vegas, US)
Awesome Presentation!

Dr. Norton's courses never fail to please. They are informative, educational, fascinating, and just plain fun!

L
LynMarie Taylor (Liverpool, GB)

Guest did not leave comment

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
75%
(3)
25%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
C
C.F. (Santa Monica, US)
A wonderful course and a great instructor.

This was quite engaging. Dr. Norton is very knowledgeable and clearly is passionate about this age and these iconic figures in it. The details and theories and breadth of the course are wonderful and cover everything from facts to commonly repeated gossip. A wonderful time.

J
J.G. (Andover, GB)
A Fascinating Course

I really enjoyed this fascinating three part course, I found each week to be informative. Dr Norton was a great speaker, who made it interesting and fun, and was able to explain the topic in an easy manner. Dr Norton was always happy to answer questions at the end of her talk. I really feel that I understand more about Anne and her life now, especially her early years before she even met Henry. It was nice to concentrate on her time as Queen and not just her downfall. I definitely have a better understanding of Anne Boleyn as a complete person and not just as Henry’s second Queen. A great three part course.

L
L.S. (Las Vegas, US)
Awesome Presentation!

Dr. Norton's courses never fail to please. They are informative, educational, fascinating, and just plain fun!

L
LynMarie Taylor (Liverpool, GB)

Guest did not leave comment