On 19th May 1536, Anne Boleyn was executed at the Tower of London. Her final words have been remembered for their composure, faith, and loyalty to the King who condemned her. This date marks the anniversary of her death and offers a moment to reflect on her legacy, especially for those visiting her childhood home, Hever Castle.
Anne Boleyn’s last words were recorded by Edward Hall, a chronicler of the time. She addressed the crowd shortly before her beheading:
“Good Christian people, I have not come here to preach a sermon; I have come here to die. For according to the law and by the law I am judged to die, and therefore I will speak nothing against it. I am come hither to accuse no man… I pray God save the King and send him long to reign over you, for a gentler nor a more merciful prince was there never.”
Kneeling at the block, her final prayer was:
“To Jesus Christ I commend my soul; Lord Jesus receive my soul.”
These words have become central to her legacy. They reflect her religious devotion and stoic acceptance, even after being found guilty of adultery, incest, and treason.
Hever Castle in Kent was Anne Boleyn’s family home. She returned there often during her life, either to escape court scandal or recover her health. The Castle now holds a permanent exhibition of artefacts connected to Anne and the Boleyn family.
You can view:
One of these Books of Hours is believed to have been taken with her to the Tower of London. It contains her inscription:
“Remember me when you do pray that hope doth lead from day to day. Anne Boleyn.”
The other is even older, dated around 1450, with the words
“Le temps viendra, Je Anne Boleyn” (“The time will come, I Anne Boleyn”).
These books are housed in the Castle’s Book of Hours Room.
Anne’s rise and fall changed English history. Her refusal to be Henry VIII’s mistress led to the King’s break from Rome and the creation of the Church of England. But after failing to produce a male heir, she was accused of multiple crimes and became the first English queen to be publicly executed.
Her final words have come to symbolise her enduring dignity in the face of injustice.
In this video Castle Supervisor, Dr Owen Emmerson guides you inside Hever Castle to look at a number of items relating to Anne Boleyn and her family that are on permanent display in the Castle including a selection of portraits, her prayer books and letters.
If you’re interested in Anne Boleyn’s final days, you’ll find more at Hever Castle, including:
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
