This International Women’s Day, Hever Castle is celebrating the remarkable women who have shaped its history – from queens to curators. At the heart of the castle’s story is Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second queen, whose life and image continue to captivate the world.
The castle’s new exhibition, “Capturing a Queen: The Image of Anne Boleyn,” examines not just what Anne looked like, but how her image has influenced perceptions of women over the centuries. Bringing together an unprecedented collection of portraits believed to depict Anne, the display traces how her likeness has changed over time and invites visitors to reflect on the power of visual representation.
Castle Historian and Assistant Curator, Kate McCaffrey, said:
“It feels especially fitting to mark the quincentennial anniversary of Henry VIII’s courtship of Anne Boleyn with an exhibition here at Hever, a place so central to her story. We will explore why there is such a desire to capture Anne’s physical appearance and ask visitors whether it truly mattered. Anne’s legacy goes far beyond her looks – her intelligence, wit, and charisma were her defining traits.”
Hever Castle’s story is shaped by women across centuries. Anne Boleyn was born at the castle, making it the starting point of her remarkable journey. Later, other queens such as Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII’s fourth wife, were connected to Hever, highlighting how women navigated influence, expectation, and legacy in Tudor England. These stories reflect the resilience of women, showing that their impact extends far beyond what is recorded in portraits or history books.
Women continue to shape Hever Castle today, from curators and historians to educators and conservationists, ensuring that these stories are preserved, interpreted and shared with new generations. Visitors to the exhibition can explore portraits across the castle’s historic rooms – including the Staircase Gallery, Book of Hours Room, Long Gallery, Council Chamber and a specially created space in the Astor Suite and consider how women’s lives and images have been remembered through time.
“Capturing a Queen: The Image of Anne Boleyn” is included in castle admission and runs until 2nd January 2027. This International Women’s Day, Hever Castle invites visitors to celebrate Anne Boleyn, Anne of Cleves and the many women, past and present, whose influence has shaped the castle and its story.
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.
