Hever Castle features twice in a new History Hit series exploring the dramatic lives and deaths of the Tudors’ most notorious figures.
What better place to explore the story of Anne Boleyn than the castle where she spent her childhood?
Hever Castle features prominently in How the Tudors Lost Their Heads, the new six-part series from History Hit and Little Dot Studios, presented by historian Dan Snow and Professor Suzannah Lipscomb.
The series explores the stories of six figures whose lives ended on the scaffold, delving into the ambition, power struggles, rivalries and political intrigue behind some of the most dramatic moments of the Tudor age.
Hever Castle features in two sections of the Anne Boleyn episode, bringing the story back to the place where Anne spent much of her childhood and later returned to as an adult during the early years of her relationship with Henry VIII.
In the first, Dan Snow meets Kate McCaffrey, Assistant Curator at Hever Castle, in the atmospheric Best Bedchamber to explore Anne’s relationship with Henry VIII, including their courtship and the famous love letters exchanged between them.
The setting is particularly fitting, as this may have been the very room where Anne read and replied to some of Henry’s letters while she was at Hever.
Filmed in the castle, the conversation offers a fascinating insight into the relationship that would ultimately have such enormous consequences for both Anne and the Tudor monarchy.
Later in the episode, Dan returns to Hever to explore the ‘Moost Happi’ medal, a rare object associated with Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. The medal is currently on loan to Hever Castle as part of Capturing a Queen: The Image of Anne Boleyn, the castle’s major exhibition exploring the many ways Anne has been represented over almost 500 years.
The appearance provides viewers with another glimpse inside Hever and highlights one of the fascinating objects currently on display as part of the exhibition.
For Hever, Anne is far more than a name in the history books. She spent much of her childhood at the castle and returned there as an adult, making Hever an important place for understanding her early life, her family and the relationship with Henry that would change the course of English history.
Anne’s extraordinary rise from a young woman at the Tudor court to Queen of England – followed by her shocking execution just three years later – has fascinated generations.
But was Anne really guilty of the crimes for which she was condemned?
How the Tudors Lost Their Heads takes a fresh look at the events surrounding her downfall, examining the political tensions, personalities and circumstances that led to her execution in 1536.
Filming at Hever brings another dimension to that story, connecting the historical debate with the place where Anne’s story began and where her relationship with Henry VIII developed.
How the Tudors Lost Their Heads premiered on National Geographic on 6th September and is now available to watch on Disney+. The Anne Boleyn episode is scheduled to air on 20th September.
The episode is a must-watch for anyone fascinated by Hever’s most famous resident, with Dan Snow returning to the castle twice to explore different aspects of Anne’s story – from her relationship with Henry VIII to objects connected to her enduring legacy.
Viewers can also catch a glimpse of Capturing a Queen: The Image of Anne Boleyn, currently on display at Hever Castle. Can’t make it to Hever Castle? You can still explore Capturing a Queen: The Image of Anne Boleyn with the virtual tour, available to buy online. Discover the exhibition from home and explore Anne’s story at your own pace. Find out more at Hever Castle.
Watch How the Tudors Lost Their Heads on Disney+ and discover Anne Boleyn’s story from a whole new perspective.
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.
