On 19 May 1536, Anne Boleyn was executed at the Tower of London after a reign of just 1000 days.
On 19 May 2026, visitors to Hever Castle will have a rare opportunity to see Anne Boleyn’s own surviving handwriting, displayed to mark the anniversary of her death. This remarkable artefact offers a direct and deeply personal connection to one of history’s most compelling queens.
Unlike other surviving examples, where the text has been partially removed, this inscription remains preserved in full, making it an exceptional piece of Tudor history.
This special one day display coincides with Capturing a Queen, an exhibition bringing together the largest gathering of portraits believed to depict Anne Boleyn. From her own words to her enduring image, visitors can explore both the woman and the legacy she left behind.
Anne Boleyn’s c.1450 Book of Hours will be opened to the page bearing her enigmatic inscription, ‘The time will come, je Anne Boleyn,’ accompanied by a small drawn astrolabe. To preserve this fragile signature, the page cannot be displayed permanently, making this a particularly rare opportunity.
In addition, the Book of Ecclesiastes, currently on loan from Alnwick Castle, will be opened to the page bearing Anne Boleyn’s astrolabe. This marks the first time the manuscript has been opened to the public while on loan this century. For the first time, visitors will be able to see the two astrolabes associated with Anne Boleyn displayed side by side, offering a rare insight into the development of her personal symbol from before she was queen to its use during her queenship. As an object, the Ecclesiastes manuscript is also a striking survival, combining a reformist text with the rich velvet binding of queenship, reflecting the duality of Anne’s character and beliefs.
Hever Castle, Anne Boleyn’s childhood home, remained a place she returned to throughout her life, and provides a fitting setting to reflect on her story.
(Anne Boleyn’s 1527 printed Book of Hours in which she poignantly wrote ‘Remember me when you do pray, that hope doth lead from day to day. Anne Boleyn.’ is currently on loan to Hampton Court Palace)
Castle ticket required.
Location: Castle Interior – Book of Hours Room
When: 19 May
Times: 11:30 – 18:00
See one of the most intact surviving examples of Anne Boleyn’s handwriting, carefully preserved within a historic Book of Hours. Displayed on 19 May only, this rare inscription provides a unique opportunity to view her words as they have survived for nearly 500 years.
Location: Castle Interior – Book of Hours Room
When: 19 May until 7 September
The Ecclesiastes manuscript, on loan from Alnwick Castle, will be opened to a page featuring Anne Boleyn’s astrolabe. This is the first time the manuscript has been opened to the public while on loan this century, offering a rare opportunity to view its interior.
Displayed alongside Hever Castle’s own Book of Hours, visitors can see for the first time the two astrolabes associated with Anne Boleyn side by side. These symbols, representing the passing of time, provide a unique insight into the evolution of her personal iconography from before she became queen to her time as Queen of England.
The manuscript itself is a remarkable survival, combining a reformist text with the rich materials of royal presentation, reflecting both Anne’s intellectual interests and her status at court.
Location: Castle Interior – 2nd & 3rd Floors
Runs until 2 January 2027
Explore Capturing a Queen, a major exhibition examining how Anne Boleyn has been portrayed across centuries. Featuring the largest collection of portraits believed to depict her, the exhibition considers how her image has been shaped, reinterpreted and remembered over time.
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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.
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