Anne Shelton (courtier) facts for kids

Anne Boleyn, also known as Lady Shelton (born around 1483, died 8 January 1556), was an important woman in English history. She was the sister of Thomas Boleyn, 1st Earl of Wiltshire. This made her the aunt of Queen Anne Boleyn, who was the second wife of King Henry VIII.

Life of Lady Anne Shelton

Anne Boleyn was born in a place called Blickling in Norfolk. Her parents were Sir William Boleyn and Lady Margaret Butler. She married Sir John Shelton before the year 1503.

Lady Shelton's Role in the Royal Household

In 1533, Lady Shelton and her sister, Lady Alice Clere, were given an important job. They were put in charge of the household of the King's daughter, Mary. Some people believe Lady Shelton was quite strict with young Mary. She would often remind Mary that Princess Elizabeth, Queen Anne's daughter, had a higher position. However, it is thought that Lady Shelton never physically harmed Mary.

Lady Shelton also received letters from Queen Anne. These letters often criticized Mary. By July 1536, Sir John Shelton became the manager of the household. This household was set up for both Mary and Princess Elizabeth.

Lady Shelton During Queen Anne's Imprisonment

In the same year, Queen Anne was arrested and taken to the Tower of London. Five women were chosen to stay with her there. Their job was to report everything the Queen said to Sir William Kingston. He was the leader of the Tower. He then reported to Thomas Cromwell, the King's main advisor.

Lady Shelton was one of these five women. It is possible that she and Queen Anne had a disagreement. This might have happened because King Henry VIII was interested in Lady Shelton's daughter, Madge Shelton. The other women with Queen Anne were Lady Mary Kingston, Lady Elizabeth Boleyn, Lady Margaret Coffin, and Elizabeth Stoner.

Sir William Kingston said these five women were "honest and good." But Queen Anne felt sad about it. She said she thought the King was "unkind" to put people around her whom she had never liked. When Queen Anne was arrested in 1536, Lady Shelton was removed from her service. Four days later, Queen Anne Boleyn was executed. Historians still discuss whether Lady Shelton was still with Anne at that time. They also wonder if she was one of the "four young ladies" who walked with Anne to the scaffold.

After Sir John Shelton's Death

Lady Shelton became a widow on December 21, 1539. Her husband, Sir John Shelton, was buried in the church at Shelton. He was known for having many valuable possessions. He tried to pass these on to his children in a way that went against the law at the time. When this was discovered after his death, the lawyers involved were punished. A new law was even passed to stop such "clever tricks" with property.

When Did Anne Shelton Die?

Anne Shelton died on January 8, 1556, in Norwich. It is not known for sure if she was buried at Shelton church or Carrow Abbey. However, her image can be seen in the beautiful stained glass windows of St. Mary's Church in Shelton. Her will, which is a legal document about her wishes, was approved on June 1, 1556.

Lady Shelton's Children

Lady Shelton had ten children in total: three sons and seven daughters. One of her daughters, named 'Madge' Shelton, is believed to have been a mistress of King Henry VIII. It is not clear if 'Madge' was a nickname for Margaret or Mary Shelton.

• Madge Shelton (died before September 11, 1583): She married Thomas Wodehouse. Her family kept a special bed hanging decorated with symbols of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. This item is now in the Burrell Collection.
• John Shelton (1500-November 1558): He became the 22nd Lord of Shelton. He married Margaret Parker, who was the daughter of Henry Parker, 10th Baron Morley.
• Mary Shelton (died January 8, 1570 or 1571): She first married Sir Anthony Heveningham. Later, she married Philip Appleyard.
• Ralph Shelton (died September 26, 1561): He married Amy Wodehouse. She was the sister of Thomas, who married Margaret Shelton.
• Thomas Shelton (died after 1579): He married Anne Appleyard.
• Anne Shelton (around 1505-1563): She first married Edmund Knyvet. Later, she married Christopher Coote.
• Gabriella Shelton (died October 1558): She did not have any children.
• Elizabeth Shelton (died after 1561): She did not have any children.
• Amy Shelton (died November 1579): She did not have any children.
• Emma Shelton (died after 1556): She did not have any children.