Elizabeth Boleyn (lady-in-waiting) facts for kids

Elizabeth Boleyn was an important woman who worked at the court of King Henry VIII. She was a "lady-in-waiting," which meant she helped the Queen. Her maiden name was Wood. She married Sir James Boleyn. This made her the aunt of Anne Boleyn, who later became King Henry VIII's second wife.

Elizabeth Boleyn's Family Connections

Elizabeth Boleyn was related to many people who became successful. This was thanks to her brother-in-law, Sir Thomas Boleyn. He was a skilled ambassador, which means he represented his country in other lands. Sir Thomas became a Viscount in 1525. Later, when King Henry VIII fell in love with Thomas's daughter, Anne, Thomas was given even higher titles. He became the Earl of Wiltshire and Ormonde.

A Difficult Role at Court

Even though they were family, Elizabeth Boleyn and her niece, Queen Anne, did not seem to get along well. In 1536, Queen Anne was held in the Tower of London. Five women were chosen to stay with her there. Their job was to report everything Queen Anne said to Sir William Kingston. He was the person in charge of the Tower. He then reported to the King's main advisor, Thomas Cromwell.

Who Watched Queen Anne?

Elizabeth Boleyn was one of these five women. Another was Queen Anne's aunt, Anne Shelton. The group also included Mary Kingston, who was Sir William Kingston's wife. Margaret Coffin, whose husband managed Queen Anne's horses, was also there. Finally, Elizabeth Stoner, whose husband was a royal officer, completed the group. Sir William Kingston said these women were "honest and good." However, Queen Anne felt it was "a great unkindness" for the King to send people she "never loved" to be with her.

Accompanying Queen Anne

Elizabeth Boleyn and Mary Kingston were the two women who went with Queen Anne to her trial. This happened on May 15, 1536.