Henry VIII's letters to Anne Boleyn

Video that features several letters that Henry VIII wrote to Anne Boleyn, including those asking her to become his mistress to later correspondence in which Henry alerts Anne to the progress being made in the annulment case. It is evident that the annulment case was of deep concern to Anne, something Henry recognised and thus reported to her the dealings.


In the third letter shown in the clip, which dates to September 1528, Henry alerts Anne that Campeggio (the papal legate) will soon be in Paris thus shortly would arrive in England and the annulment case could commence. The original letter states:


"The reasonable request of your last letter, with the pleasure also that I take to know them true, causeth me to send you now these news. The Legate which we most desire arrived at Paris on Sunday or Monday last past, so that I trust by the next Monday to hear of his arrival at Calais, and then I trust within a while after to enjoy that which I have so longed for to God's pleasure and our both comfort. No more to you at this present, mine own darling, for lack of time, but that I would you were in mine arms or I in yours, for I think it long since I kissed you. Written after the killing of an hart, at 11 of the clock, minding with God's grace tomorrow mytely tymely to kill another, by the hand of him which I trust shortly shall be yours. -- HENRY R."




Fortunately one of Henry VIII's love letters to Anne will be on public display. The letters, which is loan from the Vatican, is included in the new Henry VIII exhibition at the British Library. The letter in question is the second one mentioned in this clip -- in which Henry makes it clear that he no longer wants Anne as a mistress, but as a wife:

"For so beautiful a present, and so exceeding, I thank you most right cordially; not alone for the fair diamond and the ship in which the solitary damsel is tossed about, but chiefly for the good intent and too humble submission vouchsafed in this by your kindness; considering well that by occasion to merit it would not a little perplex me, if I were not aided therin by your great benevolence and goodwill, for the which I have sought, do seek, and shall always seek by all services to me possible there to remain, in the which my hope hath set up his everlasting rest, saying aut illic aut nullibi [either here or nowhere]

The proofs of your affections as such, the fine poesies of the letters so warmly couched, that they constrain me ever truly to honour, love and serve you, praying that you will continue in this same firm and constant purpose, ensuring you, for my part, that I will the rather go beyond than make reciproque [equiavent response], if loyalty or heart, the desire to do you pleasure, even with my whole heart root, and may serve to advance it.

Praying you also that if ever before I have in any way done you offense, that you will give me the same absolution that you ask [no doubt for appearing cold], ensuring you that henceforth my heart shall be dedicated to you alone, greatly desirous that so my body could be as well, as God can bring to pass if it pleasth Him, whom I entreat once each day for the accomplishment thereof, trusting that at length my prayer will be heard, wishing the time brief, and thinking it but long until we shall see each other again.

Written with the hand of that secretary who in heart, body and will is
Your loyal and must ensured servant

H. aultre AB (written in a heart) ne cherse R."

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[Kellyannk308]

Man Henry sound like love sick young boy in his letter to Anne Bolyan

[littlemisssunnydale]

Yep; he was enraptured!

[crazyashell125]

"Written by the hand which fame will be yours and so is the heart".....damn, i can see how he made it so well with women...

[cymraegambyth]

Not sure if I like the actor playing Henry VIII ...

[lovelyprittygirl]

@cymraegambyth u've gotta c the tudors which is a huge hit produced by showtime,,trust me u'll luv the king in it

[HistoryLover1550]

@cymraegambyth I like Jonathan Rhys Meyers portrayal of him better.

[NicolaWriter]

To think that he wrote such beautiful poetry to a woman he would later behead.

[streetwhereulive]

Maybe Prince Charles will do the same?

[Albukhshi]

not really-starkey is giving a human dimension, revealing a man consumed by his passions an desires.he's adding color to his personality

In my opinion, it adds a level of tragedy to his monstrous slide.

[tiredoldbag]

Can see what you mean - he seems human?!

[emrldeyez]

I think they might have chosen that image on purpose, to make Henry look nice and sincere in his claims of love

[Aneasthetised]

yeah, me neither. He seems...nice?