Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2024
First exams 2026
The Fall of Anne Boleyn & the Rise of Jane Seymour (Edexcel GCSE History)
Revision Note
Written by: Natasha Smith
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Who was Responsible for the Fall of Anne Boleyn? - Timeline & Summary
Anne originally had power and influence over Henry. However, three years after her coronation, Henry had Anne executed. Anne's assertive personality and her involvement in politics alienated many powerful figures in court. Her flirtatious behaviour sparked rumours of adultery, incest and treason. Thomas Cromwell played a pivotal role in Anne Boleyn's downfall. Cromwell understood how unpopular Anne was in the Royal Court. He conducted a series of investigations into the allegations against Anne. Historians question Cromwell's conduct in this matter. He may have fabricated evidence and manipulated the legal system to ensure Anne was found guilty. Jane Seymour also played a role in Anne's downfall. Jane was a modest person. This was a contrast to Anne's assertive personality. Henry quickly was attracted to Jane and pursued her hand in marriage. |
Why Did Anne Boleyn Fall from Favour?
Reason | Why did this cause Anne's downfall? |
|---|---|
Anne did not have a son | Henry had split from the Catholic Church to produce a legitimate, male heir. Anne had suffered several miscarriages and, by 1536, Henry was running out of patience |
Anne had strong opinions | Anne expressed her feelings about religion and political matters. Henry became increasingly annoyed at her outspoken personality |
Jane Seymour | Henry started to become attracted to Jane Seymour by early 1536. Henry wanted Jane to be his wife rather than Anne |
Anne may have committed adultery | Rumours circulated around the court that Anne was having affairs with multiple people. Anne had a flirtatious manner which seemed to prove these rumours correct. Henry began to believe these rumours |
Anne had created many enemies in court | The court had begun to turn against Anne. They spread rumours that Anne had committed adultery, incest and treason. After his miscarriage in January 1536, Anne's enemies accused her of being a witch |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
In your revision, it is helpful to consider the ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors behind certain events. ‘Push’ factors are events or motivations for someone to act. Rumours about Anne's adultery 'pushed' Henry to want to end the marriage. ‘Pull’ factors are benefits from performing an action. His attraction to Jane Seymour and her potential to have a son 'pulled' Henry away from his marriage to Anne. Considering the ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors will help you to explain why Anne fell from power in 1536.
Cromwell's Role in Anne Boleyn's Downfall
Historians continue to debate about how involved Cromwell was in Anne's downfall
There are two sides to the argument:
Cromwell deliberately conspired against Anne to advance himself in the Royal Court
Cromwell did not want to cause Anne's downfall. He was acting on Henry's instructions
Evidence to support historical arguments about Anne Boleyn's downfall
Reasons for Cromwell's role in Anne's downfall | Reasons against Cromwell's role in Anne's downfall |
|---|---|
Cromwell knew that Anne was partially responsible for Wolsey's downfall. He did not want Anne to do the same to him | Cromwell had no choice in the matter. Henry wanted to marry Jane whilst married to Anne. If he did not follow Henry's instructions, he would lose the king's favour |
Anne had a different opinion on foreign policy than Cromwell. She argued with him about how the Crown should spend the money gained from the dissolution of the monasteries | Cromwell liked Anne personally. They had much in common, including their opinions on the Reformation |
Cromwell used torture to gain the confessions of adultery from five men (including Anne's own brother). This evidence persuaded Henry and the court of Anne's guilt |
Who was Jane Seymour?
Jane Seymour was Henry's third wife
Henry married Jane on 30th May 1536, 11 days after Anne Boleyn’s death
Jane had been a member of the Royal Court for both of Henry's marriage
She was part of a wealthy family which gave her access to the court
Jane served as a maid for both Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn
Why did Henry VIII marry Jane Seymour?
Jane was the opposite of Anne
Jane was disinterested in politics
Jane was obedient to Henry
Henry VIII needed a male and legitimate heir to the throne
Henry declared both his children, Mary and Elizabeth, as illegitimate
The children of invalid marriages could not inherit the throne
Henry's illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy, died in 1536
The Act of Succession (1534) allowed Henry to name any successor
Henry could have named Henry Fitzroy his heir
Jane was part of a wealthy, ancient and English family - the Seymour family
This could provide Henry VIII with additional money and power
The importance of Henry and Jane's marriage
Jane fulfilled her duty by giving birth to a son, Edward, on 12th October 1537
Henry had a legitimate male heir to the throne
The birth of Edward reduced the threat of a civil war after Henry's death
A male heir strengthened Henry's position as king
Henry saw his son as a sign that God approved of his actions, including the annulment of his marriage to Catherine and the execution of Anne
It was seen as a blessing on Henry and Jane's marriage
The Death of Jane Seymour
Around two weeks after giving birth to Edward, Jane died
Henry went into mourning
He refused to marry for two years
Why did Henry marry again after Jane's death?
He needed to produce more legitimate male heirs
Henry's advisors wanted to form a new European alliance
Henry wanted to challenge the power of Francis I of France and Charles V (Charles I of Spain)
Worked Example
Describe one feature of Henry VIII’s marriage to Jane Seymour
2 marks
Answers:
One feature of Henry's marriage to Jane Seymour was how quickly they married after the end of Henry's marriage to Anne Boleyn (1). Henry married Jane two weeks after Anne Boleyn’s execution (1).
Examiner Tips and Tricks
When answering the ‘Describe one feature of…’ question, two marks are given to you for:
Identify - write a relevant point based on the question topic (1)
Describe - add some specific own knowledge about the point you have made (1)
This question previously asked students to describe two features of a given event. This question was out of four marks. However, as of 2025, Edexcel will split this question into two subsections, asking you to describe a feature of two different events. Each subsection is worth two marks.
The Influence of Jane Seymour
Before Jane's death | After Jane's death |
|---|---|
Jane encouraged Henry VIII to restore Princess Mary's position and favour at court | Jane continued to influence the Royal Court. Her brother, Edward, became an advisor to Henry, the Earl of Hertford and finally the Duke of Somerset |
Jane's favour with Henry VIII increased the power of the Seymour family during Henry and Jane's marriage. For example, Henry appointed Jane's brother, Edward, to the Privy Council |
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