The Palace of Placentia in Greenwich
On May 1 1536, the May Day tournament at Greenwich is interrupted by the King’s sudden departure prompted by a message he was given. What did the message reveal? It is likely to have informed the King that Smeaton had confessed to adultery with the Queen and incriminated Rochford, Norris and Brereton, possibly even mentioning Weston. Norris and Rochford were later arrested and Brereton detained for questioning. Queen Anne Boleyn enjoyed her last night of freedom…
As Anne enjoyed the May Day festivities could she have imagined the tragedy that was soon to befall her? The warning signs were there but I wonder if she had any idea that her utter destruction, and that of her beloved brother and supporters, was imminent.
The annihilation of the Boleyn faction and the speed in which it occurred make my stomach churn. I cannot help but picture Rochford, Norris, Brereton and Weston on the tiltyard, full of life and unaware that their horrific end was closing in on them.
Catching them unawares was an important part of the attack. Cromwell and his supporters ensured that the Boleyn faction was given no time to react, no time to regroup and use their position and influence over the King.
According to Alison Weir, “Rochford’s arrest was so discreetly accomplished that few, least of all the Queen, knew he had gone. Even Chapuys had no inkling of what was to happen next.”
Meanwhile, Mark Smeaton languished in custody at Cromwell’s house in Stepney. I can just imagine the horrors that were inflicted on him. If not physical torture, we can be sure that psychological torture was used.
Arresting members of the King’s Privy Chamber – including the Queen’s own brother – and on the other end of the scale, the court musician, demonstrated that no one was safe and ensured that any other potential Boleyn sympathisers would be quickly silenced.
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