Cardinal Wolsey by Sampson Strong
Very few of Anne Boleyn’s letters survive but out of those that we do have, a number are addressed to Thomas Wolsey.
Read the letter Anne wrote to Wolsey thanking him for his efforts in trying to obtain Henry VIII a divorce from Catherine of Aragon. The postscript was added by Henry VIII.
Anne Boleyn to Cardinal Wolsey
My lord, in my most humblest wise that my heart can think, I desire you to pardon me that I am so bold to trouble you with my simple and rude writing, esteeming it to proceed from her that is much desirous to know that your grace does well, as I perceive by the bearer that you do, the which I pray God long to continue, as I am most bound to pray; for I do know the great pains and troubles that you have taken for me is never like to be recompensed on my part, but alonely in loving you next unto the king’s grace above all creatures living. And I do not doubt but the daily proofs of my deeds shall manifestly declare and affirm my writing to be true, and I do trust you to think the same.
My lord, I do assure you, I do long to hear from you news of the legate; for I do hope, as they come from you, they shall be very good; and I am sure you desire it as much as I, and more, an it were possible; as I know it is not: and thus remaining in a steadfast hope, I make and end of my letter.
Written with the hand of her that is most bound to be
Your humble servant,
Anne Boleyn
Postscript by Henry VIII
The writer of this letter would not cease, till she had caused me likewise to set my hand, desiring you, though it be short, to take it in good part. I ensure you that there is neither of us but greatly desireth to see you, and are joyous to hear that you have escaped this plague so well, trusting the fury of thereof to be passed, especially with them that keepeth good diet, as I trust you do. The not hearing of the legate’s arrival in France causeth us somewhat to muse; notwithstanding, we trust, by your diligence and vigilancy (with the assistance of Almighty God), shortly to be eased out of that trouble. No more to you at this time, but that I pray God send you as good health and prosperity as the writer would.
By your loving sovereign and friend,
H.R
SourceNorton, E. In Her Own Words & the Words of Those Who Knew Her, 2010.
hello! I have seen this letter in the british library. do you know if there is an actual copy of the handwritten letter online?
As a descendent of Thomas Wolsey, I am happy to read these letters – thank you. I wish more was known about him and that more portraits existed. I have a (poor) copy of Naked To Mine Enemies – The Life of Cardinal Wolsey by Charles E. Ferguson. It is well written and starts with his childhood.