Blickling Hall, Norfolk
A Norfolk legend claims that after Anne’s execution her body was removed from the Tower and reburied beneath a plain black marble tombstone in Salle Church near Blickling Hall.
The church contains 15th century brasses dedicated to its patrons, including Geoffrey Boleyn and his wife (1440) who were Anne Boleyn’s paternal great-grandparents.
While researching this legend I came across a very interesting article on Salle Church’s website that presents the evidence in support of the Salle Church myth.
The author provides the evidence but makes no judgement, instead allowing the reader to decide for themselves on the validity of the evidence and the likelihood of this legend being born from truth.
The author states that Salle Church will not conduct excavations in order to confirm or negate this story and similarly, it seems unlikely that permission will ever be granted to, once again, examine those buried beneath the floor of St Peter Ad Vincula in the Tower of London. And so we are left to grapple with the stories, legends and what evidence we can find.
The following is a summary of the evidence provided by the church:
1858, ‘Notes and Queries’, written by B. B. Wiffen, page 119
“It is said in Mrs. Strickland’s ‘Queen’s of England’ (Volume 4, page 203), that there is a tradition in Salle in Norfolk that the remains of Anne Boleyn were removed from the Tower and interred at midnight, with the rites of Christian burial, in Salle Church, and that a plain black stone without any inscription is supposed to indicate the place where she is buried. Sharon Turner, in ‘History of the Reign of King Henry VIII, volume 2, page 264, cites the following passage from Crispin’s account of Anne Boleyn’s execution, written 14 days after her death:
“Her ladies immediately took up her head and the body. They seemed without souls, they were so languid and extremely weak, but fearing that their mistress might be handled unworthily by inhuman men, they forced themselves to do this duty; and though almost dead, at last carried off her dead body wrapt in a white covering”.
The author explains that Crispin, Lord of Minherve, was a foreign dignitary in London at the time of Anne Boleyn’s trial and execution. Benefice goes on to say that ‘Many historians have regarded Crispin as a reliable and unbiased witness, especially as he had no ties to the government or royal court at the time of Anne Boleyn’s execution. He offered an impartial and ‘first hand’ overview of the proceedings from Anne’s arraignment through to her trial and eventual execution.’
1842, “Life of Anne Boleyn” (Volume 4), by Agnes Strickland, page 293
“In Anne Boleyn’s native county, Norfolk, a curious tradition has been handed down from father to son for upwards of three centuries, which affirms that her remains were secretly removed from the Tower Church under the cover of darkness, and privately conveyed to Salle Church, the ancient burial place of the Boleyn’s; and there the body was interred at midnight, with the holy rites that were denied to her by her royal husband, at her first unhallowed funeral.”
1858, “The Queens of England” by Francis Lancelott, page 398
“The remains of the unfortunate Anne Boleyn, covered with a sheet, were placed by her maids in an elm chest and immediately afterwards buried by the side of her fellow victims, in the chapel of the Tower, without singing or prayer; but her friends returned at midnight and disinterred them, and conveyed them away in secret, buried them in Salle Church, in Norfolk.”
Thomas Wyatt
It would be interesting to find out what Lancellot’s source was and who the ‘friends’ were that returned to remove Anne’s body from the Tower.
In the article the author states that some sources point to Thomas Wyatt as being ‘the central figure in the plot to remove Anne Boleyn from the Tower Chapel’ as he had both the means and connections to execute such a plan.
I have never come across any evidence to suggest that Thomas was involved in such a plot. If we consider that Thomas was himself arrested in May 1536 (although he was never formally charged) and held in the Tower it seems unlikely that he would have been able to orchestrate such a plan from his cell.
1848, “Bentley’s Miscellany” by Charles Dickens, page 238
A photograph of Charles Dickens, c. 1852
“[Anne Boleyn] had apprehended that her remains would be indignantly treated – that the rites of sepulture would be withheld from her, and that her grave would be where no memorial would be found of her; and therefore, her appeal to Wyatt, to save her, if possible, to the tomb of her fathers. Her desire had now, however, a prospect of fulfilment – a grave had been opened in Salle Church, which was the ancient burial place of her father’s family; and thither, on the second night after Wyatt’s arrival, the Earl proceeded, accompanied by his guests, ostensibly for the purpose of having midnight masses said for the repose of his daughter’s soul’ his daughter’s remains, however, went with him. They had, under Mary Wyatt’s care, immediately upon their removal from the Tower to her house, been most carefully embalmed, and wrapped in cere-cloth. In that state, and covered with a black velvet pall, she was placed in one of her father’s carriages, into which Wyatt and his sister entered; the Earl proceeding them in another carriage alone.
What the Earl’s thoughts and reflections were during the two hours he was slowly and unobservedly travelling by Aylsham and Cawston, to Salle, it would not be difficult to divine. He had within a month lost a daughter and a son by the hand of the executioner, – that son his only son, – that daughter the queen of England. Her name, besides, had been branded with infamy; and the prime mover of all this misery to him, – the most active agent to work him all this ill, – to bring his son and his daughter to the block was his own son’s wife, the infamous Lady Rochford. There ended all his dreams and ambitions, – all his influence and prosperity. His children beheaded, – his name dishonoured, – himself shunned. He was now alone, it might be said, in the world. One daughter, indeed, yet remained to him, his daughter Mary; but she had two years before incurred the anger of her father by marrying Sir W. Stafford; and he was, in consequence, utterly estranged from her.
The bitter reflections of those two hours, perhaps the better prepared the Earl for the solemn ceremonies that awaited his coming at Salle Church. He alighted there ad midnight. A few faithful servants bore the mangled remains of his daughter to the side of her tomb; but the perilous duty all there were arranged in would not allow of numerous tapers – of a chappele ardent – of a whole choir of priests, or of grand ceremonials. One priest was there, and the few candles that were lighted did no more than just show the gloom in which they were shrouded.
But all that could be done for the murdered queen was done, – mass was said for the repose of her soul – De profundis (Psalm 130) was chanted by those present, – her remains were carefully lowered into the grave, where they now rest, and a black-marble-slab, without either inscription or initials, alone market the spot which contains all that was mortal of Anne Boleyn – once queen of England.”
It is important to remember that this is a fictional account of the removal of Anne’s body from the Tower of London ‘spun’ by Mr Charles Dickens.
1852, “Lives of the Queens of England” Vol. IV, A. Strickland, page 213
Agnes Strickland, historical author and poet
“The mysterious sentence with which Thomas Wyatt closes his eloquent memorial of the death of this unfortunate queen, affords a singular confirmation of the local tradition of her removal and re-internment:
“God provided for her corpse sacred burial, even in a place as it were consecrate to innocence” – Thomas Wyatt.
I am unsure that this really does confirm anything as Wyatt could simply be referring to Anne’s burial in the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, the parish church of the Tower of London, and one would assume, also a place of ‘sacred burial’.
I feel that it’s important to add that in The Lady in the Tower Alison Weir claims that this legend was debunked when some years ago the tombstone was lifted with no visible remains found beneath it (Pg. 323).
This is not the end of this mystery though, as I contacted Salle Church and was told that an archaeology team approached the church about 30 years ago asking for permission to excavate the nave floor but the request was denied.
I was also informed that the current Churchwarden has affirmed that the church “will never give permission for such evasive digging to take place within the church itself, regardless of the historical significance.”
So it seems that like so much of Anne’s life – and death – we are left to ponder the possibilities.
References
Weir, A. The Lady in the Tower, 2009.
Where was Anne Boleyn Buried by Reepham Benefice
I visited both Blickling Hall and Salle Church many years ago. I loved seeing where Anne had lived. I believe she is buried at Salle – when you walk into the Church it gave me a feeling that she was there which may seem a bit odd, but I have been in many Churches before and since visiting Salle and I felt that she was there. I realise this does not count as proof, so I await for any proof of this in years to come!
Thanks for your comment Janet. It doesn’t sound odd at all, not to me anyway. I like the thought of Anne being removed from the place of her execution and reunited with her ancestors in a more loving environment.
I think I’ve got a booklet on Salle Church, I’ll have to dig it out.
Thanks for the article Natalie, it was a great read. I have never heard of this legend before which is why I found it so interesting, I have always read that Anne was buried in St Peter ad Vincula. I really like the idea of Anne’s friends rallying around to give her a proper and dignified burial that was due to her. I can imagine, if the legend is to be believed, that the service and burial would have been a really sad affair and that all present would have truly mourned Anne’s death. Again, if the legend is to be believed, can you imagine the risk that Anne’s friends & family were putting themselves in by moving Anne’s body, just think if they had got caught what would have happened to them. Would they too have been taken to the block?
Hello Ladies,
Are any of you relatives of Anne Boleyn. I am and was just curious. Thanks:)
I’M NOT BUT WOULD LOVE TO BE, HOW ARE YOU RELATED?
I’m not related to Anne, however I’m related to Mary Stuart.
I am related through her Aunt Margaret who married Sir John Sackville.
The legend of Anne being buried in Salle church is a lovely one but it is just that, a legend. It is extremely doubtful that a succesful removal of her body could have been executed, (no pun intended). alongside this we must remember that during Queen Victoria’s reign the altar stone in St. Peter Ad Vincula was lifted and three female beheaded skeletons found. Only three queens were buried here, Anne, Catherine Howard and Jane Grey. One of these skeletons was identified as a female in her mid twenties. The other two of females in their teens. Catherine Howard was only nineteen and Jane Grey sixteen when executed. The other must therefore be that of Anne herself.
how are u related to anne tammy?
Since I watched Anne of thousand days i was kind of obsessed of her real story and started investigating it, but i’m so far far away from England and the Internet doesn’t really offer to many articles, so I could,’t find out where she was buried. I admit, I love her because she was a strong woman and i think we all can lear a lot of things from her, even if we don’t (and probably never will) know her enough. But she was, for a short tim, Queen of England and i will always remamber this. But maybe the world wasn’t ready for her intelligence and courage. After all, there were no poewrful wimins at the court. The king wouldn’t allow this, would he?
But i still hope that someday, just like any other mystery, it will be resolved.
‘Till that, God bless all of us!’
Interesting article. Wouldn’t it be good if the three female skulls were able to be given to forensic artists who could recreate the faces so we could see what they actually looked like as let’s face it – the pictures of AB (as most pictures of that period) are not particularly flattering ! It seems that even now the Powers That Be are working to keep the air of mystery on place.
Dear Natalie,
A very interesting Web Site, thank you.
And, just to add my tuppence to the pot! Some years back my Wife and me went to the Tower of London, and on a guided tour I asked the Yeoman Guide as to the rumor that she was buried elsewhere; ‘She’s down there (under the floor slabs, by the altar, of St Peter ad Vincula)’ he pointed and said, gruff like; so, no luck there then!
A few years later, on holiday, we visited the Church at Salle; and on looking round I found two slabs in different parts! We asked a local Lady, ‘doing the flowers’, and although she knew the legend she couldn’t help with ‘which slab?’.
I would have thought that, with the technology we have today, a ‘No disturbance’ search would be entirely feasible, using Ground Radar. Feasible and desirable, given the visitors that would come (‘Hello Richard III’) if the rumor proved to be true; the revenue going to the up-keep of this fine large and very grand Church, which needed then some ‘tlc’.
As to getting the body out of the Tower, I see no problem. Alive she would have been closely guarded, dead – who would care, certainly not Henry.
Amongst my books I have a few on the Tower and it would seem that, if not under attack, it was as secure and as ‘tight’ as a colander!
The people employed there (the lower echelons) were so poorly paid that many had one or two other jobs to get by, and would ‘Sub-contract out’ their Tower post for relatives or ready cash!
So, given someone related to the cause – by blood, relatives or sympathy, or a ‘Well-greased palm’, I see very few difficulties in the removal of ‘… an old arrow box …’.
As a post-script; let us not forget (for the few that may not yet know) that during her ‘Thousand Days’ she gave us a jewel that would, in time, eclipse her own father: I give you, by the Grace of God and the Love of Her People, Elizabeth Regina Gloriana – Queen of this Sceptred Isle.
And our (till the coming of her second ‘Namesake’) Greatest Monarch, ever, let alone Queen. Who bestrode the World stage as a Colossus.
So capable, such a ‘Power-Player’, that even her enemies (think Philip of Spain) wanted to marry her!
Just to finish, and my apologies to those still awake, some years back I saw a t.v. programme on Anne (aka ‘Nan Bullen’) where one of the contributors was a lawyer; and he made a very interesting point about the trial.
It was that the King’s Men were all-out to prove that he and she where never legally married; and his point was that … ‘if, not Queen, then NO TREASON’.
Apparently adultery, if proved, was only Treason for a Queen, and so, with a good lawyer, she ‘should have walked’ as they say. But they would probably have got her on something else (the ‘Witch’ or other charges), and the lawyer would have ended up dead in a back alley somewhere.
Talking of which, I must close now or MY head will be on the block!
My kind regards to you and your’s
A New Elizabethan
Lovely informative article – how wonderful if she were to be buried at Salle! I would just like to point out though that Reepham Benefice is an organisation, not a person. A benefice is a church appointment, say of a vicar or rector; in this case of the town of Reepham (pronounced Reef-um), a few miles from Salle.
I was reading through some of the older articles and came across this one. I have to question that if they took Anne’s body home would they not have taken George’s too?
Thanks for the highly interesting information given above. There is, however, one thing that sounds a little strange. At the beginning, you cite an author named ‘Reepham Benefice’. Given that Reepham is a village near Salle, and that the word ‘benefice’ refers to the church appointment of a priest, I wonder if there’s been some confusion here. Either that, or this individual has been very unfortunately named.
Thank you so much for pointing this out, David. I’ve removed the name, as it does seem very odd to me too!
I live in moor Hall in Salle. A moated medieval hall. I adore Anne and I’m certain she returned.
That sounds beautiful. I must look out for it when I return to Norfolk. I have always enjoyed Salle and its legend since I visited as an impressionable teenager way back.
I wrote more here, but an error occurred and lost it all!
I was just browsing stories about Salle Church as many years ago my mother, my friend & I saw a ghost by the side of a road next to Salle Church. It was a woman with no face in a cloak. She turned away from us as we drove past, so she never showed her face. Even typing this now sounds ridiculous, but it was a life changing moment that changed my opinion on the supernatural instantly.
We went to salle church yesterday…it really is beautiful. I believe she is buried there. What if once her daughter Elizabeth was queen she had the remains removed? We know Elizabeth held a huge amount of respect for her mother and I believe she would have been able to do this as a mark of respect. I love the idea that Anne was born in Blicking and was laid to rest in Salle where her family are from. I agree with the other comments as-well, there’s a sense of calm at the church and I believe she is there. If you haven’t visited Norwich Cathedral as well if highly recommend that whilst your in Norfolk, I believe we saw her great grandparents tomb? And Anne’s coat of arms. Just amazing! May the mystery continue!