1-152-208 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

The execution of Anne Boleyn, 1536. Henry VIII married Anne Boleyn in 1533 after divorcing his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Anne provided Henry with a daughter, the future Elizabeth I, but she failed to provide the king with his cherished male heir. As a result Henry had Anne charged with high treason on grounds of adultery. Although the charges were almost certainly fabricated, she was found guilty and beheaded at the Tower of London on 19 May 1536. She is shown here taking leave of her ladies-in-waiting before her execution.