Anne Boleyn is so often remembered at the height of drama, standing at the centre of Henry VIII’s court, caught in politics, passion, and tragedy. But Anne did not appear from nowhere.

Before the scandals, the Reformation, and the dramatic fall, there was a child, shaped by powerful families, privilege, education, and expectation.

In this episode, I explore the world that formed Anne Boleyn - her lineage, identity, upbringing, and early surroundings at Blickling and Hever. Far from the myth of a “low-born girl who rose too high”, Anne belonged to three great dynasties:

• the Boleyns - wealthy, ambitious, rising through land and service
• the Butlers of Ormond - one of the greatest Anglo-Irish noble houses
• the Howards - ancient English aristocracy with royal blood

Through these familie ...