Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society Did Henry VIII Have An Affair With Anne Boleyn's Sister?
Nov 21, 2025
Historian Estelle Paranque, author of works on Tudor history, joins to explore the tantalizing question of whether Mary Boleyn had an affair with King Henry VIII. They delve into Mary’s family background and her time in France, scrutinizing the claims of a romance with Henry. Estelle argues that the supposed affair may have been a political tactic rather than a genuine relationship. They also discuss Mary’s secret marriage to William Stafford and her quiet legacy, revealing how history has shaped her reputation.
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Questioning The Mary–Henry Affair
- Estelle Paranque doubts the long-accepted claim that Mary Boleyn was Henry VIII's mistress due to weak contemporary evidence.
- She emphasizes checking primary sources and timelines before accepting popular narratives.
No Solid French Evidence
- Estelle finds no reliable French or contemporary evidence that Mary Boleyn was Francis I's mistress or sexually scandalous in France.
- She warns later hostile accounts are partisan and not primary proof.
Gifts Aren't Proof Of Affair
- Monetary gifts and royal attendance at William Carey's wedding do not prove a sexual relationship between Henry and Mary.
- Estelle argues patronage and favor can explain payments without implying an affair.
