This Day in Tudor History

On May 29, 1533 Anne's coronation celebration began. Her marriage to Henry VIII had been declared legal and binding by the archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer, the day before. Anne's victory celebration was to last four days. On this day a river pageant rowed the pregnant Anne, who was dressed in cloth of gold, from Greenwich Palace to the Tower of London where she was to stay in the sumptuously remodeled queen's apartments. Her barge was lavishly decorated and was accompanied by a wherry that flew her badge, the crowned falcon, and had a choir of women singing as the procession went downriver. All along the river crowds watched the new queen as she waved from the deck of her barge. Reports say there were over 300 watercraft on the River Thames that day as nobles turned out to fly their arms in a show of wealth and power.  Gun salutes also followed the queen for two hours until she landed at the Tower Wharf where she was greeted by dignitaries, statesman, nobles and her husband who "...laid his hands on both her sides, kissing her with great reverence and a joyful countenance..." This day began the three year reign of Queen Anne Boleyn.

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