Anne Boleyn’s image problem
From HistoryExtra Long Reads by History Extra
April 26, 2026 · 25 min · Episode 143
About this episode
This episode explores the distorted image of Anne Boleyn and presents new research on her true appearance.
Dark or brunette? Fair or swarthy? A paragon of beauty or a refined charmer? Our picture of Henry VIII’s ill-fated second queen has become distorted over five centuries – but new research by Owen Emmerson and others comes closer to revealing her true appearance. This Long Read, written by Owen, explains more.Today's feature originally appeared in the March 2026 issue of HistoryExtra Magazine, and has been voiced in partnership with the RNIB. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
People in this episode
Host: History Extra
Topics covered
- Anne Boleyn
- Henry VIII
- historical research
- beauty standards
- image distortion
- Renaissance history
Keywords
- Anne Boleyn
- Henry VIII
- beauty
- historical image
- Owen Emmerson
- Renaissance
- history
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: RNIB, HistoryExtra Magazine
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