We visited Hever Castle (pronounced Heever), the historic family home of Anne Boleyn (1507-1536). She was the second of Henry XVIII’s six wives. Henry and Anne ’s daughter would become the powerful monarch Queen Elizabeth 1, who ruled England and Ireland from 1558 to 1604. However, Anne’s reign only lasted three years before Henry accused her of treason and infidelity. Although she denied all charges, Anne Boleyn was convicted and executed in 1536.
Hever Castle is 30 miles south-east of London, only an hour’s drive. The castle was built in the 13th century, later becoming the seat of the Boleyn family. After the death of Thomas Boleyn, Henry gave the castle to his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. Ironically, Hever Castle was restored in the early 20th century by an American millionaire William Waldorf Astor.
In addition to touring the castle, the grounds included beautiful lawns, gardens, parks and mazes for families to explore.
