May 19th Anniversaries

May 19th marks 2 important anniversaries for my two favourites from history.    Firstly, May 19th marks the anniversary of the execution of Anne Boleyn, 2nd wife and Queen of England for Henry 8th.  Along with the usurpation of Richard III, this is one of the most stunning coup d'etat of all time.  Anne was arrested on May 1st, and should have been executed on May18th, but the swordsman from Calais  was late!  Goodness knows how Anne must have been feeling.  Undoubtedly innocent, I wonder if Anne truly expected to be executed or did she think it was a 'test' Henry set for her?  I've also wondered why her fall was so quick, and I've thought it may be because Jane Seymour was pregnant, or thought she was.  I've been lucky enough to be at the Tower of London on the anniversary of Anne's execution, and it's been wonderful to meet other admirers of Anne, clutching flowers.  That won't be possible this year, but I expect the usual basket of roses will arrive, as it has done for many, many years.  So here are some photos of a past visit, and also my Anne Boleyn rose, which is blooming already.  

May 19th is also the anniversary of the surrender of Piers Gaveston at Scarborough Castle.  Unlike Anne, Piers must have felt confident surrendering to Amyer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke, on such favourable terms, including the oath the Earl swore to protect Piers.   Badly prepared for a long term siege, Edward II and Piers made a pact that Piers would surrender to the Earl and if no agreement could be reached, Piers would return to Scarborough and be well prepared for a siege.  Piers could have had no idea what was to happen to him, but he was surely relieved to be in de Valence's custody, and no doubt, Edward would be able to secure his freedom and protect him, as he had done before.

The Keep at Scarborough Castle.