Beyond the dark side of history

Belu Maheshwari

History, if told in a story form, can be fascinating. One such story — replete with drama, gore, romance, mystery — from British history has been brought out by Man Booker Prize winner Hilary Mantel in her book, Bring Up The Bodies. The second of a trilogy charting the rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell, whose claim to fame was that he was chief minister to Henry VIII. He did his master’s bidding to the extent of getting the King’s second wife, Anne Boleyn, executed in the cruellest possible way. But those who live by the sword die by the sword; he was also beheaded on his master’s orders.

A day-long visit to the Hever Castle, about 45-minute drive from Southeast London, gives a peep into this dark episode of history. Located in the village of Hever, Kent, it was the home of Anne Boleyn in her childhood, as well as when she was secretly courting King Henry VIII, who used to often come and live nearby in the Bolebroke Castle. She was later interned here awaiting her death.

Initially a country house built in the 13th century, it was the seat of the Boleyn family from 1462 to 1539. Thomas Boleyn, father of Anne, inherited it in 1505. The castle has passed many hands. The castle, which epitomises British countryside, has been extensively renovated and conserved. It now houses a small museum showcasing the youth of Anne Boleyn.

The castle was acquired by American millionaire William Waldorf Astor in 1903. He converted it into a tourist attraction. Since 1983, the property has been owned by Broadland Properties. It runs by the Guthrie family. Families come here for a lazy day out the castle, which has many fun activities for children. There are many beautifully laid out gardens, Italian garden with marble statues, fernery, rose garden with rose creepers, herb garden and topiary, besides vast land with wild grass for walking. Then there are the mazes — the yew maze was built in 1904 while the water maze was built as late as 1999. The trick is not to get wet while negotiating the maze. The tower maze has been converted into a hotel. Children as well as adults can take lessons in archery and sword painting. You can take the sword home. Then there is a jousting tournament, besides facility for boating.

Besides the fun activities, the Tudor age is recreated by folk dancers and performers. In September, there is a patchwork and quilting exhibition. The castle is built on floors, covered partly by ivy. Original furniture is intact and so are the beautiful Tudor paintings. A huge tapestry adorns the dining room, a book-lined library, and bedrooms. In the library, the piece de resistance is Anne’s original prayer book. There are portraits of Anne and Henry VIII. It also has the oldest working portcullis in England. A letter written by Anne to her husband pleading that she was not guilty of an adulterous relationship is on display too.

The story goes that soon after marrying Anne, Henry got tired of her and they were also at loggerheads as she could not bear a son. The king could not divorce her as it was not granted by the Church. Thomas Cromwell, on the bidding of his master, started gathering enough evidence to provide a way out. He had his own axe to grind. His mentor Wolsey was executed because of Anne’s connivance. Anne’s father was ready to give in but her brother Lord Rochford refused to compromise. With help from musician Mark Smeaton and her sister-in-law Lady Rochford, Cromwell gathered enough information to nail Anne. Before marriage, Anne had a beau, who she was in touch with even later. There is, however, no clarity about whether the relationship was platonic or not.

Cromwell relished the opportunity to build a case against Anne. Not all evidence was true but willing to serve the king, he built a good case. She, along with many members of her household, including her brother, was executed. The instruments of torture are on display. The castle is proof that when history is created visually, the impact can be lasting.