As the country celebrates the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, a Kent castle is remembering the coronation celebrations of its most famous occupant, Anne Boleyn. Chris Price reports.

King Henry VIII would have had history believe the coronation of his second wife, Anne Boleyn, was welcomed with open arms by his loyal subjects. Yet an exhibition at his queen’s former home unveils the whispers and rumours which surrounded the marriage, which ended three years later with her execution.

A Royal Romance will be in place in the Long Gallery at Hever Castle until November, guiding visitors along the route of the coronation procession and what happened on Anne’s coronation day on June 1, 1533.

Put together to coincide with the nation’s celebrations of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this year, the exhibition was partly created by looking at Anne Boleyn’s coronation pamphlet, issued throughout London on the day of the ceremony.

“It made it sound beautiful but when you read other sources related to the coronation she wasn’t as popular as was made out in the pamphlet,” said curator Anna Spender, who has worked at the castle since 2000.

“It was quite scandalous. Henry VIII married Catherine of Aragon in 1509 and was married to her until 1533. She was a popular queen and when this lady in waiting appeared and bewitched Henry VIII it made people feel suspicious about the whole thing. His wooing of Anne Boleyn behind Catherine of Aragon’s back was not supported by the people.”

Illustrated panels show how the procession made its way from the Tower of London to Westminster, passing nine pageants, featuring costumed figures reciting poetry with classical themes. Also described is the magnificent ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

Yet a soundtrack of court whispers is also played to visitors as they wander through the Long Gallery, giving soundbites and gossip about Henry VIII’s decision to divorce Catherine.

“One of the French ambassadors said the coronation was a very sumptuous occasion but no big deal because she was wearing all the last queen’s jewels,” said Anna.

“She was seen as just stepping into the last queen’s position. People did not celebrate or kneel and say 'God save the King and Queen’ when the procession went past. They were just standing there in silence and not showing the proper amount of respect.

“You have to remember, Henry also had to change the religion of the country to get his divorce, which was a huge upheaval. People had to get used to a new religion and politics.

“Anne Boleyn really wasn’t a popular lady. She was accused of witchcraft and seen as forcing the King to change the country’s religion. Most portraits of Anne Boleyn which we have were made after her execution as many pictures of her at the time were destroyed. Her famous painting wearing her B pendant necklace no longer exists and her name was crossed out in books.”

One of the exhibition highlights is a replica of Anne Boleyn’s coronation gown, described as “a kirtle of crimson velvet decorated with ermine, and a robe of purple velvet decorated with ermine over that.” Her crown was “a rich coronet with a cap of pearls and stones on her head”.

Yet the marriage was only to last three years – 1,000 days to be precise – before Anne was executed for treason on dubious grounds of adultery and incest. Today, she is seen as a pivotal figure in English history, who began the English Reformation when the Church of England broke away from the Catholic Church.

“She got a bad rep,” said Anna. “She was a very well educated lady and very sophisticated for her time. She also really stood up to Henry VIII and argued with him in public without any nerves. She was quite a modern woman and people can relate to her today.”

A Royal Romance exhibition runs at Hever Castle, near Edenbridge, until Sunday, November 18. Castle and gardens admission £14.50, seniors £12.50, children £8.30, families £37.30. Call 01732 865224 or visitwww.hevercastle.co.uk