Dan Snow's History Hit · May 25, 2026 · 43:35

The Rise and Fall of the Boleyns

Philippa Gregory discusses the remarkable social ascent of the Boleyn family from Norfolk tenant farmers to the apex of Tudor power through wool trading and diplomatic service, and traces the tragic downfall that ended with betrayal and execution. The episode examines how a family could rise so high and fall so spectacularly in the volatile world of the Tudor court.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

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From Tenant Farmers to Courtiers

The Boleyns rose from humble origins as Norfolk tenant farmers, leveraging the wool trade and diplomatic service to gain influence in the Tudor court.

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The Volatility of Tudor Favor

The same proximity to the throne that brought the Boleyns unimaginable power also exposed them to lethal risk, with their fall ending in betrayal and execution.

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Wool and Diplomacy as Levers of Power

The Boleyns combined wealth from the wool trade with diplomatic service to the Crown, blending economic and political capital to accelerate their rise.

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References

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Boleyn Traitor — Philippa Gregory

Misc

✧Philippa Gregory's new non-fiction book is 'Boleyn Traitor'.

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