ON THIS DAY - 04 February 1520

On This Day (04 February) in 1520, Mary Boleyn married William Carey in the Chapel Royal at Greenwich Palace, with Henry VIII in attendance.

© Hever Castle & Gardens

© Christie's

Mary was likely the eldest daughter of Sir Thomas Boleyn, the English Ambassador to France. Despite his humble beginnings, Thomas Boleyn's power was rising in the Tudor Court, through use of his political and diplomatic skills, as well as an advantageous marriage to Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk. As a woman of around 20, Mary was therefore a desirable bride.

Portrait of Henry VIII, unknown artist, c.1520 ©National Portrait Gallery, London

Henry's attendance at the wedding not only demonstrated approval for the match, but showed support for his kinsman and close companion: William was employed as a gentleman of the Privy Chamber and Esquire of the Body to the King, the same position previously held by his new father-in-law. However, many reflected that this match was beneath the expectations of his new family, in particular the Howard side, whose power and influence was continuing to rise within the royal court.

Following the marriage, the couple appeared to reside at court, with William continuing in his role within the King's household. Mary, whilst not formally appointed as an attendant to Queen Catherine, appeared to be called upon to serve the queen on occasion, including in June 1520 when she was one of twenty-five gentlewomen who accompanied the royal party to Calais for the infamous 'Field of the Cloth of Gold' summit.

© Yale Center for British Art

© Private Collection / On loan to The Globe

There were two known children born during the Careys' marriage: daughter Catherine, born c.Apr-May 1524, and son Henry, born Mar 1525/6. Whilst both children carried the name of 'Carey', there have been persistent questions raised regarding their paternity, particularly Catherine's, given that Mary had become Henry's mistress by Spring 1522. The start of their affair, the dates of which are unconfirmed, are supported by a series of grants and promotions given to Mary's husband and immediate family from early 1522, with Henry's long-term mistress, Elizabeth 'Bessie' Blount also entering into a marriage with Gilbert Tailboys that year. Mary's relationship with Henry appears to have carried on until around 1526, when the king's attentions turned to her sister Anne.