With March being Women’s History Month, we are continuing with our History posts with The Marquess of Pembroke.

The Marquess of Pembroke was a title in the Peerage of England created by King Henry VIII for his future spouse Anne Boleyn.

Anne Boleyn is one of the most intriguing figures in British history. As the second wife of Henry VIII, she was executed at the Tower of London after only three years of marriage and changed the course of religion in the country.

On Sunday, 1 September 1532, Anne Boleyn was granted the Marquess of Pembroke and land, mostly in Wales, worth over £1,000.

The then-extinct title of Earl of Pembroke had been very significant for the House of Tudor. It was held by Henry VIII’s grand-uncle, Jasper Tudor, and it referred to the birthplace of King Henry VII. Henry VIII decided to raise his lover to the dignity of a marquess prior to finally marrying her. He chose to grant her the Marquessate of Pembroke.

This title ensured that – at the time – Anne was the most prestigious non-royal woman in the realm.