Elizabeth Boleyn

‘Elizabeth Boleyn has never been more than a name, a blank space attached to Anne Boleyn, marked 'her mother'. Now, thanks to Sophie Bacchus-Waterman's dedicated, scholarly, deep-dive into the archives, our knowledge of Elizabeth has been extensively enhanced. We will never see Elizabeth in full colour, there is just not enough information, but now we have the full-shaped shadow of a real woman, who was not just Anne's mother, but a daughter, sister, and courtier in her own right.’

-- Melita Thomas, author of 1000 Tudor People

‘Together, Anne and Thomas Boleyn have become one of the most famous, or infamous, father-daughter partnerships in history while Elizabeth Boleyn has remained largely hidden from view. This book expertly fills the void where Anne’s mother should always have been. Meticulously researched and sensitively written, Elizabeth Boleyn is restored to us from the fragmentary records of her life and restored to her status as a key player in the life of her daughter. Elizabeth Boleyn, so nice to finally meet you.’ - Claire Martin, author of Heirs of Ambition

‘At long last, Elizabeth Boleyn, Countess of Wiltshire and Ormond, is being brought out of the shadows and given the attention she so richly deserves. Sophie Bacchus-Waterman's ground-breaking biography not only explores her role as Queen Anne Boleyn’s mother, but also reveals her as a formidable and fascinating woman in her own right. A must-read for anyone interested in the Tudor period and the often-neglected women who helped shape it.’

-- Claire Ridgway, founder of The Anne Boleyn Files

‘For the first time, Elizabeth emerges as a compelling historical figure in her own right: a woman with a long court career, political insight, and personal ambition. Drawing on new archival research, Sophie Bacchus-Waterman delivers a rich and nuanced portrait of a woman too long consigned to the margins.

-- Sylvia Barbara Soberton, author of Ladies-In-Waiting: The Women Who Served Anne Boleyn

'Sophie Bacchus-Waterman proves that there is always more to discover about famous historical figures with this exciting study about Anne Boleyn's mother, Elizabeth. This biography brings to light new evidence and documentation that adds colour and depth to the often murky life of Elizabeth Boleyn - don't miss out!'

-- Kate McCaffrey, Castle Historian of Hever Castle

'Sophie Bacchus-Waterman has done something truly impressive — crafting the story of Elizabeth Boleyn from scarce contemporary evidence and blending it beautifully into the vibrant world of the Tudor court.'

-- Rebecca Larson, host of the Tudors Dynasty & Beyond podcast

‘This study marks a major advance in our understanding of Elizabeth Boleyn. Drawing on an impressive range of sources - including newly uncovered documents - the author reconstructs a life that has too often been dismissed or simplified. The result is a work that not only restores Elizabeth to historical visibility but also compels a reassessment of the world she inhabited. Meticulously researched and elegantly argued, it challenges long-held assumptions and offers a richer, more complex portrait of both woman and family. Scholarly yet highly readable, this is a transformative contribution to Tudor studies and essential reading for historians and enthusiasts alike.’

-- Dr Owen Emmerson, Tudor historian

‘Well written, engaging, convincing. The author is clearly a proper historian who has done incredible research on Elizabeth Boleyn, a figure so dismissed and overlooked. Finally a biography that looks at her in her own right. Yes sometimes there’s speculation but it is educated speculation that comes from sources and common sense. A brilliant read. A must read for any Tudor fans!’

-- Dr Estelle Paranque, author of Blood, Fire & Gold

'A must read for all Tudor enthusiasts, Elizabeth finally emerges from the shadows as we look at her illustrious court career ... See the Tudor court from a different perspective in this engaging, well researched, brilliantly written biography' - @anneboleynsociety

'Sophie Bacchus-Waterman has beautifully and elegantly researched Elizabeth, piecing together a fascinating and thought-provoking history of her life. Captivating right from the start.' - @thetudornerd

'A journey to re-trace the steps of Elizabeth Boleyn and shows us that the absence of evidence is not always the evidence of absence.' - @alltheroyalladies

-- What people are saying on