The Other Boleyn Girl

My friend, Janet, and I went to see "The Other Boleyn Girl" this morning and thought it was an absolutely gorgeous film!

The costumes were so beautiful and feminine that it made me sad to think of the clothing available to women in this day and age. But then, who wants to be laced into a corset everyday? I do! I do! Oh to wander through gardens fair in dresses of silk with ribbons so rare! That's why I go see movies like this. To ooh and awe at all the beauty I've been deprived of due to the fashion world. Come on people, let's design something beautiful for a change! But seriously, it was beautifully filmed, the sets were amazing, and it was interesting to see how the two sisters interacted with each other considering their circumstances.

After seeing the film I came home to do a little bit of research. I love to spend hours following "threads through the ages" so I thought it would be fun to see if there really was a Mary Boleyn. I new the whole story about Anne, but had never heard that she had a sister.
Sure enough she did however, it's unclear as to whether she was the eldest of the two or the youngest and it appears that she was also mistress to the king of France before becoming Henry's mistress. So the two sisters were both intimate with the king...disgusting! But then, we all know that monarch's are not known for their virtuous behavior.

Anyway, the information I was reading said that Mary had two children, one boy and one girl, and it is believed that Henry the VIII sired both. The daughter's name was Catherine who was a red head. I know this all sounds strange and you're probably wondering where I'm headed with this thought but, just the other day I was reading a magazine (I don't remember which one as I read so many) and it was an article on Jane Seymour's country Estate in England. I had read an article years ago in Victoria Magazine about the estate and how it had been built for one of Henry the VIII's illegitimate daughter's by the name of Catherine who was a read head.

While Jane Seymour was filming at the particular estate she fell in love with it and inquired as to whether it was for sale. The Estate keeper said that it was not available and if it was it could only be sold to a Catherine with red hair because that had been the way it was for centuries. Jane Seymour just happens to have a red headed daughter named Catherine so she was able to purchase the estate. So, could the Catherine of the king be the same Catherine of Jane Seymour's estate...I wonder?
I know that was long and probably way more information then you wanted but, if you have the opportunity to see the movie please go. You won't be disappointed.