He then married Anne Boleyn, who gave birth to Elizabeth. Anne was a good mother, who gave a lot of attention to the caring of her daughter–much to Henry's chagrin; he became jealous and sent Elizabeth to a distant royal manor with a governess in charge.
In June, 1536, Henry's former wife, Catherine, died. Henry celebrated, taking three-year-old Elizabeth in a triumphal parade. On this same day Anne gave birth to a son who died. No matter. Henry was already besotted with Jane Seymour. Not surprisingly, it took only four months from that time for Anne to be determined as disloyal and convicted of high treason. Henry had the marriage annulled and Elizabeth's royal titles stripped away. Of course Elizabeth also had to be banished from Court.
When Elizabeth was not quite three, her mother was executed. Immediately after the execution, Henry rode to Jane Seymour and they became officially betrothed. The marriage took place only a few days later.
Elizabeth's "new" abode was an old manor, in which only four rooms were inhabited. She was required to "dine and sup at the board of estate," which her governess said was unsuitable food for a child her age. Her wardrobe was worn and meager, and too small. The governess pled with Henry to let her buy new clothing and to be allowed to keep Elizabeth from the board. She was granted both wishes–this time. In the future she was sometimes allowed to buy new clothing, but as often not.
Even though her royal titles had been stripped from her, the governess gave her court training and a foundation for her future education.
When Elizabeth was four, her half-brother, Edward, was born and Elizabeth was called for her second appearance at court since her banishment. She was to bear the baptismal robe, while the Queen's brother bore her. Her enjoyment of the event was typical of a four-year-old–she nodded off, waking when it was over and walking to the court hand in hand with her half-sister, Mary.
