George Boleyn
Name Given at Birth: George Boleyn
Nicknames: I have no nicknames. However, the names people call me include George, Lord Boleyn, Lord Rochford, and Viscount Rochford as these are some of the titles and duties I do hold.
Hometown or where you were born: I was born in Blickling Hall in Norfolk, at our family home in the very early spring time as I understand it, as my mother had mention the grounds being frosted lightly in the wake of the prior winter months
Current Residence: I presently stay with my wife in our chambers within the Palace at London in service to their majesties; though I have many residences around the country that I do reside at on regular occasion to handle what business there is.
Age: 27 years
Class: Nobility, I was born into it as my father and mother are both of noble blood.
What do you do, your main function in life/society: I am bound to the will of their majesties King Henry and my dear sister Queen Anne. My duties are many and include handling various affairs of state in their majesties absence, holding the position of ambassador and traveling on a number of matters of importance under the seal of the King.
In addition to this I am also Warden of the Cinque Ports which are a group of strategic ports on the coast of England. These presently include the 5 main ports of Hastings, New Romney, Hythe, Dover and Sandwich; 2 ancient towns, Rye and Winchelsea and 7 lesser ports; Lydd, Folkestone, Faversham, Margate, Deal, Ramsgate and Tenterden and their surrounding areas.
Have you ever gone skinny-dipping / do you know how to swim: I am learned in such affairs as swimming. As a child my dear sisters and I did oft swim in the eve. The fond memories of those much simpler days do endure even now.
Do you make fun of people: In the Queen’s chamber there is, of course, much adieu about the day’s happenings around court, but this is to be expected. I would not call this making fun of people per say, but rather discussing the happenings of the day. It could even be compliments abounding; it could be…disgust or a great myriad of other things about the day. However, I would never publicly discuss such matters as they are not prudent to any other place and best left to their own accord.
Favorite Color: I am fond of a great many shades in the world. My fondest of which would be rich blues that do color the skies and oceans their illustrious tinge. Deep greens such as those of the forests in Kent also have a habit of catching my eye.
Have you ever committed or been convicted of a crime: Crime? Tis less of honor to do such things. I know to some it suits, but for myself, I doth not partake in such activities. That said, should you have business that needs to be handled I may be inclined to lend you my ear and entertain your thoughts.
Closest friends/How did you meet: Most certainly my dear sisters Queen Anne and Mary as we are bound by blood and have grown up at each others sides. Nothing can surpass this bond; we care about and love one another dearly even though from time to time we may not see things in the same manner. Aside from them, I consider King Henry to be a friend as he has of course married my dear sister. We have intriguing conversation from time to time on variety of subjects such as theologies, matters of state, and even day-to-day activities; sometimes important but more oft simply entertaining. In addition, he provides quite the challenge in sport, which is of course most welcome as I do enjoy a good competitive match of tennis or jousting with him. Piers (Lysander) Howard can be a good confidant and great resource as the need suits and as he is well at what he does, I would consider him a friend in certain matters though at times he is not hard to overlook just the same. Lastly, the Queen’s handmaiden Maggie Shelton I would also consider a friend. I have been quite fond of Maggie and have known her for some time, she means so well and does her best to keep things smooth, though sometimes others have a different mind of the matter. The remainder I doth not oft see due to my frequent travels and quite busy schedule.
One Pillow or two: Does not one have more than two? Of course we have as many as it suits for the evening at hand. Lest my wife decides to steal them away midst our sleep!
Pets: I do have a set of hounds amongst many that I prefer at home in Hever two of which be Castor and Pollux as they appear to be near identical as twins except in mannerism of course. I have a mind that I misspoke on their naming as with the way that Castor wails on the hunt, I should have named him Virgil instead in honor of the Greek poet by the same. Even so, they are fine hounds the lot of them.
Favorite Type of Music: Choral music is most delightful, especially those that visit the harvest festival every fall. Their music is oft worth listening to as it does show beauty in the chords they do make. Aside from that, a sanctioned gypsy revel for entertainment is most agreeable to lift ones spirits as although I do keep some business with them, I do not care either way on the matter and it bodes well to avoid them when possible.
Hobbies/Pastimes: My duties leave little time to attend such things; though when time abides I do enjoy literature of various classic forms such Inferno by Dante, The Iliad and The Odyssey by Homer are fine works as these are fine works. In modern writings I do find Simon Fish to be quite interesting as well, they offer interesting insights into the inner workings of certain aspects of the church though I doth not oft read such types of writing and do prefer the classics.
Personal Hygiene: I strongly prefer to be well groomed. Mayhap I be not the finest man on court but I shall be groomed and dressed accordingly of my station.
Favorite Food: When we are not feasting in the company of his majesty, I most definitely enjoy bread bowls of soup as they are a good meal for a busy schedule.
Are your parents alive, do you get along with them: My parents are alive and though I doth not always agree with their decisions for me, our relationship is a warm one. I definitely object to their stance on arranged marriages and wish that these matters of discussion involved my ear prior to final conclusions.
If your parents are dead, when and how did they die: My parents, god save them, are alive and well. I do hope, even through our disagreements, that I may continue to enjoy their company for many years to come.
Favorite place to relax: There is a tree on a small hill in a field not far from the walls of London that at times a good many hours pass while I find quite fitting the calm with which to admire the lands about. Yet then I recall those duties I have forsook in that time and must make haste of their completion.
Favorite Holy Day / Why: I do enjoy several Holy Days throughout the year but one of the most prevalent is Midsummer. I well like the long hours of celebration afforded all by the Suns long progression through the sky during that time. After all, more time for celebration means more time to converse, drink and generally be merry.
Favorite Drink: Fine wines from France. In my journeys there, I’ve grown fond of their full flavor and ability to compliment most any meal. Mulled wine is a great delight; this I share with both of my sisters. Certainly the plum wine is some of the finest there is.
What's your bedtime: Whence the days, and evenings, activities have ceased, this of course greatly weighs on the factor of what my majesties have asked of me and of course if there is a dance to be had on the eve. If either of their majesties are in residence I rarely find sleep before they as there is always something to talk about or more business to discuss.
What, if anything, do you usually wear on your feet: I prefer shoes for most of my happenings, though on the occasion that I do ride and whence out of necessity of the season or often on progress I don a pair of boots.
Are you married or single: I am married at my fathers’ decision to the Lady Jane Parker. That is all that need be said of this matter.
Do you have a family / who are they: My family is quite prominent, Queen Anne Boleyn, my sister Lady Mary Boleyn, my father Sir Thomas Boleyn and mother Lady Elizabeth Howard. In addition several other members of court I do share lineage with.
Favorite Entertainment: By all means the festivals of fall whence all that is grown is ripe and fresh for use. There are not only good entertainments to be had, but these festivals endure good food as well! Aside from this, it is a good time to dance and generally be merry.
Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: As my learning was brought about mostly from the university at Oxford, I was afforded much exposure to a great many subjects. The two that I grew most fond of were arithmetic and astronomy. When travelling I do enjoy watching the stars overhead on a clear night, moving through the constellations and remembering the various mythologies of them.
Least Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: Though I find it interesting enough, I cannot find it in myself to be interested in the biology of the world. It doth not meet fancy with my likes.
Favorite Sport: The joust by far, as I am, of course, the best in the land. Though, I do fancy a bout of tennis with the King from time to time, as well.
Most Humiliating Moment: There is just one? My sisters oft see fit that my cheeks be a rose tinge from embarrassment. Though, aside from day to day matters, the forced dismount from my horse by way of lance from our dear King Henry at the last joust was most… well, it is splendid that the King did win the day.
Proudest Moment: I have had many proud days of late and do hope that they continue as such. Even so, accepting my oaths of knighthood rise high in those thoughts, as do each of my many victories in the joust.
Craziest Person or silliest you know: Why stop with just one? Though they are of course absolutely wonderful in their homeland I’m certain; I simply have an amount of confusion about the Vulgarians and their customs. I am certain they are not crazy…well I do suppose they could partially be, as the conglomeration of coloring they do wear could set in ones eyes in such a manner as to cause a loss of right mind. They are quite amusing though.
What do you look for in the opposite sex: A length of hair suitable in such that the wind may whisper through it and make it dance upon her shoulder in a manner to rouse even the meekest of men. Someone with bright eyes that whence looked into, may envelope the onlooker in such a trance that they may lose themselves in their beauty and pledge their soul to their every need. In addition to these things, a fondness of activities such as attending the joust, dances and various celebrations and definitely someone of equal or better aptitude, as oft my discussions do lead in complicated directions at times.
In our Hierarchical Society everybody has somebody "over" them, Who is your immediate "overlord": My immediate report is to our good King Henry and my sister Queen Anne. They keep me busy enough with such activities of state that I find hard the time to accommodate much else these days.
Favorite Sport to watch: Most definitely it is the joust, as well, for this is a sport of great skill and much excitement comes to bear even from merely watching or even better, wagering on the best of the day or who will lose their mount first.
Do you remember your first kiss: I most certainly do, though that is naught of importance aside from betwixt I and she who wilt not be named. I shall say that though I was of ill experience at such matters then, she did well in teaching me what I aught know of such things. To that, those who have shared my lips romantically since aught pay her thanks for relieving me of my inexperience in such things.
Do you keep in touch with your childhood friends: Of course, for I am blessed to be in the company of two of my closest friends the Queen and my good sister Mary. Any of the remainder I have either lost touch with or they have fallen due to illness or other mishaps.
Where is your favorite "Vacation" spot: On the coast, Dover Castle (being a land which I oversee as the Constable and Warden of the Cinque ports) is a wonderful vacation place near the ocean. It is a good place to find relaxation and though harsh weather can be found from time to time here, the location is exquisite when the weather is not dastardly. If not here, I would choose Calais to vacation to, as much the same holds true of it.
Have you ever been overseas: Yes, I have oft spent time in France, some in my years of learning and also in my years in service to their majesties as a diplomat. I have been to Italy on some matters of state as well, though not in any long term capacity.
Do you have Dirt/Mud floors or Stone: Stone. All of my residences throughout England have stone floors on the first, and wood on the second. My wife would have it naught any other way. It is of course to be expected that the palace where we reside at court has this as well.
What is your bed made of: The finest of goose down and soft, closely woven fabric from about the world, that which comforts and relaxes you as you lay into it, assisting you toward your dreams that you may acquire the best rest in order to be refreshed for a new day on the morrow.
How many people sleep in your bed: My wife Lady Jane and myself, when I am home from travels.
What is your religion: I am of the Church of England lead by our great King Henry. Tis of great joy with which I can claim this as I do hold some distain for the way in which the catholic faith seems to exploit it’s people and abuse it’s power over them. I believe this is a step in the right direction. I do believe, and hope, at some point the protestant faith shall also be encompassed under this church as I do feel that Martin Luther has a good mind and very good intent.
10 Things Everybody Should Know About Me:
1. My wife and I are, well, we are married through the arrangement of my father. It is as it is… I do suppose it could have been much worse.
2. I am the best jouster in England and play a fair game of tennis as well, though I do enjoy it when his majesty can best me as it provides for good conversation and amusement on the eve during the feast that follows.
3. I was at the wedding of Henry Percy to my sister Anne, though such matters of discussion are not to be known by anyone and it is treason to even speak of such things!
4. Although our relationship is not the warmest from my side, my wife and I doth not have much strife betwixt us and although I feel her goals are that of power and money alone, we are not at odds with one another either and proceed happily in public as is expected.
5. The three of us (Boleyns) are quite close and we love one another dearly as we are of course siblings; but Anne and I are closer as many of our experiences in life have shared a closer path. Our joys for court, fine wines and in general the finer things in life are priorities for the both of us. And our understanding of politics and that of life in general is definitely as though our minds were one.
6. Though it is of course expected to happen whence around such a group of people as those so closely associated as court, I am not particularly fond of gossip, though I do listen keenly at such things for sometimes idle gossip is not merely gossip at all.
7. I am oft level headed and can keep matters private as needed, even in adverse situations which may be why I am trusted in such ways that I am.
8. I am but briefly aware of Lysanders’ plight to Mary (Hermia) Shelton and how dearly and acutely it pains him to have such a matter at hand as that of his aching heart for her love. Although I do respect Lord Percy for his station and that of being a fine gentleman; I do hope, for loves’ sake, that Lysander is able to overcome such obstacles to his love.
9. In addition to my many duties, I am Henry’s favorite organizer of events and festivities that might entertain him through the day. I find that we have similar taste in events and so it is not so hard to obtain entertainment that suits their majesties.
10. Although it is known that I have contact with the Maestro in order to conduct such business as planning entertainments for their majesties. Be it what it may, our relationship also includes the ability for discussion and action on other matters that I personally may not be able to handle… might we say matters both unfit and potentially life threatening even for someone of my stature to engage in. Even so, I have the position, influence, and some power of my own accord to make those things that need happen, happen; quietly and accidentally if the need should present itself. We seem to be missing a few familiar faces on court these days…
11. I am quite unfond of Sir Stafford to say the least. Though I may publicly not show this outright, for making a scene over such a matter would be impolite and disrespectful of my sister, and she has had enough embarrassment that I shant ever want cause of more for her especially by my accord. Allow me to explain a moment of this matter. I am happy that my dear sister Mary has found love and that she is happy in that love. For this one thing, and it alone I am tolerant of Sir Stafford. Aside from this, I, as my family does, find him unfit for such a high station as he has obtained through marriage to my sister. He is not of nobility; my sister may have married much better for her children’s sake. To compound this matter, above all else, I despise the fact that his intent is to demolish our bonds and family by taking her from not only court but away from her family, my dear sister and myself. This breaks my heart and enflames the blood within my veins that he would be the cause of such a thing.