Born into nobility, well-educated, member of a king's Privy Council, possessing the refined skills of a diplomat and an interest in discussing theology, George Boleyn is unfortunately remembered for being accused, convicted, and beheaded for incest with his sister, Queen Anne Boleyn of England. Historians universally agree that both Boleyns were framed in order for King Henry VIII, Anne's husband, to rid himself of the woman for whom he broke with the Roman Catholic Church, and so that he could marry her replacement, Jane Seymour. While the Boleyn and Howard families (George's mother was a Howard) were renowned for their ambition and love of power and money, George's life did not start out with such drama.

His father, Thomas Boleyn, was minor nobility, and George and his two sisters grew up in the country and in far more modest circumstances than the royal court. When he was still a child, he may have been sent along with his sisters, Anne and Mary -- as were other noble youngsters -- to France, to serve at the French court and learn French manners, language, and other refinements. As the only Boleyn son, he was expected to live at court, and become involved in politics and diplomacy. The only way one could achieve titles and the kind of money that ensured a luxurious life was to play the court game. George was raised aware that he must discover a way to gain the king's notice, and then move up the social and political ladder at court. He participated in various court theatrical performances, which drew the attention of the king. George was asked to serve as a pageboy at court. Since he lived at court from childhood, he benefitted not only from his French education, but also received an excellent education in rhetoric, Latin, Greek, and Italian. He spoke fluent French, according to his contemporaries. Tradition holds that he studied at the University of Oxford, but no records have proven this.

However, during that period of English history, it was not uncommon for aristocrats to sit in courses without actually matriculating or seeking a degree. Regardless, he had a stellar career at court, with nothing whatsoever to predict what was to come. He married Jane Parker in 1525, and ever since historians have speculated as to the happiness of the marriage. They had no children. That fact and other possibly misinterpreted remarks made by George or those who knew him suggest he may have been homosexual. However, he was certainly regarded as a womaniser, so the speculation of homosexuality is a stretch. At any rate, during the sixteenth century, the modern concept of homosexuality did not exist, and the definition of sexuality was much more fluid than it is today.

One quality on which some of George's contemporaries agree is George's apparent arrogance. However, scholars today have discovered nothing to support the accusation. He was outspoken, particularly regarding religious matters, and no doubt he was proud of his family, accomplishments, and position at court, but those hardly equate to arrogance. The king clearly was fond of him, even before his sister Anne became the object of Henry's interest. Henry gave him a country manor home as an early wedding present, and he is often mentioned in the Privy Purse records as playing tennis, card games, archery, and bowls with the King. He was appointed a gentleman of teh Privy Chamber, then later as Royal Cupbearer. Still later he was appointed Esquire to the Body and Master of the King's Buckhounds, as well as keeper of the Palace of Beaulieu and chief steward of the same. Additionally, he was appointed to the highly profitable position of Governor of Bethlehem Hospital (Bedlam).

After his sister's rise to power he was created George, Viscount of Rochford and was sent to France as an ambassador. This was a position many felt he had not earned, and many considered it was his sister's position that gained him such a choice diplomatic post. However, George quickly proved that despite his youth and connections, he was a skilled diplomat. His efforts continued to impress the king, and more honors and appointments came his way. Thus, it was a tremendous shock when such a highly respected and appreciated servant to the king was charged with incest with his sister, the queen. There are many complex intrigues swirling around the court during this time. The French, the Spanish, and Papal overt and covert diplomats, as well as English supporters of Catholicism and Queen Catherine of Aragon, and enemies of both Henry and the Boleyn family all were conspiring against the queen, whom they often referred to as a "whore." Additionally, by this time Anne and Henry were practically at each other's throats; he, angry that she had not produced a son after he had given up so much to marry her, and she, frustrated and suspicious that Henry was sleeping with other women.

She was correct in her suspicions; Henry had become involved with Anne's lady-in-waiting, Jane Seymour. Considering the tattered state of their marriage, the lack of a male heir, and Henry's desire to rid himself of the woman who had led to his break with the Church, it is not unreasonable to suppose that Henry cooperated with those who plotted against the Boleyns. George and several other men were arrested for committing adultery with the queen. They were convicted on no evidence and sentenced to death. While the others were hung, drawn, and quartered, George's sentence was reduced to a mere beheading, since he was a nobleman. He was said to die with dignity and courage, and that his scaffold speech was very long, showcasing his considerable skills in language and articulation. However, such oratory likely impressed few of the gathered crowd, who were there for the blood and gore. Eventually, George completed his speech and he was executed. His sister, Queen Anne, was beheaded two days later. Both were buried in the Tower Chapel.