3. She Was Friends With Henry VIII's Sister

In 1513, Anne took up a position as maid of honor to Queen Mary of France. This was crucial for one simple reason. Queen Mary was none other than Henry VIII's sister, and Anne was moving closer and closer to his inner circle. With Mary's help, Anne stayed in France for nearly seven years, soaking in its cosmopolitan culture and turning herself into a refined young woman.

When she emerged and returned to England, courtiers couldn't believe their eyes.

4. She Had A Je Ne Sais Quois

French culture at the time was so liberal it was almost scandalous, and Anne Boleyn had certainly taken notes. The English were agog at how exotic and seductive the young woman had become, praising the way she moved right down to the way she dressed. In particular, Anne favored the sleeker "French hood" as a head covering instead of the more matronly English "gable" hoods. But that was far from all.