How Historically Accurate Is Wolf Hall?

Wolf Hall From Page To Screen

The second season of BBC’s Wolf Hall (2015), based on Hilary Mantel’s novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, has been airing over the last few weeks. Set during the reign of Henry VIII, the series focuses on the rise of Thomas Cromwell, a commoner who becomes the king’s chief minister. It delves into the complex political maneuvers surrounding Henry’s desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon and his subsequent marriage to Anne Boleyn.

While Wolf Hall is undoubtedly entertaining and provides a fascinating glimpse into an important period of British history, it raises the perennial question posed to period dramas: how historically accurate is it?

Fact Or Fiction?

Questions about the show’s accuracy have even made headlines. For instance, a tabloid newspaper recently reported that an eagle-eyed viewer spotted historically inauthentic rubber tyres on a carriage arriving at Hampton Court in an episode of Wolf Hall. Since rubber tyres weren’t invented until roughly 200 years later, this was a clear anachronism. However, is this just an isolated incident, or does the series have other serious historical inaccuracies? It’s important to remember that Wolf Hall is a fictionalised historical drama, not a strict documentary reconstruction. Small inaccuracies, especially in props or dialogue, are sometimes inevitable in this genre.

Broad Historical Context

From an overall perspective, the show does an impressive job of capturing the broad strokes of Tudor politics. It portrays the court’s factionalism, the pivotal role of religion, and the precariousness of courtly life. Major events such as the fall of Cardinal Wolsey and the execution of Anne Boleyn align closely with historical accounts.

Characters And Portrayals

Thomas Cromwell (Mark Rylance): Rylance’s portrayal of Cromwell as a pragmatic, resourceful, and deeply private individual resonates with historical accounts. Historians describe Cromwell as a highly intelligent and ruthless operator, which the show reflects. However, Mantel’s interpretation, emphasizing Cromwell’s human side, makes him more sympathetic than some traditional portrayals.

Henry VIII (Damian Lewis): Lewis’s portrayal of Henry as charismatic, petulant, and increasingly paranoid is consistent with historical descriptions. The show reportedly tones down some of the king’s more erratic or violent tendencies, but the essence of his character remains intact.

Anne Boleyn (Claire Foy): Claire Foy’s Anne is ambitious, intelligent, and manipulative, but also vulnerable, an interpretation that aligns with many historians’ views. Her character’s complexity adds depth to the drama while staying grounded in historical plausibility.

The Execution Of Anne Boleyn

One of the most significant and scrutinized moments in the second season is Anne Boleyn’s execution. The graphic depiction of the scene is broadly accurate, including the use of a skilled French swordsman as her executioner. However, some critics have questioned the portrayal of Anne’s final moments, particularly her last words. Historical accounts suggest that Anne delivered a composed and extended speech, but in the show, her words are reduced to a few muttered prayers. While dramatic license may explain this choice, it subtly shifts the tone of her execution.

The BBC’s Wolf Hall strikes a fine balance between historical accuracy and dramatic storytelling. While small anachronisms like rubber tyres and certain artistic liberties with dialogue or character interpretations exist, these appear to be minor flaws in an otherwise faithful depiction of Tudor England.

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