Conclusion

Abstract

Astudy of these six women reveals patterns of slander and libel that connect their lives together in compelling and obvious ways. In most modern works referring to them, they stand charged with behavior their contemporaries, both lay and clerical, routinely defined as wicked. Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard lost their lives for allegedly committing adultery, and as the spouses of powerful noblemen, Lady Somerset and Lady Leicester have suffered hostile criticisms, the former for haughtiness and shrewishness, the latter for sexual improprieties. Even the two gentlewomen, Jane More and Alice More, who never lived high-profile lives at court, have gained reputations for disobeying and nagging their husband.